If you were going to spend roughly a thousand on Amplifiers...

VR3
VR3 Posts: 28,648
edited December 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
What would you choose...

I am a Monoblock snob and I know I can obtain a lower end set of Monoblocks from Odyssey for this price range... I guess for me Odyssey is "safe" I know I really really like the sound and I can not do wrong here. I do not enjoy the thrill of chasing gear anymore like I use to...

I have had a few Parasound amplifiers cross through here I liked, the A series seems promising...

Few BAT amplifiers but I have only heard Ted's and I am not a fan of Carver Amazings on any amplifier so thats a hard judge - they seem nice though...

Mcintosh is way out of my budget...

Any other ampllifiers out there that are an honorable mention?

I would prefer to stay away from Adcom, NAD, Rotel, Outlaw, Shanling, Emotiva, B&K, the usual suspects

I have heard things about Classe and a few others - but I guess I am looking for input from folks who have used Oydyssey and have found amplifiers they like better or similar...

Thanks in advance!
- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited November 2011
    But this guy says you will win most peter measuring contests. He is practicaly giving them away.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MC1-2kW-monoblock-amplifiers-brand-new-Fast-worldwide-shipping-/230688039155?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b61420f3
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited November 2011
    I have always wanted to try out a pair of monarchy sm 70 stereo amps and run them mono with the fully balanced mode for superior performance .Them little amps sell like hot cakes on the gon for around $750 a pair and they are very popular pieces for modding as you get a big return

    I dont know if this seller is selling two of the monarchy se 100's for $895 here but I would imagine he is and if so seems like a couple of monoblocks for the consideration list http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1325834185&/Monarchy-amp-se-100-mkii-excel
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,565
    edited November 2011
    Something from Bryston should be right up your sizzle at the top end alley. :lol:
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited November 2011
    I'm running a pair of Monarchy SE 100's. I dumped the Pass Labs X250 for these. that should maybe say something.

    Those 100 W @ 8 ohms are pretty amazing.

    I have the "Special edition" which has a bigger toroidal and doubles power at 4 ohms. The standard is only 160 W at 4 ohms. I am pretty sure I didn't need the SE....

    I would grab those on Audiogon....if they are still there. That is CHEAP!

    And no, they are not pure class A. Just up to 50 W.
    _________________________________________________
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2011
    jbooker82 wrote: »
    But this guy says you will win most peter measuring contests. He is practicaly giving them away.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MC1-2kW-monoblock-amplifiers-brand-new-Fast-worldwide-shipping-/230688039155?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b61420f3

    MSS Hi Fi is a scammer.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited November 2011
    I am trying to confirm the ad is actually for a pair, It appears to be so but I dont want to spend a grand on a one channel lol...

    So I am awaitinng repy from the seller - good suggestion as I remember wanting to try those back in the day!

    Keep the ideas coming!!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited November 2011
    Miss HiFi gave me my only negative feedback on Audiogon when I bid for what I thought was a pair of Dali Helicon speakers . . . he failed to accurately describe the add by saying it was for only one effing speaker. He's an **** and Audiogon enabled him to scar my good rep.

    +1 for Monarchy which can be found for some excellent prices used.
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited November 2011
    jbooker82 wrote: »
    But this guy says you will win most peter measuring contests. He is practicaly giving them away.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MC1-2kW-monoblock-amplifiers-brand-new-Fast-worldwide-shipping-/230688039155?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b61420f3

    Argueably, the Oydyssey's he just sold for a fraction of that price would have measured up pretty well.
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
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    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited November 2011
    BAT isn't bad and some used ones around 1K mark right now.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1324857571&/Balanced-Audio-Bat-VK-200-
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1324303654&/BAT-VK-220-With-BAT-Pack

    both double down, for load and are very well built. Used not bad prices on them. Could get them for even a little less


    and how can you not like Carver Amazings??????!!!

    I'm so offended right now. :cry:
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,447
    edited November 2011
    F1nut wrote: »
    Something from Bryston should be right up your sizzle at the top end alley. :lol:

    yep i'd love to get my ears on something from Bryston
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2011
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Miss HiFi gave me my only negative feedback on Audiogon when I bid for what I thought was a pair of Dali Helicon speakers . . . he failed to accurately describe the add by saying it was for only one effing speaker. He's an **** and Audiogon enabled him to scar my good rep.

    +1 for Monarchy which can be found for some excellent prices used.
    I don't believe they're on Agon anymore either.

    For more info on MSS, AKA Audio Pimp: http://audioaficionado.org/mcintosh-audio/8965-mss-hifi-took-my-money.html
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2011
    cstmar01 wrote: »
    BAT isn't bad and some used ones around 1K mark right now.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1324857571&/Balanced-Audio-Bat-VK-200-
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1324303654&/BAT-VK-220-With-BAT-Pack

    both double down, for load and are very well built. Used not bad prices on them. Could get them for even a little less


    and how can you not like Carver Amazings??????!!!

