And the amp that i've chosen to power my Sony SS-M9's is......

Pycroft
Pycroft Posts: 1,961
edited December 2010 in Electronics
The Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono's. Here is a link: http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products-stratos-mono.html

I did NOT get the 'Extreme' version, but got a fair price for it, and it should be shipping out on Monday.

Discuss my choice - stupid? great?

The other finalists were:

HK Signature 1.5
Parasound HCA 3500

There were a few others, but those were really my choices within my budget. I feel like I made a great choice, and I'll let my ears decide :)

Thanks all for the help along the way, and I look forward to your comments about my choice.

James
2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Post edited by Pycroft on
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Comments

  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 27,327
    edited December 2010
    Man those look SWEET I bet they sound good
    nice buy
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,800
    edited December 2010
    Did you ever find out if it had the red boards? Any other upgrades? If you haven't read about it yet, Klaus recommends you keep those amps on 24/7 for best sound. If you haven't seen it yet, Audiocircle has a dedicated Odyssey sub-forum with a lot of useful info.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 26,002
    edited December 2010
    Congrats on the new toys. Will you have them under the tree in time for Christmas?
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton/Typhon Rotel RP9400 Turntable

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited December 2010
    Pycroft wrote: »
    The Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono's. Here is a link: http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products-stratos-mono.html

    I did NOT get the 'Extreme' version, but got a fair price for it, and it should be shipping out on Monday.

    Discuss my choice - stupid? great?

    The other finalists were:

    HK Signature 1.5
    Parasound HCA 3500

    There were a few others, but those were really my choices within my budget. I feel like I made a great choice, and I'll let my ears decide :)

    Thanks all for the help along the way, and I look forward to your comments about my choice.

    James

    Look beefy. At what wattage to they cease class A operation?
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited December 2010
    I'll take two, platinum plated front plate, and upgrade 120k caps!
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited December 2010
    They look nice, but I thought the transformers looked small. Could someone clarify this for me? My HCA- 3500 has 2 1400 VA transfomers, one per channel. Theses only have 400 VA per amp... Other than that, the specs look really nice...

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited December 2010
    VERY NICE

    All Odyssey equipment manufactured in the USA. ... fantastic ...

    ENJOY !
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited December 2010
    jinjuku wrote: »
    Look beefy. At what wattage to they cease class A operation?



    I'm not quite sure what this means - I know it's class A, but I'm not even sure if that's good or not. I actually just read reviews, took advice of a few polkies, and got some local advice.

    It shoudl be shipped either tomorrow or Monday, and will hopefuly be in hand next weekend :)

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • wayne3burk
    wayne3burk Posts: 939
    edited December 2010
    hmmmm.....

    .... and what about that ST-70???

    i'm just sayin'
    Yamaha RX-V2700, EMI 711As (front), RCA K-16 (rear), Magnavox Console (Center & TV Stand), Sony SMP-N200 media streamer, Dual 1249 TT =--- Sharp Aquas 60" LCD tellie
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited December 2010
    Congrats on your Odyssey Mono-Blocs.
    The Odyssey Mono's are very Musical and Smooth sounding.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited December 2010
    dcmartinpc wrote: »
    They look nice, but I thought the transformers looked small. Could someone clarify this for me? My HCA- 3500 has 2 1400 VA transfomers, one per channel. Theses only have 400 VA per amp... Other than that, the specs look really nice...

    Don

    The Parasound-3500 is a Dual Mono design in one Case. I think your Amp
    has two power cords,one for each amp. At 1400va per channel that's a
    very powerful amp. Parasound amps tend to have a more lean sound
    with very quick tight bass.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited December 2010
    jinjuku wrote: »
    Look beefy. At what wattage to they cease class A operation?

    Okay, I've been thinking about this question. I did some reading, and have found that are different class amps A, B, A/B, etc. If you know me, I'm not into the technical stuff, and I've read a lot, and I'm confused. The amp I linked is obviously a class A. From what I've read, it has to do with how the power is made? It reminded me of the different tube amps, push/pull etc. Questions - is class A the best? Is there a preferred? I think I read different classes produce different heat, and have different noise levels? Anythign else I'm missing? Also, what would cause somethign to cease class A operation? I'm not sure I understand that question. The less 'technical' you can be, the better, adn thanks :0

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,800
    edited December 2010
    All Odyssey amps are Class A/B. I don't think there is a fixed spec for the Odyssey amps because Klaus adjusts each amp's bias to the customer's needs. My guess would be somewhere between 5-15w in Class A.
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited December 2010
    What exactly does that mean though? If the amp uses only 15 wpc it is class A, and any more than that it is class B? What is the signifigance? Would it then be better to listen at very low volumes so I don't use as many watts to get the best out of the amp. I'm sure that's all wrong, but again, I'm dumb :)

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited December 2010
    danz1906 wrote: »
    The Parasound-3500 is a Dual Mono design in one Case. I think your Amp
    has two power cords,one for each amp. At 1400va per channel that's a
    very powerful amp. Parasound amps tend to have a more lean sound
    with very quick tight bass.

    I understand that. I was just stating that when considering both channels, the Parasound has 2800 VA of total transformer, and the Odyssey's only have 800 VA total....

    Big difference...

    Just my 2 cents. Maybe that is a misprint on their website as that is AWFULLY small.... My Parasound HCA-1500A has more than that...

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • fishbones
    fishbones Posts: 947
    edited December 2010
    Congrats!

    Boy I'd love to hear those speakers...any chance of you coming to Polkfest '11 at DisneyJoe's (with them)? :biggrin:
    ..... ><////(*>
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,508
    edited December 2010
    Pycroft wrote: »
    What exactly does that mean though? If the amp uses only 15 wpc it is class A, and any more than that it is class B? What is the signifigance? Would it then be better to listen at very low volumes so I don't use as many watts to get the best out of the amp. I'm sure that's all wrong, but again, I'm dumb :)

    James

    Some comprehensive reading material that should explain.

    http://www.passlabs.com/pdfs/articles/leaving_class_a.pdf

    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 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,800
    edited December 2010
    dcmartinpc wrote: »
    I understand that. I was just stating that when considering both channels, the Parasound has 2800 VA of total transformer, and the Odyssey's only have 800 VA total....

    Big difference...

    Just my 2 cents. Maybe that is a misprint on their website as that is AWFULLY small.... My Parasound HCA-1500A has more than that...

    Don

    400VA is more than enough to provide 300 watts into 4 ohms per channel. Parasound likes to oversize their transformers way beyond what is really needed. That's a John Curl thing. He is among the Kings of "overkill design".

    BTW, I think the Krell KAV-300i only has a single 400VA transformer. That amp has been tested to put 250wpc.
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited December 2010
    billbillw wrote: »
    400VA is more than enough to provide 300 watts into 4 ohms. Parasound likes to oversize their transformers way beyond what is really needed. That's a John Curl thing. He is among the Kings of "overkill design".

    Cool. Learn something new everyday. I have dealt with mostly Parasound and some other "Heavy Iron" amp manufacturers, and those were the numbers I was used to seeing :biggrin:

    Thanks for the clarification.
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2010
    Pycroft wrote: »
    What exactly does that mean though? If the amp uses only 15 wpc it is class A, and any more than that it is class B? What is the signifigance? Would it then be better to listen at very low volumes so I don't use as many watts to get the best out of the amp. I'm sure that's all wrong, but again, I'm dumb :)

    James

    I recall reading somewhere in the distant past that they were Class A for the first 8 Watts. Of course that could depend on the amp model.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,508
    edited December 2010
    Also remember push/pull class A (high bias) is not the same as single ended class A. The paper I linked to explains this very clearly about push/pull vs. singled ended operation.

    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 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited December 2010
    An interesting read H9...helps explain A A/B relations in the Pass design and sheds some more light on why you like your Pass Aleph so much!

    Thanks!

    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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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,077
    edited December 2010
    Nice pick up, though I would imagine for the coin you should have had more choices. Used, even more. Don't fret so much over when class A stops and becomes A/B, it's all about what comes out the other end in the form of SQ.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2010
    Here's a link to a discussion talking about the bias into Class A, answered by Klauss.
    http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=673.0;imode
    1. Originally a couple of years ago, we stated that the amps would be 30 + W. class A, which is quite possible. However, in reality, and because of the final biasing of our current amps, it's more like 10 W., and even that varies depending on circumstances. With the Xtreme reference edition monos, we're biasing the amps a bit hotter, but probably still in the same ballpark.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited December 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Some comprehensive reading material that should explain.

    http://www.passlabs.com/pdfs/articles/leaving_class_a.pdf

    H9

    H9 -

    For future reference - that article was incomprehensible to me. After reading all 8 pages and getting a headache, I read the quote at the bottom of your post. I guess perhaps that made a million times more sense to me. Perhaps the numbers and class a, or a/b push pull, single ended, blah blah means nothing to me. I will let my ears judge, as I always do, and the rest of you can worry about the numbers and when it gets out of class A, and goes to A/B.

    I just want to know if it's a good amp to power difficult speakers. Whether it sounds good, I'll let you know when I hear it, probably next weekend :)

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2010
    dcmartinpc wrote: »
    Cool. Learn something new everyday. I have dealt with mostly Parasound and some other "Heavy Iron" amp manufacturers, and those were the numbers I was used to seeing :biggrin:

    Thanks for the clarification.

    Dcmartinpc - Shouldn't you know that already? You did shovel out a bunch of money to hotrod a Parasound HCA-3500 based on John Curl's specific recommendations correct? Just asking, you posted it. Is there Iron in a modern Parasound?....we're talking tube amps or less than uselful Parasound at that point.

    How is the Sony SS-M9 hard to drive? Did I miss a post? Anything mentioned would do fine as far as I know. Does it dip into 1ohm loads or something?

    I'd buy anything BUT an Odyssey amplifier but at least you didn't go "extreme" as it's already overbuilt. The amplifier as designed is more than enough to run your new loudspeakers. That's all that matters. Monoblocks are always cool regardless of manufacturer.

    Not a fan but you're WAY a o k.
    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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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited December 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Dcmartinpc - Shouldn't you know that already? You did shovel out a bunch of money to hotrod a Parasound HCA-3500 based on John Curl's specific recommendations correct? Just asking, you posted it. Is there Iron in a modern Parasound?....we're talking tube amps or less than uselful Parasound at that point.

    How is the Sony SS-M9 hard to drive? Did I miss a post? Anything mentioned would do fine as far as I know. Does it dip into 1ohm loads or something?

    I'd buy anything BUT an Odyssey amplifier but at least you didn't go "extreme" as it's already overbuilt. The amplifier as designed is more than enough to run your new loudspeakers. That's all that matters. Monoblocks are always cool regardless of manufacturer.

    Not a fan but you're WAY a o k.

    I don't know all the ins and outs of amplifier design. I have learned a lot, but that is why I paid someone else to hotrod my 3500. The number just looked odd to me as EVERYTHING else I saw had much larger transformers. I didn't really question the size before, since the amps I was looking at were all within a close range. The "Heavy Iron" comment was only in reference to the size and bulk of the amplifiers I was researching. Nothing to do with iron itself. The 3500 weighs in at 95 pounds. Sorry if I seem uneducated in this arena, I am by no means an expert. I rely on the knowledge of others as I continue to learn. I am not an electrical engineer and will never be. I was just making an observation.

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,800
    edited December 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    How is the Sony SS-M9 hard to drive? Did I miss a post? Anything mentioned would do fine as far as I know. Does it dip into 1ohm loads or something?

    They are not that hard to drive, but they are 4 ohm nominal and drop down to under 3 ohms in the high treble. They like an amp that remains smooth in the treble under those conditions. They are only 89dB efficient as well, so they need decent power to get the bass sounding healthy. Was Odyssey the best choice? I dunno. I have the same speakers and I went with a Halo A21, but I think that was higher than James wanted to spend.

    BTW Doro, The Parasound's toroidal transformers should have a healthy bit of iron in the cores, or maybe I'm not following what you are getting at.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2010
    Don - Never meant to imply you were uneducated and I'm also no engineer. I just figured you'd know a bit more before you request work like that to be performed on your property. You do have to establish faith in those yyou work with for upgrades abd we've both been in that same boat.....no worries. Just asking questions. Toroids and stacked toroids do not mean iron.

    When I'm talking iron, it's usually vintage gear across the board, big tranny, rusting ot recently painted types...but even that is a general statement.
    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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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2010
    billbillw wrote: »
    They are not that hard to drive, but they are 4 ohm nominal and drop down to under 3 ohms in the high treble. They like an amp that remains smooth in the treble under those conditions. They are only 89dB efficient as well, so they need decent power to get the bass sounding healthy. Was Odyssey the best choice? I dunno. I have the same speakers and I went with a Halo A21, but I think that was higher than James wanted to spend.

    BTW Doro, The Parasound's toroidal transformers should have a healthy bit of iron in the cores, or maybe I'm not following what you are getting at.

    When I'm talking iron or selling old iron tranny's it's cubes, not toroids. I know how they make them. Vintage knobbers don't fall over themselves for rusty toroids.

    As far as the amplifier selection goes he's good with damn near everything mentioned. It sounds like most speakers at some point or another aside from a consistent dip and tonal signature.
    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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