Krell CD player replacement

What is the problem with the Krell? Have you considered getting it repaired? It used a standard Philips mechanism.

Sometimes the readings jam at some tracks.  Its started few years back, but recently become often.   As far i know, there is no factory Philips mechanism replacement any more, E-bay sellers cannot trusted.    Once this mechanism is damaged then the player is useless.   But i hoping I'm wrong!

The Hegel CD player is supposed to be pretty good. Might want to check it out.

I would consider just improving your streamer. The sound quality of streamers now equal or exceed (Qobuz has 1/2/ million high resolution albums) the sound quality of CD players. Obviously you must choose the right one. I have listened exclusively to streaming for years, given most of my CDs away. They just started collecting dust. 

@knight7m 

As far as I know the Krell KPS 20I used a Philips CDM9 Pro transport. Those were quite robust actually. I assume you’ve done the simple stuff like cleaning the laser lens.

A company called Enco Systems bought out the remaining supply of new factory stock CD Pros when Philips discontinued it. A couple years back Enco was asking $500 for a new one, now it’s $999, but yes, new units are available. I think Krell made a custom spindle so it may not be a drop-in replacement, however.

That Krell player was a beautiful piece of kit that deserves to be restored. Good luck! And if you decide to get rid of it anyway, I’ll take it off your hands 🙂

I use a cheap used OPPO as a transport ($150) and the following to paly SACD’s and CDs.

GeerFab Audio - GeerFab

The SACD ’s are played as native DSD. You need a DAC that supports this, my old Benchmark DAC3B supported it. The CD’s are played as PCM.

I compare this to my now dead modded Sony SCD-1 SACD player which was one of the best ever made. The D.BOB can hang with the Sony. Both have things they were better at. Though I think a better DAC on the D.BOB would have helped.

I've alway thought the Luxman players were wrong the very best.  

@yyzsantabarbara How cool is that?  I didn't know such a device existed.  Thanks!

T+A makes good CD players, have a great reputation for reliability and service. I’ve heard the T plus A in a system and the system sounded great but I have not done one to one comparison with other CD players

I don't get it you are going to ditch the player but worry that attempting to repair it could damage it's value?! What value does it have if you ditch it for a new player?

Huge thanks to all good responses!

Thanks Dwest1023 about Hegel!

Devinplombier, great I learned about Enco Systems, much appreciated!   I know Creato Audio in Neatherland have good service for vintage Krell, no idea if they service Krell CD drive.   See your point about my 20I/L, will let you know!

The XD-models from Esoteric are very good.

+1swede58

They're where? several Esoteric SACD/CD players listed here The K03x model would fit your needs Older but still very good

I have a DCD A-110 Denon 110th year anniversary SACD player. Retail $3500 but you can get a deal on them. It is amazing. Upscales redbooks well and fabulous for SACD.. Metal tray , metal remote, amazing soundstage. Built like a tank , weighs about 35 lbs. I recommend.

World’s best sound CD/SACD player is Wavetouch BDP95 and the price is $2k, Sound samples are below. 

https://youtu.be/rOJItHbn8DY?si=r45T6f77Yy7ytWjV

https://youtu.be/rQkbIcyqHwc?si=S2Bgzn9CQdGn7MQ_

Alex/Wavetouch audio

George mayer in la cal repairs krell.give them a call in the am see if they can fix it.i don't know if they give estimates over the phone.may give some hints if simple fix.enjoy the hunt.

knight7m

what gear is in your System?

Happy Listening!

Thanks to all, for great responses!

Mark200mph!  That’s great option, thanks a lot!

Jafant, the rest all Krell, Phantom II, FPB 200.

Not much options at the moment!   Moon 260D and Bryston BCD-3 come to my attention but not quite sure about their build up i mean same as top units from the past.    BCD-3 is very light weight about 8.8 LB, might not be relevant, but mostly high-end gear tend to weight little more.

I used to have also Krell KAV 300 before 20IL, what a huge sound!  And only about $3000-$3500.   Its heavy and generate a lot heat.   I wonder if Bryston BCD-3 can be close, even its more expensive than KAV 300.

If I were you? If I can find a tech to do it on reasonable price with new laser and transport mechanism it’s all  worth it. This are the two parts that get affected easily .Thats a piece of art.