2. amps-preamps
  3. 1017881909

What Would You Do?

What would YOU do? I'm not satisfied with my current system but I'm ready to jump off this bandwagon with something I like. Right now I have a McIntosh MA6500 (not the glorified MA6900) integrated amp, Tannoy D500 speakers, old Tandberg tuner and an Arcam CD92 cdp. Something doesn't work and I'm pretty sure it's the Arcam cdp because I briefly ran it through a splendid CI Audio DAC and it was much improved (I just sold this because I love simplicity, but I did love it). I bought the McIntosh for biased reasosn (I loved them as a kid so when it came time to get a real system I went Mc, even after auditioning many amps) as well as the Tandberg tuner (I could not afford a Tandberg receiver as a kid). This system plays in a large Craftsman style room with lots of beautiful original wood, but rugs and furniture help soak up the soundwaves.

My office system sounds better: Rega Brio with Rega Planet cdp and Soliloquy 5.0 speakers. I love the sound of the Rega cdps so I'm opting for a Jupiter cdp for my main system. I've heard them both and the Jupiter is that much better.

Here's my thinking: Monarchy SM70 Pro with an FTAudio passsive preamp (with the Jupiter). Why? Because I like supporting small entrepreneurs and both of these products have impressed me. I already ahve the FT Audio preamp thinking I would use it in a different set up. But this adds the complexity seperates

Or: Sim Audio Moon I-5. I love this integrated amp too (but the industrial design is another story) and it's a tad better than the...

Magnum Dynalab MD-208 receiver which sounds wonderful and has a great tuner (I DO listen to FM radio) (and the design is beautiful), but my god, I came all this way and got another receiver? Simplicity. This and a Jupiter would be simple and beautiful.

I love my Tannoys right now so those are staying. I could also, I suppose, upgrade to the McIntosh MA6900 with its sweet, warm sound.

I would like to keep this equipment for a while, but would probably like to leave room for upgrading in the future so I can have fun again the future.

By the way, I highly recommend Aimee Mann's Bachelor No. 2 which has provided background for this message.

What would YOU do? I appreciate the wise words of this community. Thanks.
smith2c1d7
gregm
3,396 posts
 
Smith likes the Tannoys, the Tandberg & his Mc, so let's see what our collective wisdom can come up with keeping (most/all) of these items. I, for one, would opt for a used cdp -- the likes of Audio Aero, Electro, the small Lurne... maybe even a Linn. Some of these cdp's can work linked directly to the amp -- but you have a passive anyway, so no problem there.
I'd then look into cabling, PC's, and speaker (re)placement. Then, I'd *consider* upgrading the Mc...
Good luck!
eldragon
707 posts
 
Bwhite, you wont believe it, but most of the posters on the a-gon haven't audition most of the 'gear' they recommend for someone else. I noticed that some unlike 'heroes' of the A-gon even make up the stories about 'gear' that have never heard, never mind own. Stehno went ahead and said up front, that he never heard Odyssey electronics, just read about it. That confession alone, makes him honest and credible Audiogon member. cheers!
jetter
2,961 posts
 
You know, there is an important point being made here. I would like to think that anyone who makes any buy/sell recommendations involving audio gear that can cost someone else many $'s should always, without exception, mention that they have not heard such gear if that is the case. I have read 100's of posts over the last year because audio gear interests me for whatever crazy reason, and except in a few cases would not have realized what Eldragon stated above about people giving opinions on equipment they have not heard.
bwhite
807 posts
 
Eldragon - perhaps I have been naive. I have always believed that the majority of posters on audiogon actually did own/audition the components they speak of. I mean, what do they have to gain through these recommendations?
Maybe you're right...

Stehno has always been a stand-up guy who offers very good advice - I've read numerous posts by him and always felt he was giving people valuable insight. After reading several of his posts, I investigated Odyssey's products and they do in fact seem like a "value" product.

Of course it's a matter of personal preference but I disagree completely with the "Dump the Mac" comment. It is obvious by Smith2's post that he enjoys the "sweet,warm sound" since it is stated more than once about McIntosh.

Anyhow... McIntosh makes very good amplifiers - in fact I believe its the old MC3500 which is considered by many to be one of the all time greatest amplifiers - ever! But.. Hey!!! I've never heard it!! :)
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Bwhite, thanks for the kind words.

The main reasons why I do and will continue to suggest the Odyssey Stratos include:

1. Upon research(without hearing them), I came this close ---> <--- to buying the monoblock pair last Spring and even placed the order with Odyssey and then cancelled.

2. International Audio Review reviewed this amp and about 20 others and rated this amp in second place. Over ML 33H and Krell FPB 300 and a slew of others. TAS and others have also had rave reviews. Not that I put tremendous stock in reviews.

3. Stratos owners claim the same wonderful things about these amps. Therefore, possibly substantiating some to many of the reviewers claims. Not one negative comment about these amps have I found yet. I know two people who own them and they too have said excellent things about the Stratos.

4. According to the reviews and owner comments they are powerful and fast.

5. They are only $995 each. And most people who ask for amp opinions are on a tight budget. Based on what I think I know, I'd recommend these for most anybody's budget.

6. They come with a 20 year mfg'ers warranty.

7. They come with a 30 day money back satisfaction guaranteed.

8. In my biased research and from what little I've discovered about the Stratos, there appears to be few amps that can match the sonic performance of the Stratos or the 20 year warranty at any price. Some reviewers have made this same claim.

9. They look good. (I have seen pictures).

10. They can only be purchased online or calling Odyssey directly. Therefore, it would be hard to hear them in person.

11. America has become an opinion-based society and this is an opinion based (open) forum. Therefore, I believe I am as entitled to be as wrong as many of you.

I've also never driven a Porsche 911 but from all that I've heard and read, I could whole-heartedly recommend one if somebody had $200k budget and asked my opinion on which sports car I'd purchase.

I've also never ran smack-dab into an 18 wheeler, but I could whole-heartedly recommend that some of you not do so and nobody would find fault with my opinion.

And the risk of purchasing the Stratos is small. If, per chance, one did not like the Stratos for some reason, it's not like they sold the farm to buy it. Any risk should be minimal. If, however, TAS's golden ear award is deserved, then it could be the bargain of the year!!

Hope this helps.

As for the Mac, I've listened to several of their amps and one integrated (not analytically) and whatever systems they were in I simply was not impressed. Then I started reading a few reviewers comments about the Mac line.

Just like any piece of equipment, the Mac isn't for everybody. The Macs are very good looking, however.

-IMBO
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