If you were going to spend roughly a thousand on Amplifiers...

[VR3]

What would you choose...

I am a Monoblock snob and I know I can obtain a lower end set of Monoblocks from Odyssey for this price range... I guess for me Odyssey is "safe" I know I really really like the sound and I can not do wrong here. I do not enjoy the thrill of chasing gear anymore like I use to...

I have had a few Parasound amplifiers cross through here I liked, the A series seems promising...

Few BAT amplifiers but I have only heard Ted's and I am not a fan of Carver Amazings on any amplifier so thats a hard judge - they seem nice though...

Mcintosh is way out of my budget...

Any other ampllifiers out there that are an honorable mention?

I would prefer to stay away from Adcom, NAD, Rotel, Outlaw, Shanling, Emotiva, B&K, the usual suspects

I have heard things about Classe and a few others - but I guess I am looking for input from folks who have used Oydyssey and have found amplifiers they like better or similar...

Thanks in advance!

[jbooker82]

But this guy says you will win most peter measuring contests. He is practicaly giving them away.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MC1-2kW-monoblock-amplifiers-brand-new-Fast-worldwide-shipping-/230688039155?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b61420f3

[Lasareath]

eventually i'd like to replace my carver TFM-35X's with a couple of Sunfire Amps.

[Lasareath]

Quick, only a few hours left!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Krell-Evolution-900e-monoblock-amplifiers-50-000-MSRP-demo-deal-worldwide-ship-/260886541563?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbe0cb4fb#ht_2201wt_1304

[polkfarmboy]

I have always wanted to try out a pair of monarchy sm 70 stereo amps and run them mono with the fully balanced mode for superior performance .Them little amps sell like hot cakes on the gon for around $750 a pair and they are very popular pieces for modding as you get a big return

I dont know if this seller is selling two of the monarchy se 100's for $895 here but I would imagine he is and if so seems like a couple of monoblocks for the consideration list http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1325834185&/Monarchy-amp-se-100-mkii-excel

[F1nut]

Something from Bryston should be right up your sizzle at the top end alley. :lol:

[Ricardo]

I'm running a pair of Monarchy SE 100's. I dumped the Pass Labs X250 for these. that should maybe say something.

Those 100 W @ 8 ohms are pretty amazing.

I have the "Special edition" which has a bigger toroidal and doubles power at 4 ohms. The standard is only 160 W at 4 ohms. I am pretty sure I didn't need the SE....

I would grab those on Audiogon....if they are still there. That is CHEAP!

And no, they are not pure class A. Just up to 50 W.

[Face]

But this guy says you will win most peter measuring contests. He is practicaly giving them away.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MC1-2kW-monoblock-amplifiers-brand-new-Fast-worldwide-shipping-/230688039155?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b61420f3

MSS Hi Fi is a scammer.

[VR3]

I am trying to confirm the ad is actually for a pair, It appears to be so but I dont want to spend a grand on a one channel lol...

So I am awaitinng repy from the seller - good suggestion as I remember wanting to try those back in the day!

Keep the ideas coming!!

[SolidSqual]

Miss HiFi gave me my only negative feedback on Audiogon when I bid for what I thought was a pair of Dali Helicon speakers . . . he failed to accurately describe the add by saying it was for only one effing speaker. He's an ******* and Audiogon enabled him to scar my good rep.

+1 for Monarchy which can be found for some excellent prices used.

[inspiredsports]

But this guy says you will win most peter measuring contests. He is practicaly giving them away.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MC1-2kW-monoblock-amplifiers-brand-new-Fast-worldwide-shipping-/230688039155?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b61420f3

Argueably, the Oydyssey's he just sold for a fraction of that price would have measured up pretty well.

[cstmar01]

BAT isn't bad and some used ones around 1K mark right now.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1324857571&/Balanced-Audio-Bat-VK-200-
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1324303654&/BAT-VK-220-With-BAT-Pack

both double down, for load and are very well built. Used not bad prices on them. Could get them for even a little less


and how can you not like Carver Amazings??????!!!

I'm so offended right now. :cry:

[pitdogg2]

Something from Bryston should be right up your sizzle at the top end alley. :lol:

yep i'd love to get my ears on something from Bryston

[Face]

Miss HiFi gave me my only negative feedback on Audiogon when I bid for what I thought was a pair of Dali Helicon speakers . . . he failed to accurately describe the add by saying it was for only one effing speaker. He's an ******* and Audiogon enabled him to scar my good rep.

+1 for Monarchy which can be found for some excellent prices used.I don't believe they're on Agon anymore either.

For more info on MSS, AKA Audio Pimp: http://audioaficionado.org/mcintosh-audio/8965-mss-hifi-took-my-money.html

[cnh]

BAT isn't bad and some used ones around 1K mark right now.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1324857571&/Balanced-Audio-Bat-VK-200-
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1324303654&/BAT-VK-220-With-BAT-Pack

both double down, for load and are very well built. Used not bad prices on them. Could get them for even a little less


and how can you not like Carver Amazings??????!!!

