Khartago...Not all watts are equal...

VR3
VR3 Posts: 28,643
edited September 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
This thing arrived today... and it was definitely worth the wait..

I know it isnt broke in yet, but my friend was here and he brought his Eagles DVD - we cranked it up, and it by far offered a far more dynamic, clear, and detailed presentation than any other amp Ive used...

I really like it, incredible solid build...

And like the title said... 15 less watts than my last amp, goes louder, far more dynamics, far more detail...

But then again, it has far larger capacitors than the B&K...
- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
Post edited by VR3 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited September 2006
    Congratulations, Got any pic's ?
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited September 2006
    Yeah, show us some guts, too.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited September 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    Yeah, show us some guts, too.


    Yeah,,we want innerds,,pic's of innerds :eek:
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited September 2006
    Congrats Sid. Yes, pics would be nice.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2006
    Very nice!!!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Pics will come in the next day or so. I gotta borrow a camera...

    This amp...nothing was overlooked...

    The Right/Left/etc on the back is engraved. My name is engraved on the back. The back is anodized aluminum, probally 1/4" thick, the case that covers the top and sides is aluminum, 1/8" thick - INSANELY inert. The front faceplate is 1/2" thick brushed aluminum...

    The faceplate is very clean, the words Odyssey and Khartago are not visible from the front, but are visible from the sides - mainly due to the fact my faceplate is silver...

    Looking through the vent reveals a Power Supply that is probally 2 or 3 times the size of my B&K...

    The sound is...spectacular. I am going to listen a bit more to get an idea, but Im running HD wire right now - so Im not going to go off of this to much. Should have some new wires by next month...

    This amp is really deep too, dosnt even fit all the way in my current rack, Im glad Im contructing a new one...

    Thanks for the comments!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited September 2006
    For those that can't wait, I have secured a preview of the engraving.


    Sid the Kid
    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Yeah, I would of done that in a heart beat.

    Alot better than Mr. Trey R -

    Sid The Kid would of been cooler!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • W WALDECKER
    W WALDECKER Posts: 900
    edited September 2006
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote:
    This thing arrived today... and it was definitely worth the wait..

    I know it isnt broke in yet, but my friend was here and he brought his Eagles DVD - we cranked it up, and it by far offered a far more dynamic, clear, and detailed presentation than any other amp Ive used...

    I really like it, incredible solid build...

    And like the title said... 15 less watts than my last amp, goes louder, far more dynamics, far more detail...

    But then again, it has far larger capacitors than the B&K...
    :) Hey Sid, congratulation's! you are right, all watts are not created equal.i know it sounds really good right out of the box but you aint heard nothing yet.let it run 24/7 and let us know how it sounds after 100 hours or so.it will take at least 400 hrs to reach its full potential.i had the Khartago monoblocks with transformer and capacitor upgrades and they were really sweet. the Graphics on the front faceplate are not silkscreened or printed they done with a lazer.your Khartago is a true giant killer. internally it is identical to the $3500.00 Symphonic line RG 11 power amplifier. Enjoy! thanks....WCW III
    Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
    .Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.2xhmpsuownoj.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Thanks WCW...

    Im curious as to what it can do with some real speaker cable and some burn in...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited September 2006
    I would just engrave it STK, years from now some bonehead in a boneyard will be raving about the special edition STK model, very rare.

    RT1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited September 2006
    Very cool. Sounds like a killer amp. Can't wait to see the pics. Congrats Sid!

    LOL RT1:D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Will have more pics later when I have more time...

    I have a **** rig right now... lol

    Eventually Id like to get the matching preamp - silver...

    But I want a Black CDP and DVDP - preferably from the same company... this is all in the future...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited September 2006
    Very cool. Simple and classy. Nice goin Sid!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Yeah, eff you Sean.

    Im to cheap to buy a Camera!

    Thanks for the comments!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Ill get under the hood shots in due time..
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2006
    Looks very nice, man. I especially like the last pic.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited September 2006
    so what happens when you sell it and your full name is on it? Oh wait, you'll never sell it i bet..

    nice plain looking amp
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    I didnt ask for my name to be on it... haha - just a standard feature...

