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Amplifier Decision - Audio Research vs Krell

Hi all,

I wanted to ask all the experts out here at Audiogon for their opinion before I make a purchase.

I have the big task of deciding to buy one of two amps:

Audio Research Classic 120 (both monoblocks of course)

or the

Krell KSA-250

I am torn between the two! Both are the same price and both are working perfect.

I have a Paragon 12 pre-amp. My speakers are Acoustic Research AR-7, but will probably change in the future.

I'd appreciate opinions and suggestions.

-d
andruzzo
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
ARC will be your best bet if you have any reservations about listener fatigue, or if you value transparency and imaging. ARC can be gorgeous, which is not to knock Krell, but ARC done right (right model in the right system) is magical. Good luck
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I am a very satsified Krell 400cx owner but in this particular case I agree the ARC will likely work best for you in this application. I am also a tube lover but I could not drive my Thiels with it. Happy listening.
morbius396c
134 posts
 
Andruzzo,

In general, you want to match the amp to the speakers; not
the other way around.

I think you need to nail down what your new speakers will be,
and then match the amp to those. Your new speakers may turn
out to be current/power hungry - for which you would want
something more akin to the Krell.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
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