    I'm so offended right now. :cry:

    I was in the "I didn't like Amazings class" till I heard them in a big enough room with appropriate amplification on Classical music. I've never heard any speaker reproduce a concert hall stage like that! I did find them less than stellar on some other forms of music, but still very good! But that woofer/ribbon array, properly spaced, can fill your space with an ambiance second to none.

    Now back to amplification.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • Evrythngmatters
    Evrythngmatters Posts: 187
    edited November 2011
    I would take a look at this Classe CA-300. Probably wont stay under $1000.00 but you may get real lucky. This amp is very musical and is an upgrade to Odyssey, not a lateral move imo. Has a tube like warmth and will power most anything out there with no problem. http://www.ebay.com/itm/CLASSE-AUDIO-CA-300-stereo-power-amplifier-and-sold-as-is-no-reserve-/280767758833?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D4123180578638591589

    If you can I would try and find a Classe amp with the DR prefix. Most of those amps are Class A up to a point then A/B. They run hot as hell but they also sound very nice.
    Everything matters. That is all.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited November 2011
    He never sells for the price listed at the website. Mr. Poon (real name) will make you a good deal and will be there for you after the sale.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited November 2011
    I have found a set of monos but I will hold my tongue until it is all finalized...

    As for Carver Amazings, I have heard them multiple times and my duration of a demo can not go on longer for two minutes as they do nothing for me sonically... lol

    Thank you guys!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited November 2011
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    I have found a set of monos but I will hold my tongue until it is all finalized...

    Dam your cliffhanger !!! lol
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited November 2011
    I picked up some Emotiva UPA-1 with upgraded binding post!!

    :-D
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited November 2011
    Alright so the gentleman that purchased my amplifiers had a set he was willing to trade within my budget!

    I am pretty pumped to hear them as they are extremely unique.. The only downside is they need to be re-biased. I have a local tech that should be able to handle it if not I will have to send them to Klaus. Shall see!

    Here are some pics...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2011
    It's not difficult to re-bias a SS amp as long as you have instructions. It's matter of placing two probes at the correct points and adjusting a pot.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited November 2011
    Klaus can walk you through the rebiasing. You just need the multimeter. It's easy. I did it back when I had his gear.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited November 2011
    Interesting I will see what I can do!

    Thanks!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2011
    After looking at your crossover builds, you won't have an issue.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited November 2011
    Im mechanically inclined in general so as long as I have adequate pictures or instructions I can do it...

    I dont know if you have ever talked to Klaus on the phone but you understand about an 1/8 he says - it just sounds good hahha ;)

    Thanks
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited November 2011
    Alright so I finally got these puppies fired up and these are some extremely interesting sounding amplifiers. They are so freaking warm sounding in comparison to the Kismet amps. I called Klaus and asked him a few questions and this is the only amplifier he has ever built like this - it uses dual Symphonic Line transformers, NOT Plitron... so that is interesting...

    Needless to say I am pretty impressed so far...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited November 2011
    I think it's time to move above and beyond Odyssey Trey. It's pretty easy to do, just open your eyes a bit more and cut that ulimibilical cord you have with Klaus. Beings he knows you'll hustle right back here and gush about anything he makes for you, it's not surprising he would be "willing" to meet your price point.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited November 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I think it's time to move above and beyond Odyssey Trey. It's pretty easy to do, just open your eyes a bit more and cut that ulimibilical cord you have with Klaus. Beings he knows you'll hustle right back here and gush about anything he makes for you, it's not surprising he was "willing" to meet you price point.

    Straight up.

    Get some Bryston so I can live vicariously through you, please!
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited November 2011
    Klaus didnt build these - I took these on trade from the gentleman that bought my amplifiers...

    I was going to try the Monos suggested in this thread - by Mr. Poon! But the guy who bought my monos dropped these in my lap and the deal was far to good to pass up...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited December 2011
    Just a suggestion -

    Have you considered building your own? You seem like a DIY'er, grab a free (demo) copy of PSpice or Electronics Workbench and draw up your own design. Or start by building on an existing / working design. With some effort, you could do much better for $1k. I'm experimenting with several designs in CAD right now.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited December 2011
    Serendipity wrote: »
    Just a suggestion -

    Have you considered building your own? You seem like a DIY'er, grab a free (demo) copy of PSpice or Electronics Workbench and draw up your own design. Or start by building on an existing / working design. With some effort, you could do much better for $1k. I'm experimenting with several designs in CAD right now.
    Ahhh if were only so simple.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited December 2011
    Never said it was simple. In fact, I've put about 70-80 hours into one and it still needs a lot of work.

    But after all is said and done, I can honestly say that DIY is a lot of fun!
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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