Krell Moves to new location

Krell ceased being Krell MANY moons ago. While I’m sure Dan D’ was sad at the passing of the mother of his children and the steady slide of Krell through the years likely evoked similar feelings, I doubt that the current state of affairs at Krell is any surprise to him. 

He's probably having a "told you so" chuckle about it.

By the way, to anyone's knowledge, has Dan d'Agostino ever publicly commented on this whole dumpster fire? It must chafe to see what happened to his once-revered company.

also, @bulldogger purchased, I quote, "a used Krell KSA-i400 from High Performance Stereo, Steve’s other business, today. It’s at the Krell factory."

High Performance Stereo is in Miami. Krell is in Connecticut. Does that mean High Performance Stereo is selling used gear out of the Krell factory?

I just interpret the signs as they appear. Taken together, they don’t paint a pretty picture, I am sorry.

If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say that if Krell ever resumes production it will start remaking old icons like KSA-100, decked out in audiophile wire, RCA connectors and $300 binding posts, and sell them for $25,000 or $30,000. They still own all the schematics and gerbers (one hopes), so restarting small-batch production is an absolute no-brainer (ie it really takes no brains at all). All the IP was buttoned down 45 years ago.

@bulldogger  Thank you for the reassuring update.  I read your post with interest and I wanted to ask you about one sentence that i did not understand:

"Steve owns ALL of the Krell assets, Krell still belongs to Kris D'Agostino."

This sounds a little self contradictory.  What am I missing?

@devinplombier Just got off the phone with Steve. Steve has the Krell servers. Website should be back up with THE ORIGINAL Krell telephone numbers in next couple of day. Steve owns ALL of the Krell assets, Krell still belongs to Kris D'Agostino. He's got the head tech for repair and the head of production working for him. Steve is running the Krell factory and that is what it is.  I don't think Dave Goodman is back, but he is advising. Steve said that Dave will have input if they need to make any "running changes" to production and that sort of thing for now.

I would say it is wise for anybody to use social media. A lot of the older companies do not know that. Facebook, YouTube and anything else that are methods of modern communication should absolutely be used. Dirac Live for example gave a discount but to get it you had to watch their social media feeds to know about the discount.

I purchased a used Krell KSA-i400 from High Performance Stereo, Steve's other business, today. It's at the Krell factory. Well Dave Goodman, the designer will be at the factory on Wednesday. Steve said that if I can wait till after then for shipping, he will have Dave Goodman look the amp over. Of course I said, %%%% yeah!

JF Bicking never had a valid claim on Krell. IMO, this guy is a joke. He showed up at probate court back when Kris had the company transferred to his possession WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY :D. He has zero ownership or managerial control over Krell and has never had any. He's only avenue might be to pursue some type of creditor action. But he's DONE, well was never started. He had no authority to even put up the website that he posted. Rumor has it, that the papers he submitted to the court looked like some type of ChatGPT stuff. That would make sense for a guy that had no attorney, right? :D . There is no additional court battle to establish his ownership. 

Devin I think you are trollling but many do have valid questions about the current state of Krell. I am just sharing what I know. 

Facebook, sure! When you're a manufacturer of high-end audio equipment, that's where the action is. Definitely.

What's Krell's official website again @bulldogger ?

@invalid No. They are not back manufacturing. I don't know about the dealer network. Their website mentioned limited manufacturing starting back this year. Steve mentioned full manufacturing starting back next year. He did mention bringing back some old classics if I didn't misunderstand him. Steve responded to a post on Willie Barnett's Krell Audio Enthusiast Facebook page, I guess he'd answer stuff there.

@thecarpathian  you would think they would get the other designer's name correct, it's David Goodman not Goldman. I actually believe David Goodman designed more Krell amps than Dan D'Agostino did.

@invalid 

has Krell started manufacturing yet, and are they reestablishing a dealer network?

@bulldogger is looking for that information. He is going to let is know as soon as he finds out.

Krell Electronics: High-End Audio & Amplifiers for …

For those who didn't already know this (like me).

@bulldogger maybe, but has Krell started manufacturing yet, and are they reestablishing a dealer network?

@devinplombier 🤣 Krell’s new location has been open for months.

Requiem for Krell. They made stellar, world-class gear in the 1980s and 1990s.

RIP

Is anyone still taking J.F. Bicking seriously? So far, the only employee we've seen any evidence of is Wil Buhler, and we've seen some shady behavior from him. Bicking has made numerous promises that have yet to materialize. A quick look at their LinkedIn shows a job posting with no salary, commission-only compensation, and remote work (i.e., no actual office - their website has their street address as "Philadelphia"). It’s hard not to see this for what it is: a directionless operation run by someone likely still living at home, hoping to rope others into working for free under the guise of a "startup."

