Odyssey Stratus or Parasound Halo A23?

sstark, I'm the original owner of a pair of M-200 monos since 92, they're in mint cond. I outfitted them with two pairs of cardas output posts on each amp and two Shunyata Mojave P/C's, they sound fantastic,..... even if I get new amps, I'm keep'n the B&K's, they're that good.

I agree with you. I have 2 sets of M200's and a 202plus and my son just bought a used M200. Their sound for the bargain price is unmatched. Pairing them with a tubed preamp AI and they really sing. Sadly, I just checked and saw none for sale on Audiogon or Ebay.

Stratos...much nicer amp in my opinion. I have Paradigms and the Stratos took my experience to a whole new level of detail.

Comparison of Stratus vs B&K monoblocks follow:
Objective Specifications:
Price: B&K Used $600-750; Stratus new $2150 used ?
Power rating: B&K 200W; Stratus 180W
Amp output B&K 150; Stratus 120
Damping B&K 750;Stratus 800
Weight: about same. Robust transformer power supply.
Drive load impedance: B&K 1 ohm; Stratus ?unknown. B&K can drive any load.

Subjective Listening:
B&K most tube like SS I have ever heard.

With the price so low the B&K is a remarkable bargain. However with e-mails and forum posts like this its price may rise?

My personal experience with B&K amps are excellent. I currently own a 3 channel B&K.

A friend of mine has B&K monos and they are excellent. BUT, I feel my Stratos Stereo amp (cap upgrade) still sounds better (although our system synergies may be different). They are very conservatively rated at 180w and have a 20 year transferable warranty! You can also buy, listen for 30 days and return it if you are unsatisfied! You can even call Klaus on his phone and guess what?...he'll pick it up and actually talk to you! He even gives unbiased advice! Ack! Can this be true? Why yes it can!

If possible, listen to your candidates. If not, buy something you can return for a full refund. If buying used, you can always turn around and sell it for what you paid for it (assuming you don't get ripped off).