ditto the 400cx, this is the keeper for life in my main system |
The cx series of the Full Power Balanced amplifiers is/was Krell's most advanced state of the art of the FPB series. My other extensive listening experience was to audition at several venues an FPB 600 circa 1997. In my opinion the cx series captures more sweetness akin to a good tube amp while retaining all the great grunt, clarity and quickness Krell has always been renowned for. Since 2003 when I purchased the 400cx, this amp and its partnering KCT preamp have steadily been improving over time. |
Dave_b is right on as I also am using a 400xi in my second system and it has all the great sonic hallmarks of the cx series, in fact I compared it to the KCT/400cx combo for the first day and a half A/Bing it driving Thiel CS6s, a rather difficult load for any amp. The 400xi rocked just fine and extended into the bass almost as well. |
Audiogabby what speakers are you driving? Perhaps you don't need one of the highest powered versions. |
Lihifi,
"When in direct comparison to a good Preamp./Amp. combo, the KAV-400xi sounds dead/lifeless/boring"
This is simply untrue. The 400xi is an exceptional integrated and is anything but dead/lifeless/boring when compared to a good preamp/amp combo, unless you personally consider the KCT/400cx to be a poor preamp/amp combo, in which case this whole point becomes silly and not worth discussing. |
I never stated nor implied it was a giant killer, and yes I can tell the difference sonically in a heartbeat when compared directly to the higher end electronics of my main system, but it is not that huge a leap downscale as you have indicated in the quote. But it ain't dead; certianly those words were a bit over the top.
And it is not merely a step above a receiver (I have owned several so-called high power units through the years) but instead provides some very real musical magic in terms of imaging, soundstage and naturalness of timbre. It is a fine piece of equipment, regardless of price point. Sure the KCT/400cx is clearly in another league, and I never implied otherwise, nor do I plan to ever part with that fine combo, but the 400xi is clearly cut from the same cloth and kudos to DanD for retaining the sonic attributes of his higher level gear at a relatively afforable price. Plus it is certainly a better integrated amp than the Musical Fidelity A5 that it replaces, and I say that at my own peril as I prepare to offer that unit for sale on the 'gon. |
"Years ago when Krell was a relevant high end player in the audio industry, some of the amplifiers were quite good."
Aww c'mon you can do better than that! Go ahead Krellbash away, you'll feel much better. |
I'm going to ask Dan D'Agostino what he thinks of this sentiment Audiofeil and see if I can get him to chime in here, one of those Woody Allen moments, you know? Stay tuned...
Oh yes, I do indeed own Krell gear for the simple reason of quality and value. I am a very satisfied owner of their very fine electronics, and yes, in the past I have also owned top of the line Bryston, Parasound and conrad johnson pre and power amps. |
Oh and Burmester, Mark Levinson (now owned by a huge impersonal corporation that can't even spec an amp into 2 Ohms anymore!) and Linn...talk about VALUE?!?!?!?
Have you looked at the prices of those manufacturers recently? And you call that VALUE? Yikes you have to be kidding if you think for a moment we will swallow that one. |
"Cheesy construction and mediocre sound?"
Hah, that's a good try but I'm afraid it's a rather lame flame.
And what is it that is not, in your estimation, MACROJACK?
C'mon, bait the hook, you know you can. |
As promised, I asked Dan D'Agostino if he could comment as to some of the sentiment expressed here. He kindly responded:
Stephen,
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. It always amazes me how some people can talk, with such authority, about subjects they know so little about. Most of the other companies mentioned are companies that out source their engineering. In many cases the designs are op-amp based. Both op-amp based and out-sourced designs are not bad things unto themselves, but when implementing these methods it actually defines the brand. At KRELL we design all of the products we produce. All of our designs are discrete and proprietary to KRELL. The performance of our products is superior in every way to that of other products in our industry. I speak with authority because we look at other products, and know what they offer. When you buy a Krell product you get my 29 years of experience in its sonic pedigree. You may not like itÂ’s sound, but it is all KRELL. Perhaps KRELL is not asked for in this context because we have such a good dealer network around the world, where most other brands have very little distribution. It is sometimes laughable when I look at some of the names mentioned. We invest countless dollars pushing the envelope in terms of design and engineering, at the very least it is worth a listen. Perhaps when the ears are used instead of the eyes, the secrets of the KRELL can truly be realized.
Thank you for your support,
Daniel D'Agostino |
Shadorne: Very interesting, and when I close my ears and use only my eyes what I envision is you on a stage performing to this script wearing a type of costume not unlike that found on two particular fellows found in a standard deck of Bicycle playing cards. Just be sure to wear your armored codpiece. |
To respectfully counter Unsound's assertion, and as a happy owner of both FPB and KAV series components, I do believe, no, correct that, I am certain that the KAV series deserves to wear the Krell logo. The KAV series underscores how Krell HAS kept apace with current trends in the industry while maintaining integrity and audible "vision" to the current and future needs of its customers.
And I know an op-amp when I see one, and I don't see them here.
So Audiogabby: how are you doing with all this discussion? Are you any closer to the answers you seek? |
Well, I can't afford an MIT AC2 cable right now but I do have an HT AC15 PC on the way for the 400xi. I'll let you know when I get this installed and have listen. |
Just installed Harmonic Technology AC15 2 meter power cable for my 400xi (thanks Darren!) and, wow, what an improvement over the stock cable!
Much, much larger soundstage and separation (wait that isn't, those aren't monoblocks is it, are they?) with increased height and depth. There is more "sweetness" to the timbre of naturally recorded instruments with greater dynamic range, even at low to moderate volume while listening to Vaughan Williams on Chandos. I have no idea why this works technically but this is certainly a major improvement.
Note to 400xi owners: please do upgrade your PC to at least an HT. As Daveb said, this does make a huge improvment. More comments later, for now I just want to enjoy...
Steve |
