2. amps-preamps
  3. 1222948799

Krell Evolution 402 Vs. Pass Labs X.5 Series?

When I had Pass Labs x250.5, Valhalla IC and Cord was necessity. Sonicaly speaking Krell is totaly different than Pass. I had to also give up Exact Power since it is useless without a poweramp. Anybody who considers any new Krell amps must be avoided by Nordost Valhalla range. Because Valhalla works on high and low frequency spectrum very well in expense of loss on mids. IMO, Krell is very strong as long as bass control and quality plus highs concerned. But in return or matterfact you end up with a little dry sound if you use a solid state preamp such as Boulder.
Result:
Boulder amp+Boulder Preamp will sound best with Sonus Faber and Focal speakers. No matter which boulder you combine you will end up with dry sound with Wilson Speakers.
Pass Labs amp+Boulder preamp combination will need at least two Valhalla or similar cable together with Wilson Speakers.
Krell Evo amp+Boulder Preamp setup is unknown case, however, I have seen improvements after JPS cable took place between DCS and Boulder 810. If Aluminata cord and speaker cable make difference, it is a good news to me.(don't have cord and speaker cable yet) Otherwise I need to replace the Boulder 810 by LYRA Conn. 4-L-SE solid state preamp or ARC REF 3. Again I assume I use still Wilson Sophia 2.
But there is always a ''B'' route. My ''B'' route is Sonus Faber Amati Ann. where I don't need to replace my Transparent cables. Complicated isn't it?
mert

Showing 1 response by elite_audio_video

elite_audio_video
9 posts
 
I'm using a PASS X250.5 Amp. & PASS X1 Preamp. to drive a pair of Wilson Audio Sophias, and this combination sounds excellent - and is as good as is sensibly needed for near reference listening in a normal size room. My Source is a Krell SACD Standard MK3, and I'm using inexpensive Transparent Plus Series Spkr. Cables, Canare XLR ICs, with OEM 14-AWG Power Cables (same gauge as in-wall AC Cable).

When setting-up this System, I experimented with very expensive Cables borrowed from local dealers, and I found the sonic differences to be negligible, if any could be heard at all, for the most part there were no real discernable sonic differences – especially amongst Cables in which the Conductors were made from the same material(s), of the same gauge, with good connectors and of quality build.

My local Dealer has a Demo. System currently set-up in his Shop consisting of Krell Evolution Electronics and Wilson Audio Sophia Speakers, and it sounds freakishly-good/scary-real. When I asked him about the Cables he told me “whatever is lying around the shop” and for Power Cables he uses whatever the manufacturer sends with the Components – obviously not overly concerned about Cables.

Whenever I bring up the topic of Cables to the Guys at PASS, Wilson and Krell, I always get an initial laugh – which says a lot about what is really important in a System – the Components (+ Listening Room).

I can’t imagine parting with a Statement (mega-buck) Component that I really like, just because I thought that it didn’t sound right with a certain Cable...
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