I'm so offended right now. :cry:

I was in the "I didn't like Amazings class" till I heard them in a big enough room with appropriate amplification on Classical music. I've never heard any speaker reproduce a concert hall stage like that! I did find them less than stellar on some other forms of music, but still very good! But that woofer/ribbon array, properly spaced, can fill your space with an ambiance second to none.

Now back to amplification.

cnh

[Evrythngmatters]

I would take a look at this Classe CA-300. Probably wont stay under $1000.00 but you may get real lucky. This amp is very musical and is an upgrade to Odyssey, not a lateral move imo. Has a tube like warmth and will power most anything out there with no problem. http://www.ebay.com/itm/CLASSE-AUDIO-CA-300-stereo-power-amplifier-and-sold-as-is-no-reserve-/280767758833?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3D LVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D4123180578638591589

If you can I would try and find a Classe amp with the DR prefix. Most of those amps are Class A up to a point then A/B. They run hot as hell but they also sound very nice.

[Zero]

The Monarchy suggestion is a good one. Give Mr. Poon a call. I'm sure he'd be willing to make you a good deal.

[heiney9]

He never sells for the price listed at the website. Mr. Poon (real name) will make you a good deal and will be there for you after the sale.

H9

[VR3]

I have found a set of monos but I will hold my tongue until it is all finalized...

As for Carver Amazings, I have heard them multiple times and my duration of a demo can not go on longer for two minutes as they do nothing for me sonically... lol

Thank you guys!

[polkfarmboy]

I have found a set of monos but I will hold my tongue until it is all finalized...


Dam your cliffhanger !!! lol

[VR3]

I picked up some Emotiva UPA-1 with upgraded binding post!!

:-D

[VR3]

Alright so the gentleman that purchased my amplifiers had a set he was willing to trade within my budget!

I am pretty pumped to hear them as they are extremely unique.. The only downside is they need to be re-biased. I have a local tech that should be able to handle it if not I will have to send them to Klaus. Shall see!

Here are some pics...

[Face]

It's not difficult to re-bias a SS amp as long as you have instructions. It's matter of placing two probes at the correct points and adjusting a pot.

[SolidSqual]

Klaus can walk you through the rebiasing. You just need the multimeter. It's easy. I did it back when I had his gear.

[VR3]

Interesting I will see what I can do!

Thanks!

[Face]

After looking at your crossover builds, you won't have an issue.

[VR3]

Im mechanically inclined in general so as long as I have adequate pictures or instructions I can do it...

I dont know if you have ever talked to Klaus on the phone but you understand about an 1/8 he says - it just sounds good hahha ;)

Thanks

[VR3]

Alright so I finally got these puppies fired up and these are some extremely interesting sounding amplifiers. They are so freaking warm sounding in comparison to the Kismet amps. I called Klaus and asked him a few questions and this is the only amplifier he has ever built like this - it uses dual Symphonic Line transformers, NOT Plitron... so that is interesting...

Needless to say I am pretty impressed so far...

[dorokusai]

I think it's time to move above and beyond Odyssey Trey. It's pretty easy to do, just open your eyes a bit more and cut that ulimibilical cord you have with Klaus. Beings he knows you'll hustle right back here and gush about anything he makes for you, it's not surprising he would be "willing" to meet your price point.

[audiocr381ve]

I think it's time to move above and beyond Odyssey Trey. It's pretty easy to do, just open your eyes a bit more and cut that ulimibilical cord you have with Klaus. Beings he knows you'll hustle right back here and gush about anything he makes for you, it's not surprising he was "willing" to meet you price point.

Straight up.

Get some Bryston so I can live vicariously through you, please!

[VR3]

Klaus didnt build these - I took these on trade from the gentleman that bought my amplifiers...

I was going to try the Monos suggested in this thread - by Mr. Poon! But the guy who bought my monos dropped these in my lap and the deal was far to good to pass up...

[Serendipity]

Just a suggestion -

Have you considered building your own? You seem like a DIY'er, grab a free (demo) copy of PSpice or Electronics Workbench and draw up your own design. Or start by building on an existing / working design. With some effort, you could do much better for $1k. I'm experimenting with several designs in CAD right now.

[FTGV]

Just a suggestion -

Have you considered building your own? You seem like a DIY'er, grab a free (demo) copy of PSpice or Electronics Workbench and draw up your own design. Or start by building on an existing / working design. With some effort, you could do much better for $1k. I'm experimenting with several designs in CAD right now.Ahhh if were only so simple.

[Serendipity]

Never said it was simple. In fact, I've put about 70-80 hours into one and it still needs a lot of work.

But after all is said and done, I can honestly say that DIY is a lot of fun!

[VR3]

Ill pass on building - I dont think I could buy the chasis and the trannies for what I have in my amps right now