Hi Ake,
This is one of the few threads in which I actually have something useful to say. I have owned both the VK-200 and the Odyssey Stratos. The rest of the system included a Rogue 99 pre amp, Cary 303 CDP, and Dynaudio 1.3 Mk II (like the maggies, the dynos like power).
First, I would like to say that they are both fine amps, but I would give the nod to the BAT. When I went from the Stratos to the VK-200, I found the BAT more refined overall. The sound of the amp was warmer, the bass went deeper, and it was much less harsh in the upper frequencies (I noticed this most on poor recordings). The BAT sound was perfect for me since my system was in a large family room with large windows and hardwood floors (on the bright side).
For the record, I no longer have either amp. I have downsized my system and I am holding down the fort with a vintage Luxman receiver. If I was short on cash, I would buy the Stratos, but if I could swing it, I would easily buy the BAT over the Stratos. I think the performance is definitely worth the price difference. If you are patient, you can get a good price on a used VK-200.
This is one of the few threads in which I actually have something useful to say. I have owned both the VK-200 and the Odyssey Stratos. The rest of the system included a Rogue 99 pre amp, Cary 303 CDP, and Dynaudio 1.3 Mk II (like the maggies, the dynos like power).
First, I would like to say that they are both fine amps, but I would give the nod to the BAT. When I went from the Stratos to the VK-200, I found the BAT more refined overall. The sound of the amp was warmer, the bass went deeper, and it was much less harsh in the upper frequencies (I noticed this most on poor recordings). The BAT sound was perfect for me since my system was in a large family room with large windows and hardwood floors (on the bright side).
For the record, I no longer have either amp. I have downsized my system and I am holding down the fort with a vintage Luxman receiver. If I was short on cash, I would buy the Stratos, but if I could swing it, I would easily buy the BAT over the Stratos. I think the performance is definitely worth the price difference. If you are patient, you can get a good price on a used VK-200.