Krell Moves to new location

Repairs starting first. This is not just a repair facility. It is the new Krell factory. I'd say the getting guys stuff back that's been sitting for so long should be first step. Willie said some weeks back that the Krell servers were being moved to the new factory. I would guess a new website or maybe they buy the current one from JF Bicking. Willie post like this so when I am directly quoting him, I just post what he has posted, smiley faces and all. Willie Barnet, "KRELL **>SERVICE<** IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!! Starting with our backlog. Please contact Steven Javaherian (Call or text him at 917-208-4750) for more info.)

It was @piebaldpython who suggested that Willie Barnett was setting up an indie repair shop as Krell is being taken apart.

I merely pointed out that nothing in his post suggested that. In fact he was directing folks to contact the putative new owner of Krell, Steven Javaherian, about getting their gear fixed and returned to them.

I don’t believe Steven Javaherian has a website

His business does

@devinplombier I have to agree, it doesn't look like a factory repair center, in fact Mr. Carlson's Lab on YouTube looks way more professional.

@devinplombier I’ll post another pic on AVS. It’s clearly a full size building for Krell to restart. Willie refers to it as the Krell facilities. That’s a factory size location. Not a repair shop.

@hgeifman The Krell Industries website does not belong to the current owner of Krell. That was JF Bicking attempt to restart Krell. They assumed,incorrectly, that they would be able to buy Krell from the sole heir. I don’t believe Steven Javaherian, has a website.

@piebaldpython I'm confused. The facebook posting @bulldogger shared may look dodgy as heck with all the smileys and caps and exclamation points, but absolutely nothing in it suggests that that Willie Barnett person is setting up an indie repair shop rather than a factory service department. To the contrary. Sorry if I missed something.

@hgeifman

This will be left to the very last second. What will come out of this will be quite low budget endeavor and will be quite obvious. Everything is being split apart as we speak. This service aspect is just that, service and it will be what it will be..... a person whom wants to build a business for themselves and earn profit by purchasing the rights to Krell schematics and such. Not worth that much though as there are many service centers out there that have them already. That’s it. What happens will happen due to others decisions and actions.

Krell unfortunately is a dead brand like Levingson due to their decisions and actions. They killed themselves

Willie Barnett,”KRELL SERVICE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!! Starting with our backlog. Please contact Steven Javaherian for more info. 🙂 Here is a pic of my NOW OPERATIONAL shop at Krell's new location! 🙂”

@testpilot No. Looks like the restart is finally here. Willie has pics of the inside of the new building. His desk and work area are set-up.  It’s looking good. The new owner needs to start communicating. He’s one of the biggest sellers on this forum. I am sure he sees this thread. Will the Krell survive? | AVS Forum

The dog ate my homework, the cheque is the mail, I will only put the tip in, your package is on its way,.   We have all heard it before. 

Promising news

"PS: Thanks to all who have "held on" this far!!! 😃”

What choice did they have?

Willie Barnett,”This is a Krell Service Update! 🙂 I was in the new site today. The trucks have been unloaded, and I was just BEGINNING the process of setting up my workshop! 🙂 More updates as they are appropriate to post. 🙂 THANKS FOR STICKING WITH US!”

Willie Barnett,”Just a SMALL UPDATE! 🙂 I have been to the NEW SITE, today! Steve and his crew of Movers are  VERY BUSILY unloading several truckloads of stuff from Krell's former  location, & storage site. I am very much looking forward to getting  Service going, there! 🙂 It's not going to happen "tomorrow" though... but there is DAYLIGHT at  the end of this frustratingly LONG tunnel! I can see trees and blue  skies in the near distance! 🙂 STAY TUNED!!
PS: Thanks to all who have "held on" this far!!! 😃”

@hgeifman No info. He’s just saying Steve Javaherian is saying soon. “SOON!!! Steve has assured me that things are well on their way toward RE-OPENING SERVICE!! Stay tuned! :)”

@bulldogger

Thanks for the info about the move to a new building. Do you have any information about the Delaware court case decision and a date for Krell Industries to reopen and start operations? Thanks.