    I hope I never have to sell it... if I sell it, itll because of an upgrade.. which will be many years down the road....

    I could see turning this into a mono block pair one day... thatd be sweet.

    Thanks.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited September 2006
    Glad you like the sound Trey, there has been nearly as much hype about Odyssey gear as surrounds SVS, so many dismiss the claims as too good to be true, but the gear is really solid and performs way above the pricepoint in my findings. That amp will only get better too as time passes.

    I only wish the Khartago would have been made as a 17 inch rack model or at least made that an option. It looks too big for most buyer's gear racks.
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    yeah...

    It looks odd in my current rack...

    Should of made is smaller in depth, taller, and not as wide.. perfect...

    Way to deep for my rack...

    But Im about to build a 52" wide TV stand (pending) ---- and it wont look as out of place and I can get all my gear back in there and looking nice again... Cant wait!!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    You know whats funny?

    I never thought my DTs to be bright speakers... until right now...

    This amp lit a fire under them in a good and bad way. Alot better control over the drivers, not nearly as boomy bass - the staging is far more controlled...

    But they are brighter by a large margin...

    This amp is four times the amp the B&K was in every way...this amp sounds exciting, controlling, detailed - in comparison, the B&K had a far more level sound so to speak, everything was on the same level, lacked overall dynamics... things I didnt even realize until something better came aboard...

    I cant wait to get the new speakers and preamp...Im excited!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited September 2006
    My Rti's sounded bright until the MF. Then they just sounded muddy haahaa. Finny how much a change an amp makes.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Yeah... the RTis I had never really improved with better gear, just got a lil worse with each improvement. Thats pretty much why I sold them. They just werent a speaker you could build a higher end rig off of.

    The DTs improved and got worse - they cleaned up considerably, but got a wee bright. Which, could be a number of thing. One could be the speaker cables, it sounds spectacular - no real complaints here...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • W WALDECKER
    W WALDECKER Posts: 900
    edited September 2006
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote:
    I didnt ask for my name to be on it... haha - just a standard feature...

    I hope I never have to sell it... if I sell it, itll because of an upgrade.. which will be many years down the road....

    I could see turning this into a mono block pair one day... thatd be sweet.

    Thanks.
    Hey Sid,if you get a second one and convert a pair to monoblocks there is no charge except the price of a second Khartago. the Wpc jumps up to 160 the capacitance doubles and the current triples to 100 amps total. the effect the Khartago monos had on my Paradigm Reference studio 100 V3s was remarkable. the 100 V3s were a little hot on top and sounded somewhat compressed when i was using a Rotel RB 1080 200 wpc power amp. i switched to the little khartago monoblocks and it tamed the tweeters on the 100 V3s and the soundstage expanded dramaticaly and despite the rated Wpc they seemed much more powerful than the RB 1080 and made the 100 V3s sound like a Reference pair of loudspeakers. before i bought the Khartago monos i had no idea how much difference power amplifiers could make. it made a believer out of me.thanks....WCW III
    Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
    .Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.2xhmpsuownoj.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Is the 2 channel version with the upgraded caps change in power?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited September 2006
    Cool amp.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited September 2006
    Sid,

    Glad you like it, looks cool and the reviews and all, I just wish it was five times better than the B&K, can I get five!!!! When you start your speaker company you can release the STK line.

    That nice gear would look great on a rack with each piece having its own shelf.

    RT1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited September 2006
    Thanks for the comments...

    I dont know if Id like having a rack with that many shelves... would look cluttered to me... maybe if they were really spaced out, but then there is space restrictions...

    Well one thing is for sure...

    My DTs just got placed on the chopping block at an incredible speed...

    Next, very near future purchase is going to be the Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u...

    That, I can not wait for...

    Actually my next purchase is going to be speaker wire.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited September 2006
    What's wrong? Lampcord not good enough for YOU? haahaa
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter