Switched from well known Amp to Odyssey

Sheadlee, which Audio Research amps have you compared them to? I have heard the Stratos because I recommended them to a neighbor who did not have alot to spend. For the money they have no rival but I respectfiully disagree that they blow away any of the ARC tube amps. Have you compared them to any of the VT series amps? If so which ones? I personally have listened to the VT100MkII and MKiii and the VT200 and while the stratos are great for the price they are simply IMHO, not in the same league.

Thorty40, go to the odysseyaudio.com site and get the phone #. Klause is very easy to talk to and will answer all of your questions.

Chris,

Inputs are all SE (including the XLRs) and so are the outputs. Klaus told me adding the balanced stuff adds considerable more circuitry and complexity to the amplifier.

Thanks Lenard. I wonder if Odyssey sould consider making a fully balanced unit for an extra fee. Maybe I'll call them and see what Klaus has to say.

Chris

Thorty40 (Chris), I doubt it after talking to Klaus. Remember the circuitry in the Odyssey has been fine tuned for over 20 years according to Klaus....also remember just because it is balanced doesn't make it better.

Balanced ciruits are necessary in high noise environments such as in radio stations or in recording studios where there is RF/EMI.....and wires are bundled closely together.

The Odyssey was designed for home environments unlike the Brystons which also serve as "pro" gear. If you live close to AM or FM transmitting towers then look a fully balanced audio system....otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.