2. amps-preamps
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Simaudio W-5 or Odyssey for Dynaudio Contour S3.4

Hello, I've recently upgraded from Dynaudio Focus 160 monitors to Contour S3.4s. My listening space moved to a much larger room in the house so I'm in the process of systematically upgrading my system. I'm trying to stick to a budget so I'm looking at used equipment to get the most 'bang for the buck'. My amp budget is $1500 - $2k max. I've been searching the forums looking at past posts for amps that pair well with Dynaudio and the Contour line. Some are out of my price range (Plinius, Krell) but I've come across few options within budget and I'm looking for a little guidance from those who may have experience with Simaudio Moon W-5 or Odyssey Stratos - either stereo or dual mono amp. 

I listen to Jazz, female vocals, Classic Rock and more contemporary rock, some EDM/Electronic. I like broad deep sound stage, lush mids and vocals. Controlled bass is appreciated but I don't need the ultimate in "slam". I'm currently running a Yamaha MX-1000 with Nakamich CA-5 Preamp. The Yamaha has power, grip, brute force but it lacks musicality. I have a backup Luxman r-117 receiver which I've tried as well. It has a broader sound stage and more musical presentation to my ears but lacks the power of the Yamaha. I'd like to get the best of both if possible.   

The remainder of the systems consists of Rega Apollo CD, Rega P3 (Ortofon blue), and Nakamichi CA-5 preamp. *the preamp is most likely the next component I look to upgrade.

Thanks in advance for any guidance you all can provide.   
roohark
hukkfinn
28 posts
 
Based on my listening tests and my ownership of Odyssey monoblocks for over 10 years, I strongly recommend that you avoid Simaudio and buy as much Odyssey as you can afford.  I think the real "sweet spot" in the Odyssey line is a Kismet amplifier, clothed in the less expensive Stratos chassis (or case or whatever you want to call it).  The Stratos case looks fine and stays out of the way, while the Kismet amplifier is just... beautiful.  However even if you get a Stratos Extreme amplifier, you will be extremely happy (that is what I listened to for the first 6 years of my ownership).

Good luck.
gochurchgo
920 posts
 
I’ll second the Odyssey suggestion. 

Worth the wait
roohark OP
2 posts
 
Wow, looks like Odyssey wins in a landslide! Thanks for all the informed replies. I pulled the trigger on a used Stratos Dual Mono as my starting point in Odyssey ownership. Once I've had some time with it, I'll reach out to Klaus regarding potential upgrades and biasing for my Contours. I was not aware that an amp could be biased for a particular speaker. Having said that, I did read a post elsewhere in which Klaus mentioned biasing the amp based on the electrical current coming out of the wall socket. That's pretty neat. 
   
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