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Buying Advice: Old Meridian or New Krell?

Hi All, I'm looking to set up a modest pre-amp/amp bedroom system for ~2 grand. I'm currently leaning towards picking up an old Meridian 502 and 557 combo, or just going for the Krell S-300i integrated system. Both will run around the same cost I figure; maybe the Meridian will cost a little extra.

I've demoed the Krell at my local shop and like what I heard but would also like to own some Meridian equipment at some point. Anyone favour one over the other? Want to push me in a good direction? :) I'm also willing to hear other purchasing advice.

One turnoff on the Krell is the lack of headphone output (remember it's for a bedroom) as it'll mean picking up a headphone amp (woo audio perhaps?), but it's not necessarily a deal breaker.

Thanks!
jparan
nthlyt2
8 posts
 
Personally I do not like the sound of Krell amplifiers. I know that is a generalization, but I have yet to hear one that really captured my imagination. The Krell S-300i has some very interesting features and seems to be a departure from the typical Krell design formula. I have not heard this integrated, but from what I've read about it, it wouldn't make my shortlist if I were shopping for a stereo or 2.1 system. It is also made in China, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do wonder if this isn't the beginning of a more mass market approach to business for Krell, which would be.

Meridian makes phenominal components that almost justify their asking price. I have heard a 502 and 557 combo and it would definitely get my vote.

What are you planning on hooking either of them too? (Just curious)
jparan OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for the advice Nthlyt2! The Krell being made in China was also bit of a turnoff to me too; I have mixed opinions on that front also. Alas I ended up grabbing a 502 today on Audiogon. I haven't chosen out some speakers yet but am thinking the Usher BE-718 tiny dancer may be a good match with a 502+557.... could be wrong though. Not much to demo in my area, so I more or less have to shoot in the dark and hope for the best.
nthlyt2
8 posts
 
You can pickup a new pair of Wharfedale Opus Vers.2 M1's from Wildwest Electronics for $749 shipped. Just a thought. Nthlyt2
bapo77
5 posts
 
Good choice going with the Meridian 502 and 557! I own the same combo but with two 557s. Krell (for me) its very very good, I had a KBL (great class A pre-amp) and a KRC after and the Meridian worked better for me, I listen to Jazz, classical and old rock like Pink Floyd, the 502-557 combo its better. I LOVE the balanced connectors of the 502! I had a naim cd5i, now I have the 508.24, all silver wire xlr connected... This is my main system, I dont think its modest, what do you have as your main system? a Kuzma turntable with a gryphon audio power amps and a Alexandria set of speakers from Wilson Audio? I guess if you do then its ok to call your new system MODEST :D
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