I’d first focus on what sonic improvements you’d like to achieve and start with that before worrying about amp configuration. If you share that you’ll get much better thoughts/recommendations here. Just my $0.02 FWIW.
Odyssey Audio Kismet Mono Blocks
So, I've been eyeballing some local used Kismet monos. Currently using my Hegel H360 integrated (usually) to power Maggie LRS (also in rotation Snell type D and VA Bach Grands). Sounds pretty good to my ears, but I've always been wanting to try monoblocks. I figure Odyssey might be a good place to start as any. I like what Klaus is doing. Seems like great bang for the buck. His room was one of my favs at Axpona also.
Anybody happen to have any experience comparing Odyssey to Hegel? Or just impressions of Kismet monos in general? How about using monos on Maggies? I'd love to just buy 'em and do a shootout but that won't be happening.
Thanks
Showing 2 responses by soix
Got it, and thanks for adding more meat to the bone here — very helpful. I had two amps in my system that were outstanding in terms of imaging, image separation, and the ability to throw a large and transparent 3D soundstage. One was the Rogue Medusa that I don’t think is available in mono configuration, and the other was the Liberty Audio B2B-100 that most definitely is, and is much preferred by its maker, in monoblock form. I reviewed the stereo version several years back and it was so good it’s still stuck in my memory, which is why I’m bringing it up here. If you’re not familiar, Liberty Audio is the direct sales site for products designed by Peter Noerbaeck (of PBN fame) whose outstanding and formidable Olympia amps along with having designed the vaunted Sierra Denali amp attest to his amp design chops. Anyway, after my review of the B2B stereo amp Peter really wanted to send me the amp in mono form as he was adamant the amp scaled up significantly on many levels in this configuration, but although I was more than willing the powers that be at Soundstage! wouldn’t go for it. If Peter is right, and I’m sure he is as the amp was designed from the get go to be a mono amp, this amp in monoblock form should be something really special. Here’s the review FWIW, and if anything piques your interest I’d highly recommend giving Peter a call as he’s truly one of the truly good guys in audio much like Mark O’Brian at Rogue who I was also fortunate enough to converse with while reviewing the Medusa. Perhaps Peter might even be willing to work out a demo because I know he’s very proud and enthusiastic about this amp, and if so I highly recommend you take advantage of it if they’re in your budget. Here’s another review in Positive Feedack just FYI… https://positive-feedback.com/Issue70/liberty_audio.htm That said, I’m sure the Kismets are no slouches either, and if you’re getting a good deal on them used I could see them being hard to pass up. But, always good to have choices so just thought I’d throw another option your way. Best of luck, and if you could please keep us posted on what direction you ultimately go along with your thoughts and impressions it’d be much appreciated. |