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Krell --- Are the Newer designs better?

After hearing all the Krell hatred for so many years, I never thought I would consider a Krell amp -- thin, steely highs -- recessed, distant midrange -- sterile, lifeless sound.............should I have believed what many said?

Then, after reading more recent reviews of the FPB series amps, I got the distinct impression that the sonics have improved to the point that the amps are now in the top class of solid state sound. Even the infamous Jonathan Scull thought it a great amplifier.

However, there are proponents of the older amps, saying they sounded the best. Krell, like Levinson, seems to have polarized audiophiles -- either they like it, or they hate it. What have your experiences been with the different Krells, and how do they measure up to the competition, such as Pass, Rowland, Gamut, Plinius? By the way, I should point out that I am a tube guy, so few solid state amps have floated my boat, the Boulder 1060 being one of them.
kevziek

Showing 1 response by jayctoy

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,258 posts
 
if you are a tube guy, I agree you will not like
Krell,even Levinsons, unless if the amp sounds
closer to tubes,In my experience the Plinius
is a tube sounding amp,I have it for many years
now,In my system Krell FPB300 sounds very good, but
its not musical,who knows, for you to know audition
them,Also the FPB 300 I auditioned, does not allow
you to use tube preamp,but they say you need ajustment
on the amp.If I were you, if you plan to use it
tube preamp, I will check first.Good Luck
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