Various kinds of household appliances produced in the USSR, in terms of functionality and design, of course, were inferior to modern models. However, in terms of build quality, the Soviet devices that are manufactured today are often even superior. Some of these older devices still work well to this day. This concerns, for example, and musical amplifiers "Odyssey." Many of these Soviet models were inherited from fathers and even grandfathers. And they still enhance the sound with high quality and serviceability.
A little about the manufacturer
Amplifiers "Odyssey" were produced in Soviet times in Ukraine. The Radiopribor plant, which was engaged in their production, was located in Kiev. This enterprise was founded in the middle of the last century - in 1953 by decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Initially, its main specificity was the release of measuring instruments for the nuclear industry, which was rapidly developing in the country at that time.
Later, the plant mastered the production of other devices, which were also used in domestic conditions. These were, for example, voltmeters, wave receivers and, of course, Odyssey amplifiers. In 1974, the Kiev Production Association named after Queen. In addition to the Radiopribor enterprise itself, it included:
Research Institute of Measuring Equipment (Oster);
Mikron factory (Berezhany city);
non-standard equipment plant (Gorodenka);
microelectronics plant "Start";
KB of consumer goods;
Kiev Research Institute of Radio Materials.
In the 80s of the last century, the number of products manufactured by the enterprise reached 300 thousand. in year. In 1994, on the basis of the association, the joint-stock company Meridian im. Queen. Today, this company is a modern diversified enterprise specializing in the production of high-precision measuring equipment, amplifiers, frequency synthesizers, etc.
The very first Odyssey model
Amplifiers on the market Kiev factory "Radio device" began to supply since the 60s. The very first model, which simply deserved huge popularity among consumers, was the Odyssey-001 installation. Her plant began to be assembled in 1975. The stereo system “Odyssey” -001 was designed to amplify signals from piezo, microphones, tape recorders, pickups, etc.
The front panel of this innovative device at that time was made of silver metal. The case of the model was made of wood with plywood for valuable species. Tone control was carried out separately for each channel indicated by the letter "A" or "B". Today, Odyssey appliances are considered a rarity and are very much appreciated by music lovers. Many restore these devices, changing, for example, metal and paper containers for capacitors K73-17, K73-9, and use them later for their intended purpose.
Technical characteristics of the Odyssey-001 model
When developing this device, the specialists of the RadioPribor plant focused on the sound quality. The frequency range in this model is 20-20000 Hz. Also, the Odyssey-001 amplifier is distinguished by the following technical characteristics:
maximum input power - 2x30 W / 4 Ohms;
high-frequency tone adjustment ranges - 14 dB;
low - 13 dB;
power consumption - 135 W;
model weight - 6.5 kg;
the dimensions of the amplifier are 122x394x257 mm.
Structurally, this model is a compact unit. The device control panel is located in front. There are additional buttons and levers on the side wall. An explanatory inscription is provided for each control.
Inside the Odyssey-001 amplifier case there are chassis with printed circuit boards fixed to them: a power supply unit, a stereo / mono switch, and a thermal compensation circuit. Like any other production model of the Radiopribor plant, the Odyssey-001 can be used not only to actually enhance the sound, but also to filter it, that is, to improve.
Consumer Reviews
Of course, the state of the old Odyssey-001 models, inherited by modern music lovers, usually leaves much to be desired. However, many craftsmen, as already mentioned, quite successfully restore these devices. As a result, judging by the reviews, we get amplifiers with much better sound quality than many imported models, including European ones.
Broadcasts music "Odyssey" -001 is good enough. However, many Web users do not recommend hanging too many tools on it. This often affects the overall picture of sounding negatively. In principle, this can be done. But in this case, 001 amplifiers usually require very serious and expensive modifications.
Description of the Odyssey-002 model
The radio plant began to supply this device to the market in 1980. This stereo device belongs to high-end models. The Odyssey-002 stereo amplifier is designed to transmit low-frequency signals from any electronic equipment. Among other things, this model provides the ability to connect a tape recorder for recording from all varieties of such sources.
This amplifier is assembled on a metal frame. Like the Odyssey-001 model, its front panel is made of aluminum. The top cover of the appliance is veneered. The device can work both in the "mono" mode, and "stereo" or "reverse".
Technical characteristics of the Odyssey-002 amplifier
The quality of this model, despite the fact that it was developed back in Soviet times, is actually very good. Amplifier 002 is characterized by the following technical characteristics:
rated input power - 2x20 W;
frequency range - 20-20000 Hz;
background level - 70 dB;
power consumption - 135 watts.
