could someone compare krell vs. classe audio ?


Category: Amplifiers

compare krell vs. classe audio ?
antone112
I own a pair of Krell 300MDA monos, and a pair of Classe 25 amps.

Using the same cords/speakers/etc and just swapping the amps, heres the differences I hear.

The Krells are faster, some would call it a more analytical sound. The Classe are smoother and sweeter, but slow to my ear. I notice this more on brushed cymbals.

Which you prefer will depend on the overall balance of the est of your system. Both of these are very high build quality and bottomless power. Both of them run hot to the touch.

John C.
I own a Krell KSA 250. Built around 1991 and built like a tank.
Has played flawlessly. Not sure if todays Amps will peform for the long run as well as this Amp.

The heat from the unit also doubles as a space heater.

I am sorry to say that I have not compared the Krell directly to Classe.
I have heard the Amp and read many good things about the Classe Equipment.
Krell and Classe are both high quality manufacturers but have distinctly different sounds.

People who like forceful dramatic bass and a more in your face presentation are Krell fans.

The Classe house sound is smooth in nature and does also have a oomph in bass though not as much.

Note that I am an owner of an all Classe stereo so I am more biased to the Classe sound.
Mapleleafs3, lighten up, dude! You've been a member here for one month, no threads initiated, no feedback, and your multiple posts sound like regurgitated dogma! In addition, some of your comments are abrasive and border on obnoxious. Agon long timers have seen newbie "flash-in-the-pans" come and then vanish, shortly after engaging in their personal "mission" known only to themselves. Hopefully, you won't be one of these.

Personally, I do happen to agree with your opinion about Rouge amps and Coincident speakers. But some of your other comments are way WAY off base.
I can vouch for the reliability of my 15 year old Classe DR 8 amps run in mono.They are working just fine and sound as good as most of the more expensive solid state out there. Not looking to change since I've had these. I've had plenty of tube and solid state amps these are keepers.
I own Krell and have listened to Classe a few times at shows, dealer show rooms etc. The "choice" really depends on what level in each of these manufacturers lines we're talking about. And especially in the context of the system you're considering running them in. So the answer depends. Top of the line Classe probably brings more to the table than the low end of Krell's line, and visa versa. And what sort of load are you asking what specific amp model to drive and interface with from the pre/source level? Both are top quality manufacturers; their engineers have done their home work and woodshedding to produce what is generally the state of the art on solid state amp design, otherwise they wouldn't still be around after all this time, regardless of what the bashers may think, if you can call that kind of sentiment actual thought to begin with. And there are other manufacturers worth considering as well. Depends on what you have, where you're going and what you want to achieve. And by "compare," what are you really asking? Otherwise you're likely to find this thread dying on the vine. We goners want to help but these sorts of thread starts are a dime a dozen and it's much more fun if there is something to "bite into and chew."
Mapleleafs3 (change your user name to 'catfish')is on a crusade and regretably is a buffoon! He knows nothing about either of these products. Maybe he is mad because he cannot afford the Krell or the Classe!!!

This is a difficult question to answer. I have/do own both of these companies. Better Krell and better Classe gear is from very good to great.

Some people may not care for a certain sound, no two audiophiles will ever agree on any system, but that doesn't make either of them wrong.

I believe there is a law of physics that says if two audiophiles ever agree the entire universe will meltdown immediately.

If you have specif questions please post them and I will try my best to help, unlike some of the previous posters...
My opinion since I am using older Classe' gear is to go with the older DR series.