how good is the Krell HTS 7.1 pre-amp for 2ch?

Thanks all for the responses.

Sfstereo - I have not cracked the case open, just going by the manual which says take the amps to a dealer for modification or bad things could happen. Do you have some instructions on how to do this? I woudl not know where to look.

Sacman, I was a little confused reading the post. Do you mean the 7.1 is about 80% of the KCT's performance?

Amazingly I actually have an Audio Reseach dealer in Atlanta who thinks a Ref5 pre may not require the amp mod and who is willing to let me audition at home. Will keep you posted

Thanks McIsoind,

Audio Research says no issue with their Ref5 pre-amp and the Krell amps. I have found a store willing to let me audition the Ref5 at home. We will see if it makes much of a difference. I actually hope it does.

Update: purchased a pre-owned AR Ref5. Back to back comparison to the Krell HTS 7.1. Took some listening. The Wilson WP7 have had a hard, bright, edge to the high range. Ref 5 removed that edge. Some music was fatiguing and I could not put my finger on why. the highs now are humm buttery maybe, more musical, more organic less harsh. in any event the sound has improved although back to back was required. Bass however was a very pleasant surprise. The krell was muddy (dare I say that about krell) as compared. the Ref 5 brought a lot more punch and very good low hertz definition. Some tracks on Stanley Clark Bass Days no longer have a muddy thump but now have a very discernible pluck of the bass , not there before. Is the Ref5 a huge change, no, is it worth the dollar upgrade, to me yes ( my wife, no). However I can now listen without the fatigue and that makes it worth the investment to me. I agree with the previous post, a bought a 20 % improvement .