ARC sp9,Krell ksa250,Infinity Kappa8. Problems?


I have had the Infinity Kappa8 speakers for a bit over a year. They are in great shape. New midrange drivers etc. I liked them a lot,even with a blown Polydome. I have grown to love them since the repair. I was fortunate to buy them locally, along with a moderately high current amp, the Luxman M117(200 wpc), so I've been having a great time, listening every day.
This forum has kept me both enthused and informed for the past year. I bought a record cleaner. Thanks! I've had the Krell KSA-250 on my mind since the first time I searched the forums;The Audio Research SP-9 is similarly stuck in my mind. Since the SP-9 is the more affordable and available piece I hope to purchase one very soon. I have no doubt that I'll have a Krell within the next year or two.
Unless you all tell me not to go that route. I am looking for feedback,about this combination in general;Do the ARC and Krell "match"? I am also looking for input specifically about the sp-9;What should I expect from my system with the ARC/Luxman combo?
Moreso, I am very interested in the answers to questions I didn't know to ask. Looking forward.
manged3

Showing 1 response by 20yold8kappa

I am new to this forum, I have owned 8 Kappa`s for 20 years.
Many $ spent, went on amps for these speakers.I cannot however
speak of Krell, or AR. They were ( Carver TFM25, bi amped with Adcom GFA 555, Pre amp then was a Carver CT7) in all possible configurations. Then I made a complete trade For NAD Stuff. The best Preamp NAD made in 1992, I cannot remember the model#. Paired with 1 SINGLE Amp, The NAD 2200PE. It sounded much more Dynamic, and robust than the 2 amps previously mentioned. The salesman were I got this NAD stuff, made me promise to listen to this for 2 weeks, before he would sell me another 2200PE. With 2 2200PE amps I was actually Driving my Kappa`s with some authority.
Then I stepped into the TUBE Stuff.I Bought Cary Audio.
(2) CAD 40m Mono blocks, with an SLP 90 TUBE Preamp.Only 40 watts per side,but MASSIVE TRANSFORMERS. I could Drive them,
with the same, if not more authority, but the Beauty of the timbers, and ringing of guitar strings on this invisible soundstage took on a new and totally impressive (GOOSE BUMPS)sound. I Paid around $3600 for the 3 Cary pieces. This set-up was by FAR the Best My KAPPA`S ever sounded. And I am a very critical listener. I Guess, I am suggesting that you try some TUBE stuff, before your purchase.I am not condeming solid state equipment, but an A vs B comparison is not valid in high end audio. I had Great salesmen back in the mid 90s, that let me listen for a couple weeks, before any transaction was made. Just my 2 cents.