Best Krell amp for the $
kelley
Posts: 287
So many different Krell amps out there. What is a good 2 channel amp that wont require a mortgage?
SDS-400, SDA-1B, SVS 20-39pc+, B&K Ref 50, Denon 2900
Post edited by kelley on
Comments
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The newest Krell KAV400xi is really nice and the most affordable current model Krell amp out there:
http://www.krellonline.com/html/m_KAV_p_KAV400xi.html
and a review:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0104/krellkav400xi.htm
I recently had the oppurtunity of demoing a Plinius 9200 and a Krell KAV400xi in my home. I preferred the Krell hands down and almost immediately. The Plinius, although a good amp, sounded too "polite" for me. Kind of dry and lean sounding compared to the Krell which had a lot more body, detail, drive, and attack.
I decided to purchase the Krell after the in home demo. You will have to still be careful what you mate it with though as it is very revealing. Sounds excellent on my LSi and Spendor speakers. Really wakes up the LSi line.
Retail is $2,500 but you can find them on Agon for less than $2,000.
Paul -
Kelley,
What's the budget or dollar limit ? -
Thanks for the replies. Budget wise I'd like to stay under $2000 used.SDS-400, SDA-1B, SVS 20-39pc+, B&K Ref 50, Denon 2900
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That's a tough dollar limit w/Krell's ...
The KAV's will for the most part be in range but unfortunately most of the older and IMHO clearly better KSA's will be out of range as will of course the newer FPB's.
If Krell is what you want in that price range, I'd keep my eyes open for a KMA/KSA/KST that falls under or near your limit ... I do not know much about the Krell integrated's
Here are a couple from Audiogon that are or were close ...
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1097351588
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1097174189
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1097551210 -
The KAV250A is a fine Krell amp that typically sells used for about $1600.
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Krell is REALLY a nice amp, but for the money the Sunfire is good, too. Runs alot cooler and sure makes my SDA's happy!Main System: Polk SDA SRS 1.2 Speakers, Sunfire Signature 600~two Amp, Carver C-16 Preamp, Carver TX-11b Tuner, Marantz 6350Q TT, Philips CDR-775 Recorder, Teac V-707RX Cassette Deck, Signal Cable Double Run Speaker Cable
Upstairs Den: Marantz 2325 Receiver, Marantz 5220 Cassette Deck, Marantz HD-880 Speakers, Marantz 6370Q TT
Exercise (Kabuki speaker) Room: Kenwood KR-9600 Receiver, Pioneer CS-99a Speakers, Sansui SP-X9000 Speakers (not pretty, but LOUD! )