In addition, do you have any information about the equipment Audiogon members have in for repair?

@hiend2 It appears your assessment that Krell is moving was completely accurate. William Barnett has said on his Krell Facebook page that the new location is the same distance from his home as the old location. 

@piebaldpython ,

At this point, yeah, pretty much. Hope not for the guys who've got gear there, but right now it doesn't look promising. 

@thecarpathian 

Stored?? Or do you mean where ex-employees that got stung sold off gear for five cents on the dollar out the back door? Who knows where hundreds upon hundreds of items are this far along in the fiasco and who knows who to go after for anything missing. Pretty standard behavior of sinking ships.

@devinplombier

Perplexity AI reports the following but the posts above say the same thing. The most important statement below is “Krell’s ultimate success depends on resolving these issues and securing sufficient resources to restart operations effectively”.

“Krell Industries is currently in a state of transition. The company temporarily closed on June 18, 2024, following the unexpected death of its CEO, Rondi D’Agostino. The reopening process is complicated by probate issues and negotiations with the new majority shareholder. Despite these challenges, Krell aims to restart operations soon.

The company faces hurdles, including past financial instability, strained relationships with stakeholders, customer equipment in for repair and delays caused by the probate process. Additionally, competition for control over reopening adds complexity.

While progress is being made, the ultimate success depends on resolving these issues and securing sufficient resources to restart operations effectively”.

I have no further info regarding what is going on at Krell Industries. I have no equipment in for repair and am not in contact with anyone at Krell Industries.  What a mess this is.  

@devinplombier 

No!  Based on the above post, I assumed KRELL INDUSTRIES is closed.  I do not know and no one has officially said they are open or closed.  In other words, I have no clue.

Assuming the Delaware Probate Court makes a decision allowing Krell to re-open

@hgeifman do you have it on good authority that Krell was shut down by court order in the first place?

The delays have greatly diminished the value of the business, thus minimizing any inheritance taxes.

However, while it isn't worth much as a standalone business, it could be sold for significantly more to a deep pocketed high end company who could rejuvenate it and reestablish the brand.

Whose paying the rent on the building where everyone's gear is stored?

There are many players involved that include Kristopher D’Agostino, Tech 9 Auto, Steven Javaherian, High Performance Stereo (Krell Retailer), JF Bicking, Wil Buhler , Krell Industries, Krell Audio and the Delaware Probate Court. Of course in addition to the above, you have Krell workers, customers and retailers. And, yes, I probably forgot someone (maybe the building landlord).

All of the above have legal issues involved regarding gaining control of the probate assets, which are said to include at least 70% of Krell and the possible ownership by JF Bicking of the other 30% remaining assets. It is my understanding the Delaware Probate Court needs to resolve this ownership issue.

Assuming the Delaware Probate Court makes a decision allowing Krell to re-open, where is the capital going to come from to get Krell Industries back in operation. Obviously, that is another issue that needs to be resolved.

Based on the above Audiogon post, many Krell customers have equipment at Krell that need repair. Some of them have been waiting for a long time. How long will it take to resolve these issues? I have no clue.

@devinplombier  I have them kind of "tuned out," after the court decision. Didn't even notice. 

JF Bricking has lost the battle for controlling ownership.

I think it's JF Bicking, but considering what they've done to Krell JF Bricking seems perfectly appropriate 😂🤣

@jmera It appears JF Bricking has lost the battle for controlling ownership. The most telling thing I see is that Javaherian set up the LLC and not Kristopher. Tech 9 Auto, Kris's shop, is only about 50 miles away from High Performance Stereo that Javaherian owns. I want to know if the hifi shop "down the road," has the resources to "jump start," Krell. Javaherian at least is a high-end audio dealer that sells Krell. He likely knows the market far better than JF Bricking. 

Also, JF Bricking was supposed to offer Kristopher D'Agostino a buyout. Guess that was not a worthy offer or we wouldn't be here now. My guess is JF Bricking is fighting for a "piece of the pie," some controlling ownership because there is no money to recover. That's the best they can do, get some percentage going forward.

