Anyone heard of Odyssey Kismet Amp

[rimmi2002]

Hi,

I am looking to score a good deal on a used well-performing 2ch amp. I came across a local posting for an Odyssey Kismet 2ch amp, but I can't find much in terms of reviews on the company or equipment.

I went to their site, and they have an endearing story. Their business model is to deliver high-quality products at an affordable price. All products are hand made by the owner in his shop in Indiana. They offer a 20yr warranty like Bryston From the few user posts I’ve read, owners seem to be happy with the product. I wanted to check here if anyone has heard of the company or has any feedback on their amps.

Link to the particular amp for sale below:

https://odysseyaudio.com/kismet-reference-amplifiers/

 

[Zgrado1970]

The fact that they quoted a sixmoons review is reason, IMO, to look elsewhere.

 

[Palmer]

The fact that they quoted a sixmoons review is reason, IMO, to look elsewhere.

I tend to agree, it also seems people are selling these not long after living with it. I suppose if the price is right and it's a gamble, sure. But I have never had good experiences with products that got great reviews on sixmoons.

 

[Sharkdrive]

Hi,

I am looking to score a good deal on a used well-performing 2ch amp. I came across a local posting for an Odyssey Kismet 2ch amp, but I can't find much in terms of reviews on the company or equipment.

I went to their site, and they have an endearing story. Their business model is to deliver high-quality products at an affordable price. All products are hand made by the owner in his shop in Indiana. They offer a 20yr warranty like Bryston From the few user posts I’ve read, owners seem to be happy with the product. I wanted to check here if anyone has heard of the company or has any feedback on their amps.

Link to the particular amp for sale below:

https://odysseyaudio.com/kismet-reference-amplifiers/

I had an odyssey amp years ago, similar specs and looks to the one listed. Company went out of business so warranty was useless, front lights stopped worked, then it developed a buzz...YMMV

 

[denydog]

Odyssey Audio is still going strong as far as I know. Klaus does well for what is essentially a one man company (I think his wife helps out).

Now I can't really vouch for the following, but it's my understanding. The amplifiers are derived from the German Symphonic line. There was and still is a connection of some kind maybe. The amps use a single pair of power transistors, and the design is not too complex. What Klaus offers is many different configurations, from the size of the power supply capacitor bank, and size or number of transformers. He can mix and match among his offerings. He also offers different colors of case anodizing. What he offers is essentially a custom build, within his range of options. I've visited his room at several audio shows.

A friend bought a pair of Stratos Mono amps back around 2010 and has used them off and on since. I heard them in his system, which at the time included a very nice VPI turntable, lyra cartridge, Audio Research phono stage, and modified Magnapan 1.6 speakers. Played "Never Going Back Again" off Fleetwood Mac's album "Live" at a very high volume level. Wow! It sounded amazing.

So to end up, the friend last connected with Klaus at the 2024 Pacific Audio fest (I missed that one) where he went out to dinner Saturday evening with Klaus and his wife. He left with a plan for Klaus to build a pair of souped up amps for him, I think maybe the Kismet model. So Odyssey Audio has been around for quite a while, and while they aren't as well known as NAD, they are not unknown, and offer a personal touch that you aren't going to see from the big guys.

That being said, they aren't for me. I use the Benchmark amps which are the complete opposite philosophy of Odyssey.

 

[AcousticTheory]

If the price is right, it's an amp. I have heard more people than just 6moons say the Odyssey products are pretty good.

Maybe this is a piece of gear that Amir would like to test.

 

[rimmi2002]

Thank for the input everyone. The seller is giving the option to demo the amp. I'll try to do that next weekend. I can't really find any price info on this as well. Its 5 yrs old and seller has it listed for $900. The price for new is not listed online. In your opinion, what would be a fair price for unit.

 

[AcousticTheory]

Thank for the input everyone. The seller is giving the option to demo the amp. I'll try to do that next weekend. I can't really find any price info on this as well. Its 5 yrs old and seller has it listed for $900. The price for new is not listed online. In your opinion, what would be a fair price for unit.

That price doesn't seem bad if the condition is good. It's significantly less than the new price. It makes sense to take some money off the new price because of the thermal aging of components like capacitors, etc.

 

[Short38]

Check out the table of amplifier reviews on ASR. You should be able to find well reviewed amps at your price point and which will come with a warranty.

 

[Chrispy]

$900 for a used 160 wpc amp (8ohm) amp from a questionable maker? Meh, could do better new.

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

Been around long time. Comment alleging out of business and not honoring warranty is ridiculous. You can google company in 10 seconds to refute that libelous statement. Wonder why Magico praises these cheap amps.

 

[Chrispy]

Been around long time. Comment alleging out of business and not honoring warranty is ridiculous. You can google company in 10 seconds to refute that libelous statement. Wonder why Magico praises these cheap amps.

Even if they're still around to support old product, do they and what the hell is libelous?

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

Even if they're still around to support old product, do they and what the hell is libelous?

By saying out of business. You had to know that was false. If had warranty issue, just say so.

 

[Chrispy]

By saying out of business. You had to know that was false. If had warranty issue, just say so.

I said questionable maker, not out of business...you must know your statement was false?

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

I said questionable maker, not out of business...you must know your statement was false?

I apologize. I looked back at thread. Sharkdive made that statement. Everyone started piling on. Really stupid of me.

 

[Chrispy]

I apologize. I looked back at thread. Sharkdive made that statement. Everyone started piling on. Really stupid of me.

Then again their being able to be a viable responsive business could still be in question

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

I don’t own any products of company. Researched years ago. Old school business. Taken aback by Sharkbites statement. Company is botique with long lifespan. Don’t know business plan after owner retires or passes.

 

[Chrispy]

I don’t own any products of company. Researched years ago. Old school business. Taken aback by Sharkbites statement. Company is botique with long lifespan. Don’t know business plan after owner retires or passes.

Is there any particular saving grace for their products?

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

50% of small businesses close after first generation. 80% after second generation. A legitimate concern. Last electronic repairman in my town had to close down, and he was really good. I’m amazed that one authorized warranty repair center for major brands is a shotgun location in Frankfort, Indiana.

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

Amps are 2ohm stable. Stratos has 120 amp current delivery with 120,000 AuF memory. Not a speaker in the world could not control with authority. Of course, so could a Crown xls.