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/director-of-sales-and-business-development-at-jf-bicking-co-4252505377/

@goodlistening64 Naw. Steve tried to buy Krell before. He’s basically running Krell. If anyone else  ends up owning Krell it will be him. It looks like right now they have plans to co-exist just like it was with Rhondi. This twist and turns are over. Steve is the hypothetical guy you described. He has the Krell monoblocks in his system. He seems very passionate about Krell. 

@hgeifman Yes, it is a complicated situation. But it's basically the same situation that exited when Rondi was alive. J F Bicking got the alleged 30% from her and she had 70% ownership. Now, her son has her 70% ownership. Steve Javaherian bought the assets of Krell. Steve had attempted to buy Krell years before from Rhondi. 

I don't see how J F Bicking can ever win. They are just an obstacle at this point. 

Dave Goodman lives in the area, Connecticut, and is still in touch with Krell. He is not currently with Krell. Krell would have to resume full operations before he could come back.

Maybe you will have better luck at your new home, WBF. Moderators are standing by to accept your posts.

I tried 

@rsf507 I want to give the moderator a chance to answer my questions. I don't think it will change my decision to post word by word what they said - by tonight, as I am curious what others think. 

And then I imagine I may be axed. 

@gano ok please explain why your post got censored?

I found out why it was removed. Unbelievable.

@thecarpathian  well, that was a very thorough and sharp description of FL. I know New England very well, I am (mostly) sold on CT. ... and more 

and my comment got removed. Why? Who has so many issues and damages that this is what they think will help them?

Will the power struggle between family members and J.F. Bicking over KRELL INDUSTRIES ownership and control ever be resolved?  

It seems their ongoing internal disputes have ‘complicated’ the process and there is no clear indication that a resolution has been reached or is imminent.  Obviously, a very complicated situation. 

Apparently while CT is resolved the conflict is not. A family holding company, J.F. Bicking, owns 30% and has tried to buy the 70% his son holds. 

If Bicking cannot buy him out, then Bicking is going to want the value of 30% of the company, and that, I would assume is the sticking point. What is the value of the company? Krell is said to have more debt than assets, so it is mystifying as to what value there may be; if any at all.

It would seem plausible that since the son has control to do what he wants, he has put the company out to the highest bidder and Bicking is going to walk away with 30% of that paltry figure.

Harman or Bose would seem to be a feasible landing spot but there may be some guy on Wall Street with a Krell Amp at home who wants to retire and requires a project that he can get passionate about. Free audio equipment is a perk.

The inheritance of Krell may be more of a thorn than a prize. 

Yes, I thought that was already known.

@goodlistening64 The case in Connecticut is resolved. Her only son owns Krell.

Probate court in Pennsylvania generally lasts 6 months to a year. Owner died in June of last year. Assume timeline is about right for the Krell case in whatever state is conducting it. 

When a company is in probate court it is unlawful for anyone to disclose information therein. Probate court is a private matter and disclosure of any details could lead to additional delays and legal action to those that provide data during the probate process.

Gleaning information by any means is destined to fail. No one can tell you anything of significance. Much of what is discussed here (a lot to do about nothing) leads to the development of conspiracy theories and most who attempt to provide information are causing unnecessary angst for those that have equipment at Krell for repair.

Hence, no one should expect to receive any information on future intentions or even information on what assets are being held. It is unlawful for those that you are inquiring to give you details, but it would seem to me that those still affiliated with Krell are doing what they can to restart when this process ends. 

Important to remember that a company can be bought while in the probate process and when that happens it becomes quite complex and thus, requires more time to finalize. It would seem feasible for them to be ripe for the taking by any number of large companies looking to expand on their offerings, and while Krell is not as widely known as McIntosh, they have a premium brand name.

In retrospect, my Florida comment was too blunt and too harsh.

Florida, particularly the northern part, actually has a lot of pretty cool things to see and do. I happened to write that when I was still angry about having to deal, long distance, with yet another dishonest, incompetent company down there. Unfortunately in my experience, that's more the rule than the exception. I spend part of my time down there because I have unseverable ties to one particular area.

I should have said, between the two states, I'll take Connecticut every time.

For me personally, it's better by every measure. In Florida, everyone has to habitually spread poison on their yards in their ever continuing battle with fire ants. Then there's rattlesnakes, black widows, brown recluse spiders, armadillo's tearing up your lawn,  mosquitos, Palmetto bugs, poisonous caterpillars, etc. etc.

