Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2016 Show Report
Odyssey Audio
Report By Kemper Holt

  As I approach the Odyssey Audio room, shades of 1968 I'm hearing Iron Butterfly playing "In A Gadda Da Vida" on vinyl, and a psychedelic acid trip melting tie dye heartbeat projection behind the speakers is on the front wall, far out man. At the end of the long Friday, I stop by again and the near field front seat is vacant so I sit down. Klaus Bunge, who is Odyssey walks past muttering "now I'm playing what I want to hear", moments later Jim Morrison appears front and center singing "LA Woman", just fantastic with a live forceful drive that has everyone bopping.

Next up, Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" plays on the VPI Avenger turntable, the crowded room is silent until it's over, I hear "best song ever" from the back of the room, sums it up. From the near field position, there are no clues as to where the speakers are, just a wide and very deep soundstage, drum kits sound powerful and snappy, voices real, big dynamic swings, and a real connection to the music.

As usual, Klaus and Alex have a sensational sounding room at prices that are astoundingly affordable, read sane. I heard a couple of people ask if there was a subwoofer, that will give you an idea as to how good the system and room worked together. Klaus used his Kismet speakers ($4200 per pair), Khartago mono amps ($1995 per pair), Candela tube preamp ($1600), Suspiro phono stage ($1250), Groneberg cables, Odyssey Massive Rack, and GIK room treatments to complete a musically involving system that had me just wanting to stay and listen to what Klaus was going to play next.

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