ODL HT-2 (Odyssey Stratos)

sucks2beme

I have started researching this amp. I understand it's was made by Odyssey's
sub- contractor. Some amps were sent out directly with the ODL tag instead
of routing to Odyssey for final tweaking and check out.
I have found one at a good price. I know it's not up to Odyssey's standards,
but it still should be a decent amp?
At 150 wpc, might it still be too small for some speakers. I am trying to set up an upgrade path for the future. Right now it's the amp, then the pre-amp down the road. Then, of course, that magic set of speakers yet to be chosen.
Right now, I've got NAD 917 pre and Nad 2400 amp. As always, I like to
buy used and with cash. The minute I break out a credit card in this hobby,
the next stop will be the poor house.

Early B.

I owned one a few years ago.

Awesome, hard-core amp. High build quality. Big as hell and heavy (54 lbs, I think). Runs cool. It has plenty of juice to drive just about any speaker you're looking at.

The first Odyssey amps off the assembly line had the ODL label and were made by Klaus' partners. Long story short -- a legal battle ensued, blah, blah, blah...Now Klaus has the biz.

They're not easy to sell, so don't pay more than $450 - $500 for it. It won't fit in some audio racks.

george daniel

Don't quote me, but I believe Klaus will still uprade it, if you get to that point.

Early B.

george daniel wrote:

Don't quote me, but I believe Klaus will still uprade it, if you get to that point.

Yes, he will, but it's gonna cost more than you'll pay for the unit. It would be more economical to buy a used Stratos.

george daniel

Brad, do you/did'nt you own a stratos?

Early B.

Yeah.

My personal thoughts on it is that the Stratos is a brute just like Krell. It's great for rock, rap, and other forms of dynamic music. It's also a good choice to power HT fronts. But if you're looking for smoothness and finesse, there are other, more refined amps out there in the same price range.

sucks2beme

Early B. wrote:

Yeah.

My personal thoughts on it is that the Stratos is a brute just like Krell. It's great for rock, rap, and other forms of dynamic music. It's also a good choice to power HT fronts. But if you're looking for smoothness and finesse, there are other, more refined amps out there in the same price range.

Interesting. Maybe the older Conrad Johnson sand amps are a better choice? The price of these will definately be more than the Stratos clone.
There was a guy getting a divorce with an Anthem MCA20 for sale. Bit more
money. This would be easier if my wife's friends would get around to paying me for the Polk RTI's they got from me. They'll get around to it soooner or later. Just as long as they don't GIVE THE MRS. MY MONEY! It will evaporate
as soon as it hits her hands.

Early B.

sucks2beme wrote:

Interesting. Maybe the older Conrad Johnson sand amps are a better choice? The price of these will definately be more than the Stratos clone.

I dunno. Like I mentioned, the ODL is a great amp, so no worries there. I just saying that if you primarily listen to classical, jazz, or opera music, you may find other amps to be more appropriate, IMO.

Early B.

What's the status? Did you decide to buy it?

sucks2beme

It went to someone else. At this point, I'm still trying to plot a course for my system. After making up a set of good jumpers to replace the 20 year old
ones on the Snell type E's(very effient speakers), the sound really came alive. The Nad 2400 with 917 preamp fills the room full of sound with ease. Anything above 8 o'clock on the volume knob earns me a visit by an angry Mrs. I'm pleased with the current sound. I was looking more to the future, with modern speakers and a good , powerfull amp.
I seem to keep coming back to the same thing. Wait for good deals on quality
equipment and jump on it. The Odyssey(or ODL) looks to be a good choice, along with some older Conrad Johnson stuff. This amp I was looking at was $350 on Audiogon. I should of jumped on it.
My current system is still bargain basement. Low cost used stuff. Proven
performance, and easy to sell without losing any money.
The Snells are in great shape. $250 (off Craigslist)
The Nad 2400 works great. $40 (pawn shop)
The Nad 917 pre. (I got it from here, $180 shipped)
AMC cd8b. (trade from Russman).
All cable are Audioquest. 50 to 80 % off list when Magnolia closed them out.
Until son #2 gets through college, cheap is the order of the day.

Early B.

Sounds like you have a good system and a good plan. I like to find good deals, too, especially on obscure items like the Buggtussels I used to own or some of the Chinese products currently invading the US market.