I heard my Lowther DX3 ML TL powered by a neighbor's Bryston 3BST and it blew me away. Much faster and more dynamic then my old Adcom. So I got the idea to upgrade.I started searching for two channel SS amps and preamps, very slim pickings since everything seems to be geared towards home theater. I looked at NAD and Rotel but felt they were not much better, maybe worse, then what I already had in the Adcom. I wanted the Bryston but the price tag is a little steep. I can afford the Bryston gear but just can not bring myself to pull the trigger. My wife does not care, she is sick of hearing about the topic.
I tried two TEAC A-L700P chip amps ($95 each) and liked the mids, highs, and total silence between tracks but the power was not there for the bass. I am using these now and have been putting off buying something else for months. I am intending to try amps these with an active crossover in yet another project I have on paper and no time to build.
I had seen the Odyssey Tempest and Stratos amps on the Internet and have received very positive feedback from a few owners, the Internet reviews are for the most part excellent. The cost is about half the Bryston units I really wanted. maybe not as good as the Bryston but probably close, the 30 day money back option makes this a very low risk approach.
So I am now in the final decision stage between these two brands. The months of May and June are really busy at home so I am not sure when I will go ahead and make a move. A good decision is a procrastinated decision!
Martin