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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 misskuma

misskuma
75 posts
 
I'd take Krell amps over any of the amps you've mentioned except bigger Boulder, maybe.
How do they measure up? I'd say equally good. But different.
Krell is just a fun amp to listen to at least for me. That's what's lacking from
the rest on your list. I've never found Krell gear to be overly bright or
incissive as many suggest. ( at least in my rig and system context )
But, I have heard few demos that would give 'em that poor reputation.
Just like any gear, certain combinations with Krell never works for me either.
I've owned the FPB series amps before and I don't mind owening 700 CX
series monoblocks if i had a room or means.

I've ditched 'em for SET monoblocks, but overall system desposition didn't change
much. It's just the particular combination of tube amps/speakers offered
better finesse and agility on bass than the Krell combo I previously used.
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