Anyone at home at Krell?


No one answers the phones, all the voice mailboxes are full, no one responds to emails. Anyone know what is going on?

hootyboo

All, This is great news and the best news all summer.  My KSA200 has been there since the end of March for repair and I was not sure I was going to get it back. I emailed the service email above and it didn't get bounced back.  With the old one that is all I got.  I can't wait for them to get back up and running to fix my amp.  I now have a little faith.

To our valued customers, we’re excited to share that Krell Industries is preparing to begin the process of reopening.

As part of this transition, we’re moving to a new cloud-based platform to enhance your experience with us. In the meantime, we’re experiencing some technical issues with our primary website and emails.

Please visit our new site at Krell.industries (yes, .industries – no extra TLD) for updates.
For any inquiries, reach out via the following emails:

Info@krell.industries
Sales@krell.industries
Service@krell.industries
Support@krell.industries
While we’re operating on limited capacity, responses may take a little longer, and we appreciate your patience as we work through these changes.

Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to serve you again soon. Stay tuned for more updates!

#KrellReopening #HighEndAudio #KrellIndustries #CustomerUpdate #StayTuned

@rcg412 Congrats on the KSA i400. That amp must be incredible given how good the lower end Duo XD are (on the KRELL scale).

 

 

+1, I agree the ongoing disinformation about Krell is unwarranted. The company is currently facing very serious challenges but has committed to honoring all existing orders and repair requests (I hope). Any new orders probably will experience delays.

It is crucial to allow Krell the necessary time to stabilize and regain its footing in the market, as they are known for their quality and dedication to customer service. Patience will be key as they work through these issues.

Obviously, this is not an easy process and takes time. I wish their communication with their customers was better but that is another issue.

 

I Am Running a new KSA i400…. It’s one of the best amps I have heard, preferred it to D’ag momentum.  Next step for warmth would probably be tubes (VAC?)
 

All the disinformation on this forum is getting ridiculous. Give the company some time to get back on its feet. 

Post removed 

@mattmiller The new Krell stuff is nothing like that. I had all McIntosh amps at one time. MC501(3) and MC252(2). McIntosh changed its sound. Krell did too. I think the XD Krell stuff is not as bright as the newest McIntosh stuff but with more dynamics. Imaging that. It’s not harsh at all. I have McIntosh XR200 speakers. My Krell Duo 300 XD has those speakers tight and dynamic. McIntosh could bump the big bass but not the microdynamics like Krell XD.

George Meyer Audio in Los Angeles can repair KRELL gear. I sent mine there instead of shipping across the country for a minor repair. Mine was under warranty too but Meyer was recommended by KRELL to avoid the shipment.

@bulldogger I agree on your sentiment on the Duo XD lineup. It is really some excellent gear. A shame I had to sell the Duo 175XD to raise cash. I owned the K-300i integrated too and that was a very fine integrated amp (the first Duo XD).

FWIW I never liked the Dry sound of Krell and the fact they ran in class A (very very HOT) and burned up after 10 years of use , not my kind of equipment.

I tend to like that type of sound. However, the new Dou XD is ultra smooth (buttery smooth is how I think of it) and I was very surprised that I liked it so much. A very captivating listen I would listen for over 8 hours every day in my home office and did not want to turn the system off. It also did not run warm since it used an iBias technique to produce Class A sound.

And we have to hear about it through Audiogon?

 

FWIW I never liked the Dry sound of Krell and the fact they ran in class A  (very very HOT) and burned up after 10 years of use , not my kind of equipment.

@piebaldpython I owned 20k of electronics from California Audio Labs when they went under 20 years ago. With the help of the former product director, I was able to set up an outside repair service. It took some work but it happened. Getting the schematic for the big Cal Audio MCA2500 amp was the final step. I haven’t given up yet on Krell. The Cal amp sold for decent prices, years after Cal closed because it could be repaired. That is the top priority if the company goes under.

If they do go belly up hopefully, if they are not already available readily, they give up all the intellectual property like schematics and so on so every stand a good chance of fixing everything up down the road. I'm sure that is worth money so maybe a new, large scale repair facility pops up afterward owned by a previous employee(s)

@soix I was just seeking recommendations for myself. No insults intended. I MAY SWITCH. You are helping me greatly. I have just taken over leadership of of an organization. The previous leadership poorly managed the finances, and I am tasked with solving these problems. Though I've just taken the job, I'll be the "they" and saddled with all the previous person, lady, did. So, everything the previous owners did, even though "they" may have not have even heard of the company is seen as a continuous entity, though it is not. Insightful. Can you say who the "they" is that is leaking information? Are the heirs part of all this bad services and poor management, or at the least leaking?

If anything, I have said makes you angry, pause. Consider that I consider from my point of view, these as honest logical questions. I have never met you. I obviously don't understand how passionate you are. I am not that passionate about Krell. I am happy with the Krell stuff but could sell tomorrow if given a recommendation for something as good, meaning the ability to do large scale movements with power and authority, AND the part were other amps I have owned could not do, dynamic micro-dynamics like piano keystrokes. A lot of amps can give you the big power surges like bass but can't control the stuff that's "inside" those surges.

