Krell KRC preamp question?

I own the KCT & the KRC2. The KRC3 is at the bottom of the list. Not the KRC2 as noted above. The difference of sound between my KRC2 & KCT is miniscule even when using the CAST cables. The KRC3 has less inputs & features. I changed to the KCT basically because it matches my FPB300cx amp visually. The KCT does have more cool features though. I have swapped out the cables between CAST & balanced for listening tests on the KCT. Very close to my ears.
You can propably go the Krell web site and download the owners manuals. Then you can compare yourself.
Disclaimer; I had a KRC2 for sale here on Agon. It is sold waiting receipt of funds, so I have no vested interest in pimping its quality.
Enjoy, John

My above list above is based on my personal observations (listening), a dealer and custom installer, and Krell themselves as I have a great relationship with one of their major employees.

I have never heard before that the KRC2 was NOT at the bottom of the list. The reason some feel that the KRC3 is at the top of that list is that it has many advances that are actually used in the KCT.

To me, the the KRC sounded the same as my old KBL, but with remote capabilities. The KRC-HR was a definite improvement, primarily in transparency. I ended up getting the HR.

I could not afford the KCT and since my system is actively biamped, I cannot use the cast technology between preamp and amp. My dealer friend did upgrade his personal system to the KCT, but felt that the HR was more exciting, and he was ambivalent about whether he made the best choice.

The Krell KRC-HR and KRC can't sound different because they are identical piece
HR is only to be able to connect your theater-throughput thru the input S4
if you don't use your A/V surround system you will no need that feature

Here is a copy from the manual about the only difference

THEATER THROUGHPUT
The $4 input of the KRC-HR can be set to operate as a unity gain stage. This
removes the KRC-HR volume control from the signal path. Volume control is
then transferred from the KRC-HR to an A/V surround processor connected to
the $4 input. This feature greatly simplifies the installation of a surroundsound
processor into a high performance audio/video surround system.
If the Theater-Throughput option is activated, select S-4 when your home
theater/surround system will be used. In this mode, all control of volume is
performed by the A/V surround processor connected to that input. Specifically,
Level, Balance and Gain are disabled on the KRC-HR for the S-4 input only
when the Theater-Throughput is engaged. Mute and Tape (monitor input) will
function normally.
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