Krell S300i Integrated Amplifier

Lsi9
Lsi9 Posts: 616
edited March 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Hey all,

I am thinking about going two channel and doing it with the Krell S300i Integrated Amplifier, I am not seeing it on the Krell website, I guess because it is new...anyway I am looking for opinions on Krell in general.

http://www.audiojunkies.com/blog/1577/krell-s300i-integrated-amp

Krell-S300i-integrated-amplifier-home-audio.jpg

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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited January 2009
    I have Integrated 400xi to drive my 2 channels. I've been very happy with it.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited January 2009
    Thanks PT... is that the Cremonas? Do you know anything abot the S300?

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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited January 2009
    other than what you've might already know: 300 watts/ch @ 4ohms. MSRP $2500 (which is the same as the 400Xi) Newer technology (obviously) and you're right, too new that it doesn't even exist on their website.

    Audiogon might have more info on this. Sorry...

    here is one of the owner on Agon wrote:

    1-11-09: Dave_b
    I have a S300i which replaced my 400xi. As the unit has broken in it's capabilities have become clear. It is definately superior to the 400xi and the older 300i. The S300i is more open, focused and holographic. Dynamic gradations are more pronounced with a wonderfully vibrant and fleshed out midband. Bass is as killer as ever. Neutrality is the rule here vs the 400xi's warmer take on things (the 300i was quite fat and overly ripe). The S300i uses an evolution based class A preamp stage combined with a higher current/wider bandwidth designed output stage. The new toroidal is encased for greater isolation..a nice touch. The remote is massive and fully functional. The bottom line is that if you have heard the new evolution gear and wished you could afford that sound, you will get a very large serving of that sound with the S300i. In fact, in a system with 89db or higher efficiency speakers, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference. All you need is a great CDP and some equally great cables and you have will have a state of the art system:)
    Dave_b (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited January 2009
    Thanks!

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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited January 2009
    I would urge you to listen first. Dave_B from Audiogon is a notorious fan boy once calling the Krell 400XI the best Krell ever made dollar for dollar. His endorsements are over the top at the best of times. Strange how the Krell 400XI has been pushed aside and is treated like dirt since this new amp has come into play...

    I would look into picking up a Krell 400XI used depending on what speakers you wanted to drive.
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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited January 2009
    Thanks Lush...The fact that you and PT go with Krell says alot to me.

    Do you think these Krell integrated amps can nicely drive low efficiency speakers? say 87db

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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited January 2009
    Funny the 300i just went up an hour or so ago


    http://www.krellonline.com/pdf/KRELL-s-300i-techsheet.pdf

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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited January 2009
    I'm perfectly happy with my somewhat dated KAV-300i- handles the LSi9's just fine. I mentioned this before, but the 300 watts in to 4 ohm was a bit dubious w/ the KAV-300i power supply, but they seem to have rectified this with the S300i.
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    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited January 2009
    Zero wrote: »
    Hello LSi9,

    The answer hinges upon a few things:

    A) If you dig the Krell sound
    B) If you will dig that particular Krell component
    c) What speakers you plan on driving and whether or not they perform well with Krell (or that model of Krell).

    Hopefully you will have the opportunity to 'try before you buy'. As for testimonials/reviews; they are little more than one man's opinion. My advice? If something read's as over-the-top, odds are you shouldn't invest your hard earned cash on that persons word.

    I'm sure the Krell sound's good. They don't make junk. That said, I sure prefer the looks of the older Krell 400 xi.


    I think I might go with Salk audio (not sure which yet) but they are somewhat low efficient. I like the idea of an integrated amp over separates
    I have found myself using the HT less and less, so my aim is better 2 channel

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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,195
    edited January 2009
    We have Krell and the Intergraded on the floor. If you live close enough, you could come in, bring your own speakers and listen. I can get you a good deal on one if you like it.