Anyone would be upset after what has happened. However, it’s not Krell, It’s the legal process. The owner passed so there was no, "them" to let their customers twist in the wind. Just curious as what brand you are moving?

@bulldogger They’ve been leaking out statements on some Facebook page for weeks, so the legal defense holds no water whatsoever. As for implying I’m “moving” anything — no, and I resent the implication. I have no dog in this fight and hold Krell products in high regard, but this was a total fail as has been their handling of customer service before this as recounted by the experiences of several Krell customers here. I’m glad you’re happy with your Krell stuff, but there are plenty of as good or better options out there that don’t all but completely alienate their loyal customer base (or potential future customers) through absolutely inexcusable communication and/or awful product support. Poor past service and customer support combined with even less great prospects going forward is not a great recipe for future success in my book, but if you or anyone else wants to keep rolling the dice on this crapshoot that’s absolutely your right. On top of that, there have been reports from a former employee who recently left the company of his own accord that the company is severely understaffed and is in trouble operationally, which take it for what it’s worth but on top of everything else is a really bad sign. I could name 10 brands off the top of my head that are more than competitive with Krell products who actually respond to their customers and service their products in a reasonable amount of time, so Krell is a dinosaur of a company IMHO and sadly will likely go under in the not-too-distant future due to their own mismanagement and nothing more. I honestly really hope they don’t because they have a storied past and by all accounts can still offer some very interesting and competitive components, but I wouldn’t bet on them nor buy their products because there are just better-managed businesses out there with outstanding products that I’d rather support than this self-inflicted mess at Krell. They reap what they sow.

@soix . Anyone would be upset after what has happened. However, it's not Krell, It's the legal process. The owner passed so there was no, "them" to let their customers twist in the wind.

Just curious as what brand you are moving? The new Krell XD stuff gave me the dynamics I had been looking for and at the same time was non-fatiguing. I'd switch but it would have to be just as dynamic as Krell. The XD stuff is some really great work.  I don't plan to switch however but you know us audiophiles, upgrades are always on our minds.

Nice of them to let their existing customers twist in the wind for a couple months before bothering to release this.  Krell’s service was questionable before this unfortunate fiasco and doubt it’ll get better after this inexcusable PR disaster.  I for one will never own a Krell product after this, and good luck to those who do. 

I debated awhile back sending my  old amp back to them for refurbishing. Had an RA number and everything. Luckily, I never quite got around to sending it back. I feel for those whose equipment Krell is now holding.

 

My emails to Krell were not delivered.  It seems the krellhifi.com domain name cannot be found.  This is not good news. Please see returned emails below:

“Your message wasn't delivered to service@krellhifi.com because the domain krellhifi.com couldn't be found. 

Your message wasn't delivered to sales@krellhifi.com because the domain krellhifi.com couldn't be found”.

 

emails bounce back not a good sign 

Never a good sign, but krell the name is a foundation product line 

so while we wait finances come first , I have empathy for the workers 

from design to shipping these are real people 

we the end user are always disposable be it like it or not. 
as a teenager I bought Lafayette stuff 

company is long gone but products remain 

heck I bought used the very first receiver I owned 

rehabbing it now. 
I built a bunch of halfler , echo and heath kit 

all gone but products still here. 
playing a ML no 26 pre to a Krell ksa200b 

to a set of Maggie’s 1.6r 

things do go on. 
 

I found this info on the Internet that was posted by Wm.R. Kennedy Buhler (Wil) from Krell:

“KRELL THE LEADER IN AUDIO

ENGINEERING Subject: Update on Krell Industries Reopening Process

Dear Valued Dealers, Distributors, and Customers,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to provide an important update regarding the reopening of Krell Industries following the recentpassing of our beloved leader, Rondi D’Agostino. We have made significant progress over the past weeks in our efforts toresume operations. Our team has been working diligently to ensure that all aspects of the company are prepared to continue Rondi’s legacy of excellence.While we are much closer to reopening, we are still in the midst of the ongoing probate process, which is taking slightly longer than initially anticipated.

Please be assured that we are doing everything within our power toexpedite this process. We are confident that we will be able to complete it very shortly and resume full operations soon after. We understand the importance of this to your business, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time.

We are committed to keeping you fully informed as we move forward and will provide further updates as soon as we have more concrete information to share. Thank you for your continued support of Krell Industries. We look forward to working together again soon.

Warm regards,

Wm.R. Kennedy Buhler (Wil)

wkb@krell.industries

610 585 8838

https://www.avcat.jp/next/avnews/2024/08/30/update-on-krell-industries-reopening-process/

Well updated on 8-28 There will be an official email from krell very soon

Post on the Facebook Krell owners  section

I find once you lose your founder the employees who have been given instructions on what to do for  30 or 40 years are lost  and nothing gets done, that's what's happening here maybe. 

Spreading “misinformation” ????   Come on Krell, your silence is the problem!  How hard is it to update your voicemail message….   

