Which way to go - Levinson or Odyssey?


I am currently using a ML-9 amp and love it. However, I understan it is old and I worry about its longevity. Plus, it runs hot. I used to like to leave the system on for long periods of time which was not a problem with my old Rotel, but I am worried about the heat and longevity of the Levinson.

I understand that if I get the caps replaced by Harmon, it will cost $$$. Given that I have not purchased this amp yet, I have options.

I am considering the Odyssey Stratos instead. Used, it is in my budget (which I hope to get the Levinson for).

What are your thoughts on the old Levinson v. the new Odyssey?

Thanks,
Eric
eragot

Showing 1 response by mdhoover

FWIW:
No experience with Levinson. I have the very top of the line Odyssey Stratos Extreme Monos, which retail for around 2700 per pair. Wonderful amps, and Klaus Bunge is wonderful too. If you like leaving your amps on then Odyssey is a good choice. They are a class A/B (or something like that) design, which means that they run slightly warm, but not hot, and mine are in an enclosed cabinet, on all of the time, because Klaus recommends leaving them on all of the time. His have a 20 (TWENTY !!) year, TRANSFERABLE warranty, if you can believe such a thing, and from personal experience (as a SECOND OWNER, no less!) I KNOW that he honors that incredibly long--yet nevertheless transferable--warranty. I am convinced that despite all of the positive reviews these have gotten that they are still not given enough recognition for how great and high end they truly are. The Odyssey Stratos is NOT just a behemoth amp built like a tank that lasts forever, it has power (and current), finesse, quickness, smoothness, imaging, and detail. At least the Extremes do (those are the only ones I've owned). My highest unqualified recommendation.