$800 Amp--> Odyssey Stratos vs. Parasound HCA-1500

I-SIG
I-SIG Posts: 2,243
edited February 2004 in Electronics
Any thoughts on these? They cost virtually the same, NIB, both have solid warranties, pretty similar power, etc. Thanks!


Wes
Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    What about ATI AT2002 or possibly AT3002?

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    If you are gonna try the 3002 make sure you not only have a 20+ amp circuit but that the recepticals are also of this type.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    The review I read said that a 20amp circuit was necessary for the 7 channel model. I'm only planning for two at this point, so I should be fine.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    I would go with the proven entity, Parasound. I have been hearing more about ATI, so they may become more mainstream at some point, as a standalone manufacturer.
    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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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    I-Sig,

    I can't speak to whatever review you are referring to, but check the owners manual, page 8, bottom left.

    http://www.ati-amp.com/manuals/at3000manual.pdf

    The info may not be correct, but it does refer to the entire series.

    Best Regards,

    Rick
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    I would go with the proven entity, Parasound. I have been hearing more about ATI, so they may become more mainstream at some point, as a standalone manufacturer.

    If it matters, the ATI's are a 100% USA product, unlike Parasound.

    It also seems that, from reviews, they have very similar sounds inspite of the ATI's different design, the ATI has more headroom, and the ATI costs about the same for similar power.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    Hey I don't work for Parasound, so it doesn't matter which one is considered to me.

    I know Parasound and their products like my own car, but have no clue about ATI, so it would never be an option for my pocketbook. All I see is paper, and a couple reviews. The Audiogon listings that have been around are mostly dealers, very few used....maybe they are just really good. I go for proven gear, not back scene manufacturers. Maybe in a few years people will start paying closer attention to ATI as a standalone. If you want to be different then its a no brainer.

    Looks like just a couple values are different, and that is inherent with use of different parts and design...big deal. There are also some specs I don't see mentioned with the ATI. If 100% USA is what you like, then why even consider 75% of the brands out there? You basically help your whole process if that's the case.

    I am sure whatever decision you make will cause sound to come from the speakers.
    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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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    I am sure whatever decision you make will cause sound to come from the speakers.
    LOL... :cool:
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    LOL! I know sound will happen, just trying not to make a huge mistake.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    The ATI will NOT be a huge mistake ...

    Get a listen if you can.

    But if you are gonna go with the 3000 series I would make sure from the manufacurer what type of plug is on the end (See the reference to the PDF I posted above)
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • tonyv1
    tonyv1 Posts: 365
    edited February 2004
    I used a Parasound HCA-1500A on my Maggies (Magnepan MG12s). Great amp, very good bass control on the panels. If you'd like more info on the Odyssey go over to the Planar Asylum . Lots of Maggie users love them.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by PolkWannabie
    The ATI will NOT be a huge mistake ...

    Get a listen if you can.

    But if you are gonna go with the 3000 series I would make sure from the manufacurer what type of plug is on the end (See the reference to the PDF I posted above)

    You're probably right. There a dealer up around Phoenix that I'm gonna make a run to this week. I may take my RT55i's so I can listent to them on *MY* speakers. I sent ATI an e-maillast night, so we'll see...

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    I-Sig - I meant that in a good way, not to be smart assed. I don't think you have mentioned a bad choice in any of your posts. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, and buy ATI....or buy Parasound....or buy NAD....get some information, read your **** off, and demo if at all possible. Some of these will not have a demo near you, so you will be **** out of luck.

    I wouldn't buy ATI if it had a hookers' mouth in the backside, but that's just me and my interpretation of information and knowledge....essentially that means nothing. Noone said it would be a huge mistake to buy an ATI, so I have no idea where that is from.

    If you don't like it, you sell it, plain and simple. Buyers remorse is just learning what you want to hear. Buy one of them damnit! :D
    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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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    If you don't like it, you sell it, plain and simple. Buyers remorse is just learning what you want to hear. Buy one of them damnit! :D

    I know I know! :D

    I think this might help me some if y'all can answer for me: How do planar speaks, like the Maggies, compare with my old SDA's, especially on the highs? Thanks!

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited February 2004
    Where is a stratos for 800.00 NIB???
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by I-SIG
    I think this might help me some if y'all can answer for me: How do planar speaks, like the Maggies, compare with my old SDA's, especially on the highs? Thanks!
    Maggies are not all that different as far as the highs go. Where they are very different are in the bass and the imaging.

    I own the 1.5's and while they go low enough for some music, e.g., acoutic jazz, light classical, IMO they are not rock or full orchestra speakers.

    While the 1.5's will not present a 20' wide soundatage as SDA's do, they will image deeper and more precisely.
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by hoosier21
    Where is a stratos for 800.00 NIB???

    The Para's and the Stratos seem to be about the same price, just slightly above my $800, about a grand or so.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Here's the scoop from ATI:

    Dear Wes,
    Our AT2000/3000 Pure Balance amps are not common grounded nor are they bridgeable. Re: 20 amp circuit, you are correct, only the AT3006 and AT3007require a 20 amp circuit.
    Sincerely,
    ATI

    So, I'm gonna rule them out for now because I don't want to build a AI-1. I guess I'll start checking on the Parasound dealers around Tucson.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited February 2004
    I thought the odysee stratos was over a grand? i've never heard one myself, but from what i heard on word of mouth, i would go with the odysey if you see it new in box for 800.00!!!
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited February 2004
    The Stratos has a 20 year transferable warranty, you don't have to worry about buying a new one. I usually see used ones with the cap upgrade go for around 700 to 800 on Audiogon.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    That's not too shabby....isn't it Nico who owns a Odyssey? Where has he been hiding all this time? :D
    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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