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Did I make a mistake buying Krell?

I was in search of a nice integrated amp that I could keep around for a long time. I got a good deal on a Krell KAV-300i, so I made a command decision to buy it.

I haven't hooked it up yet but I'm second guessing if it was the right decision. My equipment that will be used with the Krell: EAD-2000 cdp and Klipsch KLF-20 & Chorus II speakers (99db & 101db sensitivity respectively). The Klipsch speaker crossovers have upgraded resistors and caps and I can honestly say they don't sound bright and forward anymore. I would describe the sound right now as much warmer and alot less forward than before.

My question to you folks is:
1. Is Krell a good match for my existing set up?
2. What is the Krell sound?
3. If Krell isn't a good match, what would be better in the $1000-$1500 used range?

Thanks,
Mike
vman71

Showing 4 responses by vman71

vman71 OP
218 posts
 
Well, the Krell was hooked up this weekend. My first impressions are that this integrated amp has tons of power, probably too much for my Klipsch speakers. The sound was very clean, good soundstage and good imaging. I thought that the sound, while very clean and having a super quiet background, came off brighter than what I expected. Coming from Sunfire seperates, some of the warmth was gone and the music seemed stiff, not as musical.

I'll spend some time with it this week but I think that I'm going to sell it.
vman71 OP
218 posts
 
Mikesinger,

From cdp to integrated - using Violin Concierto
Power chord to cdp - Acoustic Zen Tsunami Plus
Power chord to integrated - Electraglide Reference Glide

Krellm7,

What I'm trying to say is the sound is warmer, not as bright and not so in my face with the Sunfire. With the Krell, my speakers sound identical to when I had the original speaker crossover networks in them. When I had all the resistor and caps replaced with high quality ones, my speakers were not bright at all, not so forward and had a warmer feel.

Mike
vman71 OP
218 posts
 
Okay, I'll spend a little more time with the Krell and let it settle in to it's new environment. I'm stuck with the Klipsch speakers, so I need to give the Krell a fair trail. If I don't like the Krell and sell it, I'll try a tube integrated.

I ended up buying an integrated because I knew that there was better out there. I'm keeping the Sunfire combo for HT and the integrated is for 2 channel only.

I will agree Krellm7, I'm hearing alot more accuracy with the Krell than I ever did with the Sunfire.
vman71 OP
218 posts
 
Guys,

I've given it a couple of days to be "on" and have spent some time listening to it today. It's just not the right integrated amp for me and my equipment.

To the selling block it goes. Once it's sold, I'll be considering other integrated amps and maybe even trying a tube integrated amp.

Thanks for all the comments based on your experiences. They were helpful and my ears are telling me that this just isn't a good marriage.

I have no choice, the Klipsch have to stay which means that the Krell must go.

Mike
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