Krell amps and Tube Preamps - enemies?


Wow! I never realized how difficult it would be to add tubes with a KRELL amp. I'm no engineer, and, I don't pretend to be into the "technical" side of the audio world. So I'll try to explain.

It seems that tube Preamps create DC. I've been told that DC will dammage my Krell amp (FPB400cx), and possibly my speakers(Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Sig, System 1 piece). UNLESS, I open the amp up and do something to the "jumpers on the digital board" . This puts some protection into the signal path. The Bad thing is, I'm told, - it also colors or degrades the audible signal coming thru the speakers. So, if I want to use my SS set up, say for SACD or DVD-V/DVD-A, I would have to open the amp up again and reverse the proceedure. This would remove the "blockage" in the signal path. :-( This of course, would have to be re-done when I want to go back to the tube setup. WHAT A PAIN!

Needless to say, this has thrown the proverbial 'wet blanket' on my tube enthusiasm. Is this problem common to ALL SS amps? Or is it just a KRELL thing?

Any thoughts would be helpful.
(This is part of a thread i started on the speaker threads, but i thought i might have more luck here on the "amp' Threads)
Thanks
oldpet

Showing 4 responses by sogood51

You can always check your pre-amp for DC leak. I use an tubed pre with my Krell and read the same thing you did about the internal tweak..I didn't bother with it and have no problems at all.

Krell Ksa-250
Krell Kav-500

There was a thread about BAT pre-amp's and Krells, you should do a search for this one.

Dave
There is a used Audioprism Mantissa (black) for sale on Audiogon...it's only single ended though.

I have used one with my Krell...great sound quality that takes nothing away from the Krells.

Dave
Oldpet

I've not had any problems. The only pre-amps I have read about giving Krells problems were BAT pre-amps.

This could have been an isolated problem even at that I would think? I have used my Mantissa with my Ksa-250 and Kav-500 both at one time or another without problems.

Dave