you could look into another Pass Labs class A amp - the Aleph 2 monoblocks. |
|
Choices, choices, choices! Right now I've got it narrowed down to Odyssey Stratos, Pass X150.5, Modwright KWA-100/150, or Parasound Halo A21. |
The XA-30.5 is awesome for the money. No competition! |
The Pass XA30.5 will cost about $3500 used, and $15/mo in electricity, if left on 24/7.
IMO a much superior amp, to any other choice, for $3500 used, after owning one. |
You can't bear Class A, same advice my power company gave me. |
|
Sorry, my amp is a 450, there is no 550, my minds going. in any event its doing a great job right now letting me hear all all the lines and instruments in Brahms 3rd, something neither my Odyssety Khartago or Stratos could, sweet as they were. |
I would go for a XA30.5. Even for a 30watt class A it is a lot better than the 150.5. Musical fidelity is an almost 2 dimensional sound. I did shows for MF in the past and I owned the best stuff they have. Pass labs is superior in 3d imaging compared to MF. I had the 150.5 for some time to test. I was not convinced. XA30.5 is so much better. And control is quite good. 150.5 does not have more control. As you would expect!! |
Why, a pair of DIY Hypex NCore NC400 monoblocks of course. |
schubert: which Odyssey amp did you have? Also is the synergy 550 discontinued, I couldn't find it on the site? |
big dif with snergy was hearing every line of each instrument in symphony or stingquartet which is most of what i listen to most, much more solid and tuneful base as well. |
I would look for a Classe amp in mint condition. Many consider the older models(CA-100/150/200/300/400)better sounding and having better build quality. You should be able to find a mint version of 1 of these models under $2K. |
My switch from a Odyssey to a AVA Synergy 550 was a big step up. |
Pass Labs at that price is a damn good value. |
Musical Fidelity A308cr. 250 wpc dual mono |
I'm looking for an amp that has a bit more power and presents a wider soundstage. I do love the overall color/tone of the Odyssey I have, so maybe going to monos or a Stratos would be a viable option. Has anyone ever compared the two? |
What Soix said.
Also, why not stay with Odyssey and go mono or upgrade to the Stratos? |
Would be good to know what qualities the OP would like to improve upon over the Khartago. Would make for better recommendations. |
Can't go wrong with a used Pass X150.5 or Ayre V-5xe. Owned both and loved them. |
|
If you have a line on the Pass, that is the way to go. |
Rrog: honestly I don't know if McCormack is in the same league as Pass. Thats what I'm trying to find out |
Really, McCormack is in the same league as Pass now? |
|
Had the Khartego and several tube amps and went to Gilmore Raptor monoblocks. $2500 a pair. 250 watts into 8 ohms and 500w into 4 ohms. These are great amps
Alan |
