Well its the season and seems like I'm suffering from a bad case of upgraditis.

Anyways I've really been looking at getting some seperates for my current (and possibly future) setup. Right now my budget is around $1k but might go over if something really strikes my fancy. The only caveat is that it has to be in silver since all of my other components are in silver.

I've been looking hard at the Odyssey Stratos but something about it is fishy when the creator starts talking about amp break-in. Plus will leaving the Stratos on 24x7 make my electricty bill go through the roof?

So can everyone post some suggestions on what to buy? I've been considering the following: Odyssey, Parasound Halos, Rotel, NAD, Outlaw, Adcom, Crown, and some others. I'm really open to any and all suggestions you may have.

Monoblocks also look sexy. Those Outlaws that bugbitten has are nice but do they come in silver?

I know what you mean. Someone's danglin' a night crawler down in front of me. It doesn't look right. I mean, what's that shiny thing sticking out of it? Sure smells good. All wriggly and stuff. I just can't get that sinking feeling out of my head. Aw, what could it hurt? Just upgrade the EP350 1 step? What's the worst that could happen?

It sure made me feel a lot better after I ordered my EP500 today.

You can rule out NAD since I believe their separates as well as most of their products come in gray. Hope I am not mistaken.

The sub will be upgraded soon but I just wanna hear how seperates perform compared to my 2805.

Any suggestions on which brand/model to go with my M60s?

Well, I have to admit, the holidays (I'm reallly not trying to hyjack Christmas) are really a tempting time. As a matter of fact I ordered a pair of 3ti's for my home
office two days ago. This will finally complete my 3 room makeover. At least for a while. I'm going to try to work these in to an office wall unit. Amie tells me this should work out ok. Others have said it might be problematic, but I decided to try it. If I don't like like the sound I will use them in my basement work shop or garage. Hell I might even just bring them into work and replace the crap I have in there. I spend more time listening to music there than I do at home anyway.
reviewing my charge card bills,
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Funny thing about the M3s.....once upon a time, not long ago, in a galaxy....uh,...ours. There was a speaker!

Arguably the speaker that put Axiom on the World-w-w map, was the much loved and never complaned about M3.

OK, not everyone loves it, but nobody dosen't like it!! Neutral enough to be honest, but smooth enough not to annoy with its' honesty.

I mentioned last night how, while sitting near the left rear channel; my M3 surrounds did an amazing job of portraying the sound a railroad in operation!! They were incredible! It was just like my memories of being on a train traveling over the tracks and thru the switches back in the 60s!! These babies put out a ton of accurate sound and go remarkably low-I have them crossed at 60 and they integrate with the sub(and my M50s)beautifully! Admittedly they don't have the full-bodied presence of a great set of floorstanders for up front duties, but for rear channel, or center channel, or a smaller space they are an impressive device indeed!

They may be a step down in size, but they certainly couldn't be accused of contributing to "downgraditis"

The Odyssey is a terrific amp.

I'm guessing your goal is to add a single two channel amp to your Denon? If so, you'd be hard pressed to find a better choice than the Odyssey. If you call Klaus, he'll often have B-Stock models available at ridiculously low prices.

I don't think for $1000, in silver, you are going to find what you are looking for!

I've been looking at upgrading for quite a while. It is tough to find "good" gear for $1000. Mandating silver makes it that much more difficult.

Sorry.

Spiff is right. The Odyssey is a fine piece of equipment. I've had mine for about four years and it has never skipped a beat. It is of very high quality and has no problem driving my inefficient Maggies and it looks pretty cool too. Sound wise, it is very clean and seems to have a very low noise floor.

You are also right about the "breakin". IMO, it is a very silly notion. I've never noticed any difference from the time I plugged it in to this day. If you can over look the BS about breakin, you won't be dissapointed in the Odyssey. It is not necessary to leave it on 27/7.

BTW, I think all of those other amps you mentioned would be fine choices as well. Its' just that I have expeirence with the Odyssey and I know how well built it is. And as goofy as the breakin sounds, Klaus (the creator) is always available by phone. In fact, amazingly everytime I've called he has answered the phone himself and if he wasn't available he has called back quickly. He never tries to push his products on you and he has given me very straight advice. He has a lot of very satisfied customers and his customer service rivals that of Axiom (IMO). To me, that alone is a huge factor in choosing a product. I hope I don't sound like a shill for Odyssey. I'm just very satisfied with the product and service.

Good luck with your search!