Krell amp upgrade question
A little background: I used to drive a full B&W Matrix home theatre system (801s2, 804s1, 805, center HTM) with a combo of Krell KAV 250a x2, and 250a/3 amps. I was very happy with the sound for both stereo and HT, and only had a ground loop issue with the front mains - thought due to long XLR runs (>15ft) and solved with "isolating" XLR plug adapters.
Fast forward to today: I just picked up a gorgeous pair of B&W N800 to replace my Matrix set. I was planning on bridging each 250a as pseudo-monoblocks but then need to decide how to run the rest of the HT. I still need to successfully drive a B&W N HTM-1 center, but the surrounds have become in-ceiling or B&W WP-1.
Options:
- acquire another KAV 250a (very difficult to source)
- bridge 2 channels of the 250a/3 for Center, and acquire another 250a/3 (also difficult to source)
- sell the 250a/3 and replace with a Krell Showcase 5/ other "newer" but less powerful Krell multi-channel amp
Of note: the 250a/3 I currently have may need service as I am noticing crackling during playback - although this may be from source material, and the ground loop is still present - although will most likely be minimally noticed in surround speakers/ can be eliminated with the isolating XLR plug adapters.
It is NOT an option to scrap everything and buy all new amps!
Appreciate thoughtful comments.