Odyssey Stratos or Krell 400Xi for Usher 6381's

I'll chime in with a third recommendation for the Stratos Dual Mono. I'm actually the one who purchased the one recently sold and have had it in my system for a week now. Sorry, but I can't compare it directly with the Krell. It does take an authorative grip on my 89db monitors and is fast and detailed, slightly on the warm side with my tube preamp. I'd say a tremendous bargain at the price, even new. The only Krell's I've heard had a more squeeky clean SS sound with gobs of detail and drive (this from memory of a bi-amped Krell system that left a lasting impression). I think that particular system used Krell amps that are well beyond the price of a Stratos DM or Mono Extreme. Have not heard the 400Xi, and my memories are from long ago, so take from it what you may. Unlike Undertow's experience I would say the Dual Mono runs on the warmish side when serving up the tunes. Not class-A hot, but unmistakably warm. For what it's worth you can find more user feedback on the Dual Mono version here.

Marco

Just want to point out, though you may already know; the Stratos is a power amp that requires a preamp or an input with some kind of variable attenuation (passive or active). I say this because the Krell you were considering is an integrated amp which obviously has the pre stage built in (or at least passive attenuation). Also, it sounds like the Stratos you are considering is the 100wpc stereo version, while the one I and others have recommended are the 180wpc versions. I have no experience with the standard version so have no idea whether it fits your criteria. The Dual Mono version should have no problem pushing challenging loads I suspect. I would get some input on the version you are considering.

Marco

Marco