Krell KAV-400xi vs. Parasound A21+P3

The Krell is a great int amp......I have had quite
a few. It can be used as a stand alone amp in ht pass through mode with a pre.

The only way to use it is throught the balanced inputs.
Tremendous difference. If you do not want to use balanced,
don't even think of buying one.

I think that is why you get different opinions on here.
It is hard to beat for the price using a good balanced cable from your source. I suggest Analysis Plus XLR's.

I thought that there was a conclusion on an earlier
thread that the Krell was balanced. I DO know what you mean
by matching the db levels but I have used Mcintosh, Esoteric and Musical Fidelity sources with my Krell. Note that the MF does not have XLR outputs. I noticed a difference in detail, imaging and bass with the balancd inputs. I do admit my XLR cables are far superior to any RCA cable I have.
Yes this thing gets hot. But I never have had to turn the volume to anywhere near where it can go. I do run it at low listening levels most of the time.
It is great for listening to music.

I knew nothing of this amp from any thread when I bought it.
I listened to it and thought it was a good buy at the asking price point. I do run it with 4 ohm speakers.
I am not arguing about being a true balanced player. They do advertise that for what it is worth.

For what they go for used on this site...GRAB ONE.

It sounds darn good with my stuff. It will only be as good as the rest of the system. We all know that.

I would try running it through GOOD balanced cables.
I also had a power cord made for mine.
Could not believe the improvement in overall sound quality!

In my system BASS is not an issue.
The detail, clarity and bass are much better in my system
with balanced. (KRELL, ESOTERIC and SALK)