Odyssey Monoblocks vs Parasound A21

[JasonE]

Hi everybody, this is Jason (long time reader, first time post). I am going to purchase a new theater home theater system and stereo. I was looking at the monoblocks or the parasound to power the axiom 80-500 system. I have heard great things about both. The monoblocks are about $300 more, they have about the same power, will the monoblocks provide a cleaner sound???

 

[Haoleb]

are you talking about Stratos mono's or Khartago mono's

Im guessing Stratos since the Khartago mono's are about 1700 and the A21 lists at 2k?

Personally I would go with the Odyssey, I have ordered a pair of Khartago Mono's myself. Havent got them yet but if you read every review there is the reputation of Stratos/Khartago and Odyssey as a whole speaks for itself. Give Klaus a call. The thing about Odyssey is that Klaus doesnt charge ridiculous prices for his wares, so their percieved value is probbably lower than what you would expect. People think affordable=budget componets. The Stratos and Khartago are based on the german Symphonic Line RG11 amps (about $3,500 each)

I compared the parasound A23 to the odyssey, the A23 hasnt been around as long and while it recieved a runner up in amplfier of the year from TAS (IIRC) The reviews i read elsewhere werent all that glowing. I think once you get an idea of what oddysey is and who stands behind it you'll have made your decision

 

[JasonE]

Thanks for the reply back... I was talking about Khartago mono's, I have heard everybody raving about the Odyssey mono's and was curious on people's views...

 

[mmiles]

Parasound HALO amps are tough to beat.

The JC1's have been a "Class A" Stereophile chose for 3 years running.

Ask your dealer about "B" stock. Not new but sometimes not really used much either!


Mike

 

[JasonE]

Odyssey vs Parasound

I can get the Parasound Halo A21 for about $100 more than the Odyssey Khartgo mono blocks. Has anybody heard both of these amps/blocks? Which one would you guys pick???? From the reviews they both sounds like they would compliment a mid system nicely... Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Parasound HALO amps are tough to beat.
The JC1's have been a "Class A" Stereophile chose for 3 years running.
Mike

What does it take to make that list? Extra ad revenue?

 

[JasonE]

2 cents

I am asking for advice, on buying a clean system for around 5K -- so why are you asking about ad revenue? Instead of making a post like that, why wouldn't you offer advice make a few suggestions to somebody that is new to the hobby???? Seeing as how you are an audioholics couch potato you probably have some type of input that I would like to hear. late

 

[JasonE]

I was also looking at the Bryston 4B SST. Any thoughts on that amp?

 

[Haoleb]

They are all fine amps that I'm sure will offer up their own strengths and weaknesses compared to one another. It just depends on what your needs and wants are.

Obviously nobody here has heard all these amps or else they would have chimed in by now, But When I make buying decisions its based mostly on reviews on the web. I do not have acess to high end stores to demo equipment. The parasound is simply just lacking any real reviews, compared to the Bryston or the Odyssey.

They are both very good amps, And I wouldnt mind owning either one. If it came down to flipping a coin and sticking with the outcome to decide between them I would be ok with that. Just comes down to how much you want to spend. Nobody here can tell you what to buy, Most people mainly reccomend products that they want/own/or have seen/heard in a store before and been impressed by. Im no different either, I will be the owner of Khartago mono's in a week, and I have always liked Bryston gear. If your considering the 4B SST, then you could also consider the Stratos Extreme Mono's for the same price. In that case I would go with the Stratos extreme's over the bryston anyday.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I am asking for advice, on buying a clean system for around 5K -- so why are you asking about ad revenue? Instead of making a post like that, why wouldn't you offer advice make a few suggestions to somebody that is new to the hobby???? Seeing as how you are an audioholics couch potato you probably have some type of input that I would like to hear. late

It is like this, Jason. He was invoking a Stereopile recommednation of dubious quality and value. Would you have known about that if my question was not asked? Probably not. This would have given you some insight but perhaps he will not respond. You see, my question would have helped you out.

Amps are over hyped, placed on pedestals that they should not be placed on.
Your main Axiom speakers are 4 ohm impedance but rather sensitive so it would not need a lot of power to drive them to max capacity that you can still listen to without going deaf.

So, for those speakers, you need an amp that is speced to 4 ohms and around 100 watts with features you need. Brand names are not an indication of much as modern amps are transparent withing their design limits, period.
The Behringer A500 is rated to drive 4 ohm speakers, not bridged, with about 160 watts and you gotta love the price: $180 each for 2 ch. until the end of Oct, then it will be $200. As you can see, name recognition and price is not an indicator of anything.

In the end, you still have useful info to make choices.

 

[JasonE]

Thanks

Thanks guys for your posts. I will look into those amps.