This was a probate hearing, intended to establish who would control the D’Agostino trust. Wil Buhler of "family holding company" JF Bicking had put forward a motion to have a third party administer the trust. Buhler apparently didn’t know that the proposed third-party administrator had already notified the court that he would not accept the role of trust administrator. The only alternative available to the judge was to allow Kris D’Agostino to administer his own trust.

Why is "family holding company" in scare quotes, I wonder?

And the saga continues!

@hgeifman don't forget this part:

Also involved, perhaps as an adviser to Kristofer, is Steven Javaherian, Krell dealer and proprietor of Florida–based dealership High Performance Stereo. In November, Javaherian set up a Connecticut limited-liability corporation (LLC) called Krell Audio.

See update regarding the Krell Industries vs. JF Bicking & Co Connecticut court case on February 19 posted on Stereophile web site below:

”Updated 2/20/2025 (previously 2/12/25)

In a Connecticut courtroom on Wednesday, Kristofer D’Agostino, son of late Krell owner and CEO Rondi D’Agostino, won control over his own trust, opening a path for Krell to begin to get its ducks in a row and, if all goes well, reopen.

This was a probate hearing, intended to establish who would control the D’Agostino trust. Wil Buhler of "family holding company" JF Bicking had put forward a motion to have a third party administer the trust. Buhler apparently didn’t know that the proposed third-party administrator had already notified the court that he would not accept the role of trust administrator. The only alternative available to the judge was to allow Kris D’Agostino to administer his own trust.

According to Stereophile sources, once D’Agostino receives the certificate certifying his role as administrator, he will be able to gain control of the probate assets, which are said to include at least 70% of Krell. (The possible ownership by JF Bicking of the other 30% remains in dispute—a dispute that must be resolved in Delaware, where Krell Industries is officially registered.)

For many months, it was widely assumed—not only by Stereophile—that Kristopher D’Agostino did not intend to try to reopen Krell. That left JF Bicking as apparently the only horse in the race. Recent weeks have brought indications that Kristopher D’Agostino does indeed intend to pursue Krell’s reopening. We’re not business experts, but that intention and an undisputed 70% (and possibly larger) ownership stake would seem to put him in a position to at least make the attempt.—Jim Austin”

My comment: I am not an attorney but the above identifies more issues that must be resolved. The above says “The possible ownership by JF Bicking of the other 30% remains in dispute—a dispute that must be resolved in Delaware, where Krell Industries is officially registered”.

Unfortunately, this means more delays meaning I have no information when Krell Industries will reopen, etc.

Or, in other words, “The legal battle involving Krell’s founders and private equity investors further complicates the company’s stability. The founders alleged fraudulent practices by the equity firm, while countersuits were also filed. These ongoing issues may contribute to delays in resolving customer concerns.

If the legal case mentioned is scheduled for February 19, it could lead to further delays in addressing operational problems. Customers with pending repairs may need to prepare for extended wait times”.

+1, “oh, my….”

If this is true, the situation at KRELL is much worse than described in the Stereophile article. I do not know what is true, and not true. I feel sorry for anyone that has equipment at KRELL waiting for repair.

The Judge hears the case on February 19 and, most likely, will request more information from both sides meaning more delays.

Oh, my...

Have you been following the dirt that was posted about Wil Buhler/William Kennedy Buhler/JF Bicking on the Krell facebook group and in the comments of the article? He has LinkedIn profiles that look very fishy (holding director level jobs at 16 or 18, depending on the profile). He has a spotty criminal record (go to the Pennsylvania court site and type in his name) and a plethora of companies formed at the same address as JF Bicking. None of this adds up with his story of being the heir of a multi-generational family business (I don't think that type goes with a public defender in their criminal cases). I wish the best of luck to Rondi's son during his litigation with this character.

