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Looking for an amp....Opinions about Odyssey or Bel Canto audio anyone?

Hey people, 
I'm looking at purchasing a new amp, stereo or possibly monos, and I've read very good reviews regarding Bel Canto, but not much regarding Odyssey audio and their offerings. Anyone with experience with either? I realize I'm comparing vastly different amps, but I need more power than my current class d amp gives me--I think my speakers would really benefit from the higher power. Odyssey amps look nice, but you have to spend a good amount of money to get anything over 180 watts. 

 I'm open to suggestions, but I was looking at a used pair of Bel Canto REF 1000Ms or a new Odyssey. 
Thanks in advance.
Jerry
jonasandezekiel

Showing 9 responses by jonasandezekiel

jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
Markalarsen,
The new 600M is an ncore design, is it not? 
jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
Wow...I dare say nothing! 
Didn't know it was 20 years!
jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
French_fries,
Yes, everything I read about them is extremely positive, among the best of the class d family. I really like their high power as well. The ref1000m is 500 watts into 8ohms or 1000 into 4.
The only difference with that amp is that it's an icepower vs the newer ones being ncore.
jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
2psyop,
Why didn't you just return them? Especially if you were having such extreme problems, no?
jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
Schubert/jackd....So you found the Van Alstine better than the Odyssey? It looks unremarkable, but I will definitely investigate further. Thanks for the tip.
jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions, I had another question of I were to buy the bel canto amps...
As I said, I was looking at the REF 1000M monos--as they don't make them any more, I would be looking for a used pair. Are there any tips about buying used amps/electronics that would help? I've never bought any used electronics before, and I'm a little leery about it. You just don't know how they been used or abused...should I have it checked out after purchasing to make sure it's running at full capacity? Is that even an issue typically, or do they generally run at full capacity until they break completely?
Thanks!
jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
The SET 400 looks very nice, the only drawback is no balanced connections. 
jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
Jackd...
I'm driving Legacy Audio studio HDs. They can handle, and need some decent power to sound their best. Not mid-ranging enough for my taste, and I want more bass. I'm just not happy with my current amp-- no pun intended.
jonasandezekiel OP
161 posts
 
Very nice. Maybe even MORE power than I need! Five Gs for my front end though...ouch.
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