The air is so humid and thick, it's like someone already breathed it in before you. The water is undrinkable unless your house has an elaborate filtration system, the soil is so poor if you want to plant something you have to dig a big hole, get rid of what passes for dirt down there, and buy dirt to fill the hole you just dig. The heat is unbearable, so forget any extended outdoor activities most of the year. There's no change of seasons, so everything looks pretty much the same year round. You get this instead- soul crushingly hot and still too hot. It's nice for about a month. Storms and heat just keep getting more severe, and anytime a few shingles get blown off someone's house anywhere in the state, my insurance goes up. Wages are chronically  low, yet gas and groceries are more expensive. My auto insurance is ridiculous because I apparently have to subsidize all the horrendous drivers and high percentage of uninsured vehicles bumping into each other. I could go on, but I bet few of you have read this far.

Suffice it to say Connecticut, as well as the rest of New England has that beat in every way. Natural beauty, the magic of the ever changing landscape of the seasons, simply spectacular. The air is better, the water is purer, the soil can actually sustain life. Wages are high as this is a very wealthy state. For me personally, the quality of life is better in every way. Restaurants, parks, beaches right there, mountains a half days drive, a Broadway show two hours west, historic Boston an hour north. Beautiful colonial hamlets, history everywhere you go. Ok, Im done. Could go on and on. If you live in Florida and love it, I think that's great. It's simply not for me.

If you don't like taxes, consider Washington (no income tax) or Oregon (no sales tax).

The two states are separated by the Columbia River. 

If you live north of the river and shop south of it, it's a win-win, tax-wise.

Think he has a problem with the Government. Yet he lives their part time for the tax brakes, would be my guess.

@thecarpathian just wondering, why do you live part-time in Florida then?

I don't know much about Conn., but leaving Florida to go to any northern state is real dedication "in my book."

@bulldogger ,

Take it from someone extremely familiar with both states, bluntly-

Florida is a sh*thole compared to Connecticut.

I just got off the phone with the Steve Javaherian a few minutes ago. This is my second conversation with him. I posted this on another forum and will just copy and paste that here.

When I spoke with Steve first, he seemed really committed to fully restoring Krell. His business High Performance Stereo is based in Florida. He moved to Connecticut because that's where all the Krell employees were. I don't know much about Conn., but leaving Florida to go to any northern state is real dedication "in my book."

I spoke with him again at length today. I don't think Krell's going anywhere. This guy is all in. He's made a serious commitment to the lease on the building. Staffing has significantly improved in the repair facility compared to the last couple of years. It's possible but it's not there yet, that you will see a much more stable company arise from this. Steve went into detail about the much-improved staffing at Krell. He's making sure parts are available for the older products. Building boards for the older units as well.

Lastly, I will say that all of the people that know everything there is to know about Krell, he is in touch with. Steve was a long time Krell dealer. This guy is a real audiophile.

No they  have been recapped already, Just a Repair.

350 MCX

The dog ate the trust.

I spoke with Steve Javaherian. Kristopher D’Agostino is the owner of Krell. Steve is facilitating the operations. Repairs are being done on all Krell gear. Manufacturing will start back in 2026. I though Steve was the owner, but he is not. But it is safe to say that without his assistance, things would not have moved along. Kristopher D’Agostino was always going to be the owner as he’s the sole heir. The trust had to be found. 

@hiend2 Are you sending your amps in for repair or recapping? I was wondering if Krell is back to doing the XD upgrades.

Pretty sure he meant 'paramount', and not like an extinct Eastern cougar.

That's that high school education from 50 + years ago shining.  How about:  Steve helped alot.  

Hmmm....nope, it makes no sense.

@hgeifman 

Hopefully you're jesting with that AI hallucination.

@roxy54 

Does the paragraph below help define catamount used in the above post?

“They phrase “Steve at High Performance Stereo was catamount in getting things done” uses “catamount” metaphorically to describe Steve’s exceptional efficiency, effectiveness, and perhaps a certain fierce determination in handling the audio equipment repair or sales process. It implies he was swift, focused, and highly competent-qualities associated with a catamount (a strong, agile wild cat). The praise about his communication and thoughtfulness being the best encountered in any industry further emphasizes Steve’s professionalism and customer care. This expression highlights Steve’s standout performance and the positive experience with the High Performance Stereo team who took care of the user’s needs”.

@jsd52756 

Catamount?

I received my FPB300cx back and my wife mentioned that she thinks it sounds better than ever.  Willie and the techs did a stupendous job with the tune up as I have owned since new and it needed the caps replaced.

Steve at High Performance Stereo was catamount in getting things done.  His communication and thoughtfulness is the best I have ever encountered in any industry.  Thanks to the team who got it taken car of.  -John

Let's hear it from the folks who had equipment sequestered at Krell. Has it been repaired / serviced and shipped back to you?