This amplifier weighs a little more than the Odyssey-001 - 8.5 kg. Its dimensions are 300x448x128 mm.
Odyssey-002 Control Panel: Buttons
Using these amplifiers is actually very convenient. According to many consumers, the old Odyssey models are not particularly good for professionals, of course. However, for fans just to listen to loud music, they can be an ideal option. Moreover, you do not need to have any special knowledge to use them. All buttons on the Odyssey amplifiers are signed. In model 002 they, for example, are located as follows:
“Network” - voltage on / off;
voltage indicator;
power button for headphones (headphones);
"Sound" - enable / disable.
Next in the row are seven buttons: noise reduction, turning on the linear frequency response, stepwise adjustment of the bass, treble and sound, turning on mono, reverse. On the right side of the panel there are 7 more buttons: 5 keys of the “input” switches (amplification program), 1 - control of magnetic recording and 1 - loudness.
Above on the control panel of the Odyssey-002 amplifier there are knobs-regulators:
LF;
Midrange;
Treble;
noise reduction;
balance;
volume.
On the left in the same row are two output indicators. On the back of the device below there is a voltage switching button (220/127 V). Nearby is the ground connector. Above are the outputs of the right and left channels. Between them there is a voltage switch (connection of a preliminary amplifier is possible). On the other hand, on the rear panel there are inputs for a tape recorder, pickup, TV / radio, microphone.
Amplifier Consumer Reviews
The opinion of music lovers about this device, as well as about the Odyssey-001, was not bad. Even the design of this model, many consider it quite worthy. Also, the advantages of the Odyssey-002 amplifier include:
the presence of durable metal handles;
ease of repair (there is practically nothing to break in these models);
the presence of high-quality adjustable UWB.
The sound this device gives is not too strong. But in this parameter, judging by the reviews, such models as Vega and Idol are superior. Many home masters, who decided to restore and improve the Odyssey-002 amplifier, are surprised that in its "stuffing" there are even microcircuits and KT805 at the output. The music lovers consider the weaknesses of this model to be too weak, not especially high-quality boards.
Description of the Odyssey U-010 model
It was this amplifier that used in Soviet times among music lovers with the greatest popularity . This model is intended for two-channel amplification of low-frequency signals. The front panel of the Odyssey U-010 is aluminum . Its top cover is painted black and has many ventilation windows. The knobs of the amplifier are made on discrete regulators. At the bottom of the model there is an additional cover giving access to the boards from the solder side. RadioPribor began to produce this model in 1984.
Technical characteristics of the Odyssey U-010 device
This device is considered to be the best model of the Radiopribor plant for good reason. Specifications Odyssey U-010 amplifier has the following:
rated power - 2x50 W at a load of 8 ohms;
output power - 2x85 W;
frequency range - 20-25000 Hz;
weight - 14.5 kg;
dimensions - 395x460x136 mm.
Customer Reviews on Installation
The opinion of music lovers about this model was just excellent. Amplifier "Odyssey" 010 transmits sound without distortion. Even with a heavy load, the model does not heat up at all. Cons of this device also include the strength of the case and ease of operation. In terms of the quality of the transmitted sound, this model is completely inferior to modern amplifiers. The design of the device, many music lovers also consider it worthy.
Some of the disadvantages of this device are only fairly large sizes and significant weight. Also, the disadvantage of the Odyssey 010 amplifier is the complexity of the circuit.
Model 100 U-021
This almost modern installation was produced by the RadioPribor factory since 1993. Designed device 100 U-021 for two-channel amplification. On each channel in this model, 8 transistors are provided. Also in the design of the amplifier is included just a huge and very heavy transformer, hard rocking speakers. This model consists of four functional blocks:
preamplifier;
power amplifier;
power supply unit;
switching device.
In the Odyssey 10 0 U-0 21 amplifier , among other things, there are functions such as tone, volume, balance, loudness, mixing, etc.
Model Specifications
The Odyssey 100U 021 amplifier is also notable for the fact that it provides protection against output short circuit. The technical characteristics of the model are as follows:
frequency range - 10-40000 Hz;
output power - 2x100 W;
harmonic distortion - not more than 0.007%;
power consumption - 450 W;
weight - 14 kg;
dimensions - 375x430x110 mm.
Reviews on the amplifier "Odyssey" 100 U-021
The technical characteristics of this device are thus excellent. However, this model is considered quite rare among consumers from Russia. Not many music lovers are its lucky owners. The same consumers who have it have only good reviews about it. Until now, the Odyssey 021 amplifiers can be purchased not only with hands, if desired. In some cases, they are bought with new ones - from the warehouse of the Meridian plant.