Krell’s name is still worth a few dollars so I would be inclined to believe them when they say they will re-open and keep trying. Ripe for a takeover and flip to consumer gear like Luxman did in the late 80’s. That turned out a huge amount of profit then bust in no time. I do however know most businesses I have had experience with don’t recover from something like this, it’s only a death roll

Well that is the best information I have heard.  Lawyers.......  I hope you get to return to fix my ksa200s.  I miss it.

@ozzy - According to Willie Barnett, there are legal issues being handled in court, and Krell is expected to reopen once settled.  He also indicated that it is overdue now, and should be sometime soon.

I let Willie know I shared his thoughts above; he asked me to mention this:

“I would **STRONGLY** discourage people from driving out there to "look in the windows"!! YOU MAY VERY WELL BE ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING!! The Landlord has surveillance cameras all around HIS PROPERTY, and is within his rights to call the Police for any suspicious activity! PLEASE, DON'T!! All you will see is a dark, locked up place with nobody inside. That's it. I know it's hard, but **PLEASE** stay calm, remain patient! Once we RE-OPEN, we WILL start reaching out to customers! 🙂 Thank you! 🙂

Good people,

There is a page on Facebook titled “Krell Owners and Enthusiasts”.  The repair technician at Krell, Willie Barnett, is an active member, and posted the following; I’m sharing per his request:

“I've just been informed that there is some NEGATIVE commentary going on over in the "Augiogon" forum. I am already busy here, providing Tech Support to some folks and fellow TECHS in PM's, so I can't add more burden by joining THAT Group. (Which is not 100% Krell like this one.) If some of our good folks here could help out by clarifying misinformation over there, it would go a LONG WAY towards helping settle a difficult situation. If they have questions, ask them to come here, and I will do my best to answer. You are also always welcome to copy/paste or screenshot my posts, to share there. THANK YOU! :) The word I have now is that we SHOULD be hearing from the Court ANY DAY NOW. (They are overdue with their answer.)”.

There you have it; it is surely an unfortunate situation - but hopefully will be resolved in a positive manner, soon.

TD

 

 

Who is their top retail seller in the US? I’d think the dealer network, especially one that moved lots of product might have some information. Or a company they went and attended show with. Maybe not, sounds like lights out. Too bad always had my eye on these amps but never tried one.

 

Wiki says Dan is still there??? Also says the 2024 Kia has a Krell system in it. They must be selling with with an optional boom box at this point.

Just got off the phone with a Large  authorized Krell repair shop

They cannot reach them as well....

They seem to think the situation is in the attorneys hands.

Was there any reason to think that Krell was NOT a going concern before the bereavement? I’m genuinely asking, I do not know the answer.

@rooze I don’t mean to spread rumors, but on another thread someone mentioned he’d spoken to a former Krell employee who’d left fairly recently and did not say very positive things about Krell’s state of operations. It was bad enough that it stuck in my memory, and combined with how they’re handling the current situation I’d be very concerned if they had my equipment. They’re certainly behaving more like a company going down the toilet than one intending to be an ongoing concern. I know that after this debacle I’d never consider buying a Krell component. Damage done in my book, and it’s just sad all around.

 

Perplexity AI reports “After the passing of Rondi D'Agostino, Krell Industries is temporarily closed to allow the D'Agostino family and the Krell team to grieve. The company has announced that it will honor all existing orders and repair requests, although new orders or requests may experience delays of up to 30 days. Krell remains committed to upholding its legacy of excellence in high-end audio solutions and plans to resume normal business operations shortly”.    

I do not know if the above is true or not.  I wish Krell staff would say something.   I have no further info or explanation.   

 

I don't understand why the owner's passing shuts down the repair division of the company. Surely they had parts inventory of their own gear in stock and in house.

 

Are any of you guys near CT?

Is my 2,200 miles considered near?laugh

You beat me to it, you saved me time and effort. Thanks!

I have no real idea on the financial capabilities of Krell. From their BS of a couple weeks downtime until now is a strong signal they are done! I have been a Krell consumer for about 30 years and have enjoyed every piece of equipment I have had from them. I too, like many others, have equipment in for repair, no not the 30 year old stuff.

Whoever is in charge after Rondi’s passing has, in my opinion, managed to destroy overnight, Krell’s reputation. We can only hope that our equipment will be returned to their rightful owners.

I'm hoping some of you guys are being a bit hasty with your assessments and the talk of bankruptcy. Was there any reason to think that Krell was NOT a going concern before the bereavement? I'm genuinely asking, I do not know the answer.

I communicated with their service dept. back in June '24 and got a quick response and quote for repair to my KSA80.  I decided against sending it back to them, had I done so it would probably still be in a queue somewhere...

Anyway, an institution in the hifi world, let's hope they bounce back soon and y'all get your gear back.

 

@jkhallpa57 There might be a lot of people scrambling to get their items back if they do go bankrupt. It's not as if they will just send everything back to everyone. Lots of road trips! A company that goes bankrupt doesn't care about anything that will not legally affect them after they walk away so a pile of items in for repair is just stock for the bankruptcy official to start the auction if that is the way this goes. I'm sure the official will give notice to anyone that has items in for repair to come get them, they are not there to hurt people.

@jkhallpa57 , a landlord will not give you ANY Personal information on one of their tenants.