Stereophile report Updated 2/12/25 (previously 2/7/25)

copy of report:

“In the February issue, Stereophile tentatively predicted the imminent reopening of Krell Industries, the legendary high-end amplifier manufacturer. It didn’t happen, and it still hadn’t happened as the current issue went to press.

It now appears that two parties are competing to reopen Krell.

To recap: On June 18, 2024, Krell Industries closed following the unexpected death of owner and CEO Rondi D’Agostino. An early announcement indicated that the closing would be brief, but Krell has been in limbo ever since.

In an interview in late January, Wil Buhler of self-described “family holdings company” JF Bicking & Co. told Stereophile that the long-awaited reopening was within reach. Others disputed his claim, though not publicly.

What is JF Bicking’s relevance to l’affaire Krell? Bicking claims a 30% share in the company. “JF Bicking’s working relationship with Rondi [D’Agostino] gave her and us equal managerial control, even though she still held the majority share,” Buhler told Stereophile. Documents supplied by Bicking and reviewed by Stereophile appeared to support Buhler’s claim of an ownership stake.

Who owns the rest of Krell? “With the death of her husband in August of 2024, the [majority] share has now gone to her heir,” Buhler said. “Her heir” is Rondi’s son Kristofer D’Agostino. Also involved, perhaps as an adviser to Kristofer, is Steven Javaherian, Krell dealer and proprietor of Florida–based dealership High Performance Stereo. In November, Javaherian set up a Connecticut limited-liability corporation (LLC) called Krell Audio.

Javaherian and Kristofer have refused to talk with Stereophile. “We were ordered by the probate judge not to make any public statements at this time,” Kristofer wrote in an email. “Unlike the other parties involved, I’m obeying the judge’s orders to not speak on this issue until a ruling has been granted.”

Anonymous sources told Stereophile that at first, Kristopher was uninterested in being involved with Krell. Apparently that has changed. Now, two factions—majority owner Kristopher on one side, JF Bicking on the other—are competing to own and reopen the company.

“Within a day or so, we are planning to submit a formal offer to buy Rondi’s outstanding majority share of Krell from her heir. Our lawyers … are pretty confident that we will succeed.” Documents reviewed by Stereophilesuggest that the proposed deal is structured as a small upfront cash payment plus a declining share of profits, starting at 10%. JF Bicking would take on all Krell Industries debt.

“Ultimately, we think the courts will intervene,” Buhler continued. “We’re requesting the appointment of an independent third-party administrator to handle Rondi’s estate so that we can proceed with reopening Krell.” When contacted in early February, Buhler said the offer had been made but that no response had been received. A court hearing was scheduled for the week of February 3 but then rescheduled for February 19, well after this issue of Stereophile went to press.

Willie Barnett, Krell’s longtime repair technician, is still in the picture. In a Facebook post in mid-February, he wrote, “I am still working with Steven Javaherian to get the Repairs going again”; Earlier posts to the group, in late December, suggested that he was working with JF Bicking. He has made it clear all along that his interest is in getting Krell reopened.

When we spoke with Buhler in late January, he said, “Through all subsequent negotiations with [Kristofer D’Agostino], the invaluable help of former Krell Industries Vice-President Walter Schofield has enabled us to stick it out through less-than-cooperative behavior on the majority holder’s part. Once matters are settled, and we can start up again, Walter will come back onboard in a consulting capacity and help with the rebuilding of Krell.”

Contacted by Stereophile, Schofield remained neutral in the ownership dispute, saying, “I only ever wanted to see Krell reopen, have people’s equipment repaired and returned, and if possible, see the brand restart production. … At first, it seemed there was only one horse in this race. All I ever wanted to do was help, and I am still willing to do so for any entity that takes control of the brand.”

Stereophile’s hope, too, is that whichever side comes out on top, the dispute will soon be settled so that Krell Industries can reopen and restart its work processing repairs and fulfilling customer orders”.

I have a friend who has had an amplifier at Krell for repair for almost a year now.  He has heard absolutely nothing from Krell, and has had no response(s) to his enquires sent to various people mentioned in the Stereophile article including the Krell Facebook group.  

