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Forte Audio Threshold Model 3 or Odyssey Stratos

Hi all. I'm the proud owner of a Forte Audio (Threshold) Model 3, which is a fine Nelson Pass design producing 200 wpc into 8 ohms with a high Class A bias. I love the sound; no SS glare and beautiful highs/mids. It may be a bit bass challenged, or it may just be that my Meadowlark Audio Shearwater "Hotrods" just don't hit their reported 35hz. Another concern is that the Forte runs hot as Georgia asphalt. In any event, the amp is 20 years old, and I'm wondering if I'll see any impovement with a newer amp, such as the Odyssey Stratos. I've read the wonderfull reviews about Klaus and his Odyssey amps, and I'm the kind of person who just can't (or won't) spend a lot for equipment. I have a chance to grab a pristine Stratos for $500 including shipping. I don't think it has the 120,000 uf mods, but I've heard the Stratos is remarkable even in stock form. Learned opinions welcome!!
klipschking
koiman
51 posts
 
Elizabeth,
What are you running as a power amp with you new Audio Research Sp-15
jallen
502 posts
 
Replace the caps with good ones like v-caps or Mundorf, or Rel Theta or RT Styrenes. I prefer the Forte 1A or model 4, in pure clss A. I tried the Odysssey and it is OK, but not tubes or Class A. Try the 1A or 4, and you might be surprised....
klipschking OP
80 posts
 
Talked to Klaus Bunge at Odyssey Audio today, and he seems to think the Stratos will be a noticible step up. Klaus is known for his honesty and frankness, so I'm looking forward to hooking it up. He offers a 120,000 uf cap upgrade that most folks think worthwile. I'll post an update once I make the comparison. Anyone else out there who has owned both?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
02-06-09: Klipschking
Talked to Klaus Bunge at Odyssey Audio today, and he seems to think the Stratos will be a noticible step up.

That's funny. What did you expect him to say? That what you own is better than the amp he sells?

Klaus builds a very nice product, and he is an exceptionally good salesman.
klipschking OP
80 posts
 
Tvad: According to posts left by others, Klaus has actually told potential buyers that his products would not be an improvement in some instances. Given that he didn't stand to benefit from this sale, I give his opinion some creedence. My purpose in calling him was to ask about upgrades; the comparison question was an afterthought. Do you have any reason to disagree with his opinion?
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