Since this model is really very high quality and the sound makes it pleasant and clean, many Russian music lovers even order its delivery from Ukraine to their friends living in this country. Most consumers attribute this device to at least the fourth generation of modern amplifiers.
User's manual
The design of all Odyssey devices is well thought out. It is therefore very convenient to use them. Next, for an example, consider what the instruction manual for the most popular Udyssey U-010 model is. Preparation for operation of this amplifier is as follows:
the power plug of the sound source device is inserted into the outlet located on the rear panel:
speakers are connected to the terminals of the device, according to the inscriptions;
the “inputs” switch knob is set to the position corresponding to the selected type of work;
The plug of the power cord is plugged into an outlet;
the volume knob is set to its initial position.
The procedure for working with the Odyssey 010 amplifier is as follows:
the model is turned on by pressing the "Network" button;
“AS-1” speaker system is switched off by pressing a button;
set the required volume by adjusting the corresponding lever;
necessary balance and timbre values are selected by pressing the corresponding buttons.
A stepwise decrease in volume in this model by 3 or 10 times is provided by pressing the “-10 dB” and “-3dB” buttons, respectively. The left channel to the right channel of the Odyssey 010 Hi Fi amplifier can be switched using the reverse button.
Features of repair of the U-010 model
Failures in this amplifier can occur due to the failure of both elements of the electrical circuit and mechanical. In the latter case, the external examination method is usually used. In this case, problems such as, for example, wire breakage, circuit board shortages, etc. can be identified. During the inspection, it is worth checking, among other things, the strength of the rations.
All elements on the boards and wire connection points in the Odyssey U- 010 amplifier are marked. Replace any radio parts, of course, only with the device turned off.
If, through an external examination, a malfunction in the device is not detected, proceed to the implementation of the measurement method. In this case, the problem chain is usually checked first. When repairing the device, it is impossible to allow the inclusion of IP with reverse polarity.
To troubleshoot the Odyssey U-010 amplifier, in addition to external inspection and measurement methods, the following can also be used:
Exception method. In this case, individual cascades are sequentially disabled in the device.
Replacement method. This technology involves the alternate replacement of distrusting circuit elements.
To determine the malfunction in the amplifier, therefore, you must first check it for mechanical damage. Next, it is worth measuring the voltage at the output of the PSU . You should also make sure that the current flows to the function blocks. At the next stage, the DC modes are checked. Then, all amplification units — KU, UM, PU — are inspected for signal transmission. In this way, a failed element is determined. After replacing it, make sure that the cascade or block is in good condition.
Service
One of the design features of the Odyssey U-010 stereo amplifier is the ability to replace fuses without breaking seals. The procedure for conducting this operation with instructions for use is as follows:
the amplifier turns off and disconnects from the network;
the screw of the fuse cap holder is loosened;
is pressed all the way and the head of the holder turns to the left.
Next, the fuse should simply be pulled out. Installing a new item is performed in the reverse order.
Disassembly procedure
If repair is necessary, the Odyssey U-010 stereo Hi Fi amplifier will most likely need to be disassembled. Perform this procedure in the following sequence:
the cover is removed from the model;
the front panel is dismantled;
the back panel is removed;
dismantled KU, switchboard and PU;
UM and BP are removed.
The audio amplifier “ Odyssey” 010 is assembled in the reverse order.
Other Soviet good models
Thus, the Odyssey devices are really very high-quality equipment. And this is not surprising. In Soviet times, saving on materials was not accepted. Yes, and after all, the quality of assembly in the factories was, after all, monitored.
In addition to the Odyssey amplifiers, for example, Soviet models of such brands are also quite popular among music lovers:
- "Brig". Many consumers believe that in terms of softness and sound quality this old Soviet model is in no way inferior to the best tube amplifiers.
- "Corvette". This model is also praised for its high dynamics, as well as a wide range of reproduced frequencies. The disadvantages include a flimsy body.
- "Idol". These amplifiers are praised for the excellent wiring inside, good fuser, compactness. The disadvantages include the overestimation of RF.
- "Radio engineering". The advantages of these models include, first of all, excellent build quality. Their minus is considered a lot of weight. It is also quite difficult to choose speakers for these amplifiers.
- Lorta. The advantages of these models are ease of use, attractive appearance, convenience in terms of alterations.
Thus, the main advantages of all Soviet amplifiers, including the Odyssey, are ease of use, good build quality and the ability to get great sound. Buying an Odyssey or any other model made in the USSR will certainly be useful to a music lover. Moreover, such amplifiers are usually very inexpensive. For example, the price of the same Odyssey 002 is only about 350-500 rubles.