    Personally I really like it. I have heard it with Thiel , Magnapans and Anthony Gallo. I want to put some Paradigm S2's on it as well as some Revel F32's. I'm really digging the Revels, one of if not my favorite speaker we carry.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • 285exp
    285exp Posts: 43
    edited January 2009
    polkatese wrote: »

    1-11-09: Dave_b
    I have a S300i which replaced my 400xi. As the unit has broken in it's capabilities have become clear. It is definately superior to the 400xi and the older 300i. The S300i is more open, focused and holographic. Dynamic gradations are more pronounced with a wonderfully vibrant and fleshed out midband. Bass is as killer as ever. Neutrality is the rule here vs the 400xi's warmer take on things (the 300i was quite fat and overly ripe). The S300i uses an evolution based class A preamp stage combined with a higher current/wider bandwidth designed output stage. The new toroidal is encased for greater isolation..a nice touch. The remote is massive and fully functional. The bottom line is that if you have heard the new evolution gear and wished you could afford that sound, you will get a very large serving of that sound with the S300i. In fact, in a system with 89db or higher efficiency speakers, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference. All you need is a great CDP and some equally great cables and you have will have a state of the art system:)
    Dave_b (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

    Open, focused and holographic? Fat and overly ripe? Is this a wine review or has he just been drinking a lot?
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited January 2009
    I had the 300i, I thought it was a pretty swell item.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,622
    edited January 2009
    I find the S300i titillating :eek:
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  • musicalsound
    musicalsound Posts: 3
    edited March 2009
    How long does it take for the S-300i to break in and open up?
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  • 285exp
    285exp Posts: 43
    edited March 2009
    10 minutes ought to about do it.
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  • seafire
    seafire Posts: 459
    edited March 2009
    mantis wrote: »
    We have Krell and the Intergraded on the floor. If you live close enough, you could come in, bring your own speakers and listen. I can get you a good deal on one if you like it.

    Personally I really like it. I have heard it with Thiel , Magnapans and Anthony Gallo. I want to put some Paradigm S2's on it as well as some Revel F32's. I'm really digging the Revels, one of if not my favorite speaker we carry.
    I would agree with all above posts and take up mantis on his offer!.If you live in another area find a reputable local dealer who allows you to hook up your own speakers and source and take it from there! Good luck and enjoy and dont forget to share your findings with us audio buddies:D
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited March 2009
    It should be noted that Dave_B from Audiogon sold his S300i citing he liked his 400xi better only after a few weeks. He then suggested the new units were made in China and were accidents waiting to happen. I would urge you to listen. Take little or nothing from what you've read on the internet. You will only get more confused, and learn nothing.
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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited March 2009
    I actually went w/ a Pathos Logos and I am glad I did, thanks!

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  • CRESCENDOPOWER
    CRESCENDOPOWER Posts: 153
    edited March 2009
    Most Krell amplifiers lack resolution, and bass dynamics.

    POST#8:D
    Buy Polk ****!:D

    http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/assets/image/12222003154728.jpg
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited March 2009
    CRESCENDOPOWER:

    I'm curious what Krell amplifiers you've listened to as Krell's biggest strengths are the two areas you have suggested they lack. Krell amplifiers have a long storied history of providing industry leading dynamics in the low end with incredible resolution in the upper registers.

    Suggesting most Krell amplifiers lack in bass dynamics really makes one wonder about your credibility.
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  • musicalsound
    musicalsound Posts: 3
    edited March 2009
    Lsi9 wrote: »
    I actually went w/ a Pathos Logos and I am glad I did, thanks!

    My Pathos Logos (4 yrs old) had some problem with high level XLR input from my more recent Marantz SA-7S1 - one of the reason for looking for a newer amplifier - Krell S-300i. Not sure if you had any problem in this area.

    So far, the Logos seems to have more transparency and present, more on the lean side where the Krell has a fuller sound with very powerful low end. They both seems to be very detail but the Krell's high end seems to be more rounded/rolled off - hence less transparent.

    I don't think the krell has fully open up yet though so will do a more detail comparison later on.
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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited March 2009
    curious as to why you would go from a PL to a Krell 300? seems like less than a lateral move

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  • musicalsound
    musicalsound Posts: 3
    edited March 2009
    Lsi9 wrote: »
    curious as to why you would go from a PL to a Krell 300? seems like less than a lateral move

    Always been interested to experience a Krell within my home setup and the 300i being made in China, made it more affordable and seems like a bargain - I'm sure it will cost a lot more if it is made in the states.

    The Krell has some good recent review and I'm driving a pair of Martin Logan Vantage. Thought it couldn't be that bad - so decided to compare for myself.
    http://www.absolutesounds.com/index.php?page=press_view&article_id=282
    http://www.absolutesounds.com/index.php?page=press_view&article_id=280

    The other option I was considering is the Pass Labs INT-150 which cost more then double http://www.passlabs.com/images/integrated/int-150_images.htm

    I wonder how the Krell compares to Pass Labs. Any experience out there?

    I shall do more detail listen over the next few weeks and decide.
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