Best sounding Krell ?


Let's say I had $4k for a power amp. and was looking at used Krell power amps. Which Krell would you consider the best sounding of all the different models in the last 10 years? Of course this is all subjective but based on midrange, bass and all the other attributes we audiophools crave.
audiogabby

Showing 4 responses by sonofjim

I have a FPB 600 that I've been using with BAT tubed preamps for about 10 years now. It's always been a wonderfully lively and dynamic combination. Negative opinions on Krell products have prompted me to audition many amps in that time in search of an "upgrade". Most recently, I heard the highly reguarded Ayre MX-R(admittedly with different speakers than mine)As much as I wanted to like the Ayres, coming home to the life and energy of my own system was a breath of fresh air. I'd still like to hear the Ayre's in my own room but no one's going to convince me that Krell doesn't make a worthy product.
Wireless200,
I tend to think you're right. I've obviously built a system around my amp that sounds good to me. This may not be the prescribed way to assemble a system but it's the way mine has evolved. I am afraid if I spend big bucks on one of these newer "smoother" amps I'm going to feel like the life's been sucked out of the system and spend even more trying to recapture it. My speakers are Vandersteen 5As which I really feel do benefit from a shot in the arm of strong juice.
I use a Krell FPB 600 and it probably wouldn't be my first choice today(Ayre or Audio Research more likely) but you can get good sound out of the old Krell gear if you work with it. Full class A biasing has it's advantages which I think are often overlooked.
I've enjoyed the FPB 600 very much but mine may well be for sale here soon. I recently purchased the MX-R monoblocks and will be receiving them soon. Many feel the MX-R is a great match for the 5As. I'm doing the audiogon audition since an ayre dealer is no where near me. I'll probably hold onto the Krell a few weeks to make sure I haven't made a dreadful mistake but based on the comments of others and reviews I've read I'm guessing my FPB 600 will be on the market. I don't have the space(or strength) to keep them both.