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Odyssey Stratos monoblocks with Elac Adante AS-61

I'm currently using Elac Adante AS-61 speakers with Emotiva XPA-200 (power) and USP-1 (pre).
I really like the sound of Elac speakers but I think they will make better sound if I upgrade the amps.
So, I started to search for affordable monoblock power amps and found Odyssey Stratos mono.
http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products-stratos-mono.html
I've found so many articles about how good they are, so I'm pretty sure that they will be a good match for the Elac speakers, but I wanted to ask first what others think before purchasing the amps.

Do you think replacing the current power amps with the Odyssey monoblocks will make huge difference?
If I choose to purchase a tube preamp in the future, what would you recommend? ($1500 or below, new or used)

Thanks in advance.
henryjudy

Showing 3 responses by jackd

jackd
1,078 posts
 
Over the last twenty years I have owned five different Odyssey amps and still own a Kismet.  Never had a minutes trouble with any of them nor have I had a problem reaching Klaus by phone which he has made clear that he prefers.  I have never found them to be a bad match for any speaker I have paired them with.  Plus it's hard to beat a transferable 20 year warranty.
jackd
1,078 posts
 
During the vast majority of my time with Odyssey amps they have driven 2CE Sigs, 3A Sigs and for a while Treo's.  At one point when Klaus sold through dealers Johnny R was a dealer. I bought my first Stratos from a dealer when Klaus went direct sales as it was his store sample.  Odyssey and Belles were always my favorite Vandersteen amps. 
jackd
1,078 posts
 
Another thing to consider that is in favor of the Stratos Mono's is the known poor sensitivity of all Andrew Jones designs from TAD to Pioneer to Elac.  They always tested out as being quite a bit less efficient than the specs claim.  In this case the 61's are specked at 85 db but if tested would probably be closer to 82 or less.  The  Audio Alchemy uses the lower level Hypex UCD modules from several years ago which would in no way keep up with the current delivery available from the Stratos Mono's on a speaker that is demanding. 
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