Thanks. What do you use between the Krell and the headphones ...what do you plug the headphones into? I have a Benchmark LA4 preamp but it doesn't have a headphone jack. There's a similar Benchmodel-hpa4-which does have a headphone jack but, since I never use headphones, I didn't pay the extra $500 for that model.
Krell Duo 175xd
Just got the Krell amp about two weeks ago. I was debating between it and the Coda 8 (as well as some others). A local dealer, in fact, was nice enough to lend me a new Macintosh amp for a few days. I was unable to audition the Krell or Coda locally and relied on recommendations, in this case primarily from the “Audio Doctor” Dave Lalin. Dave has always given me good advice and has a very good ear, although he’s about 3000 miles away from me. He had great things to say about both amps.
There have been many posts on this board from happy Coda customers but not much about the Krell. Dave felt that the Krell would sound better in my system (Kef Reference 5 speakers, Innuous zenith 3, Audio Research LS22 preamp, PH 3 phono stage, Rega P6 with Dynavector cartridge), especially because I’m replacing an Audio Research VT130se amp. He thought the Krell was closer sound wise to the amp I’m used to. He also had the CEO of Krell call me to answer any questions, which was really helpful. So far, the Krell is sounding very good. The best I can put in words is that it has more “slam” than other amps I’ve heard. Notes are more dynamic and sharply defined. The soundstage and imaging, which is what I like best about the KEF speakers, are very good. It does cost more than the Coda but I see this as a very long term purchase. I would love to compare the Krell with the Coda but I don’t see that happening.
I know that Dave posts here frequently, which some like and some don’t. His advice to me has been very good (to the point where I bought the amp without an opportunity to see or hear it). He also recommended the Innuous Zenith 3, which I love for both the sound and the functionality. I also value the advice he provides here to others, which often helps me and is very thoughtful . Not surprisingly, he often favors products which he sells but I’m fine with this as long as he is up front about it, which he is. Don’t want to open any controversies. Just my opinions.
There have been many posts on this board from happy Coda customers but not much about the Krell. Dave felt that the Krell would sound better in my system (Kef Reference 5 speakers, Innuous zenith 3, Audio Research LS22 preamp, PH 3 phono stage, Rega P6 with Dynavector cartridge), especially because I’m replacing an Audio Research VT130se amp. He thought the Krell was closer sound wise to the amp I’m used to. He also had the CEO of Krell call me to answer any questions, which was really helpful. So far, the Krell is sounding very good. The best I can put in words is that it has more “slam” than other amps I’ve heard. Notes are more dynamic and sharply defined. The soundstage and imaging, which is what I like best about the KEF speakers, are very good. It does cost more than the Coda but I see this as a very long term purchase. I would love to compare the Krell with the Coda but I don’t see that happening.
I know that Dave posts here frequently, which some like and some don’t. His advice to me has been very good (to the point where I bought the amp without an opportunity to see or hear it). He also recommended the Innuous Zenith 3, which I love for both the sound and the functionality. I also value the advice he provides here to others, which often helps me and is very thoughtful . Not surprisingly, he often favors products which he sells but I’m fine with this as long as he is up front about it, which he is. Don’t want to open any controversies. Just my opinions.