Thanks @stereo5
not sure if I want to go
floor standers but when googling the
Tritons Keep coming up given the music I listen to.
not sure if I want to go
floor standers but when googling the
Tritons Keep coming up given the music I listen to.
Odyssey "Khartago" Stereo Extreme" amp compared to Schitt's "Vidar" amp
I am downgrading my amp to a smaller size and considering either Odyssey Khartago Stereo Extreme or the Schitt Audio "Vidar" Therefore, I need some feedback about which amp might sound better and more compatible with a Conrad Johnson PV-14L SE pre-amp. Also, which one would be more compatible with a variety of speakers
My current speakers are Golden Ear Technology model 7's which might possibly be replaced by Magneplanar .7 speakers, or something better than the GET 7's.
Thank you,
S.J.
71 responses Add your response
@gochurchgo...…………... I ran the Odyssey amp with the following GE Triton speakers: I used the Triton Two’s, Triton Ones, and Triton References. The sound was always GE house sound with various subtlety’s. The amp sounded great on all 3 speakers, nothing cold, sterile, bland, or bright about it. I was very happy with all 3 incarnations and to be honest , if my wife hadn’t bugged me about the growing pile of unsold equipment in my office that I was supposed to sell to recoup some money, I would have kept it. It was/is that good. The power was effortless, bass deep and impactful, midrange was ever so slightly on the warm side and treble was clean and clear but never, ever bright. |
To mtbrider: Thanks for the heads up; I did see the listing on TMR. I just need to check out the authenticity of the model from the serial number and possibly talk to Klaus about the difference between standard Khartago and the Extreme version. yogiboy, Thanks for the recommendation and the link. I will check it out S.J. |
Another amp to consider is this Van Alstine Vision Set-120. It is a mos-fet and would be a good match with your CJ preamp. https://avahifi.com/collections/solid-state-power-amplifiers/products/vision-set-120-power-amplifier |
Thank you to all who have responded. One of the reason I was considering the Khartago or Schmit Vidar is size. I posted another thread a month ago about replacing my current BAT VK-200 with a smaller and lighter amp. The BAT at 70lbs is heavy and awkward to move in a component rack either to clean or make adjustments.to the speaker connections. The Khartago weighs about 33 lbs. Its width and depth about the same as the BAT. However, the Vidar weighs approx.13 lbs and is more compact in size This may seem like a downsizing of sound quality going from the BAT to the above amps, but I really like to reduce the sprawl of the system to be more accessible and streamlined. Don't get me wrong, the BAT and the CJ pre-amp work well together. The advice by Soix to wait until you decide on speakers is good and practical, but I have not found a "upgraded" replacement for the GET 7's The other alternative is to go with a integrated amp, like a Conrad Johnson CA-150 or the more powerful CA-200 (the SE versions are $2000 more). Though, both models have received excellent reviews. |
Doesn’t Odyssey recommend a really long break in time on their amps? I’m going by memory here, I thought I’d read that somewhere. The manual states 6+ weeks with the amp remaining on the entire time for full break-in. It describes 4 distinct phases which the amp will go through. Owners report good synergy with Maggies. I have the Cyclops version of the Khartago (with extreme boards and upgraded ps) and ran it with MMG's for several years. Yes, there is a very nice synergy. Odyssey amps are higher current amps which, as well-reported, Maggies like and/or need. While the amp was powerful enough for my normal listening levels there were times I wished for a tad more. Adding a powered sub did alleviate much of that issue for me, fortunately. The sound quality of the Khartago is outstanding but if I were to do it again, I would opt for the more powerful Stratos to pair with Maggies. Sorry @sunnyjim, I have no experience with the Vidar. Best of luck. |
Doesn’t Odyssey recommend a really long break in time on their amps? I’m going by memory here, I thought I’d read that somewhere. Ive got the Vidar and have become really impressed with it. It’s clearly superior to the Adcom amp it replaced as well as the Nad C375BEE’s amp section. Open, detailed and effortless come to mind in describing its characteristics. Owners report good synergy with Maggies. For a 100 wpc amp it really has grunt. |
Has anyone mentioned; Klaus offers a no-questions-asked, no-restocking-fee, 30 day, money-back, satisfaction guarantee?
http://www.odysseyaudio.com/sales-usa.html Hard to go wrong! |
I was running GE Triton Ones with an Odyssey Stereo Extreme amp which was rated at 150 a channel compared to the 130 per channel of the Khartago. The Odyssey amps are the better buy and you get a 20 year transferrable warranty to boot. I sold my Odyssey amp when I moved on to McIntosh, but I am VERY sorry I did so. The Odyssey did a lot of great things right. Get the Odyssey, you will love it. |
Wow, that is quite a different comparison, with the Khartago being at least 2x the cost of the Vidar. That being said, I have personally heard a Khartago and they are very nice amps. Very high resolution and sound excellent. With your choice, I would definitely choose the Khartago. The Vidar is basically half the size of the Khartago and the Vidar doesn't even have as much power supply capacitance as the base version of the Khartago. I've heard the Schiit devices and I would be concerned that they would sound a little too "solid state". |