Steven Javaherian is involved? I am no longer optimistic. For me, it explains everything. https://www.stereophile.com/content/krell-industries-proceeds-towards-reopening   

Great to hear that Walter is back if KRELL rises back up. I bought my 300i and 175XD after emailing him a few times. Sold both but wish I still had at least one of them.

Hopefully, Dave Goodman is back too,

@roxy54 I agree "the hour is late." But I don't think it's too late. I really like the sound of the Krell XD stuff. I am hoping that the development of the flagship stereo and monoblock amp's tech will trickle down to new lower priced amplifiers to replace the XD series. Walter is back but let's also hope Dave Goodman will come back to do this designing. These are really wonderful relaxed, smooth, natural sounding amplifiers. The XD series is several years old now. New designs and products are just as important, in the future, as getting restarted is now.

Customers should have been given more information and communication prior to this, even though it's good news for customers who have been waiting for their gear to be repaired and returned. Too much, too little too late, I think. I don't believe their reputation will ever really recover from this.

Good news.  There's light at the end of the tunnel.

please see below the ==== for a copy of the above referenced article.  

@bulldogger, Thanks for finding and posting this article on Krell.

=====================================

"On June 18, 2024, Krell Industries closed temporarily after the unexpected death of owner and CEO Rondi D'Agostino; Krell has been in limbo ever since. According to Wil Buhler of family holdings company JF Bicking & Co, Krell's long-awaited reopening is within reach.

What’s been happening? Buhler offers an explanation. "JF Bicking's working relationship with Rondi gave her and us equal managerial control, even though she still held the majority share. With the death of her husband in August of 2024, that share has now gone to her heir.

"Through all subsequent negotiations with that heir, the invaluable help of former Krell Industries Vice-President Walter Schofield has enabled us to stick it out through less than cooperative behavior on the majority holder's part. Once matters are settled and we can start up again, Walter will come back onboard and help with the rebuilding and running of Krell.

"Within a day or so, we are planning to submit a formal offer to buy Rondi's outstanding majority share of Krell from her heir. Our lawyers, Royer, Cooper, Cohen and Braunfield (RCCB Law), are pretty confident that we will succeed.

"Once we've conferred with Walter, we will submit our formal offer to buy Krell. Ultimately, we think the courts will intervene. We're requesting the courts to appoint an independent third-party administrator to handle Rondi's estate so that we can proceed with reopening Krell. Our next hearing is next week, between February 3 and 7. That's when an independent administrator will be appointed if the heir has not yet accepted our formal offer for purchase."

Meanwhile, Buhler informs Stereophile readers, krell.industries is the legitimate website for Krell Industries. "The former website, krellhifi.com, has been hijacked," he says. 

What about Krell equipment sent in for repair? Willie Barnett, Krell's longtime repair technician, continues to be affiliated with the company, active on the Krell Owners and Enthusiasts Facebook group, and hard at work. "All Krell equipment previously submitted for repair is safe and currently being fixed," Buhler assures Krell owners. "Product will be sent back to the owners once repairs are complete."

Stereophile has contacted Rondi’s heir and will update this story if and when comment is received. The announcement of the official reopening of Krell Industries will be shared on this site. Please stay tuned".

https://www.stereophile.com   Walter is coming back!

Reading on facebook, Techs are back in the shop working on the backlog of units,other then that who knows

@devinplombier ,

Ah, thanks.

It seems to me that Wil's careful wording indicate that he is under tight legal restrictions that might be out of his control. A gag order of some type comes to mind as he is seems to tiptoe his way forward.

Gotta hit the one I highlighted or you get a site that looks like Arabic.

That was Thai.

Unfortunately, our old domain, krellhifi.com, and related emails have been hijacked, and are no longer under our control.

If Krell had paid the $25 domain renewal fee maybe it would still be under their control? Also, whoever owns the domain name now is probably more than happy to sell it back for a fee, since that's the business they're in - selling domain names. But, no; instead:

Remedies are being pursued.

Hahaha sure

I just hope folks get their gear back soon.