Krell or Classe?

I am a systems designer for a well regarded custom installer in the midwest (also hi-fi salon ie, sonic frontiers,classe,krell,anthem,mcintosh,genesis,hales audio,snell acoustics,etc)I have spent countless hours listening to both the CAP-150/151 and krell 300i with all manner of digital front ends through numerous speakers. I have found both to be fully satisfying entry level hi-fi integrated amps. However, they are also very different sounding. The classe is VERY smooth and detailed in the upper-mids and the highs,base slam on the other hand is decidedly lacking. The Krell has incredibly controlled base and what seems to be unlimited head-room, however, DO NOT use this integrated with a forward (aka.BRIGHT)sounding speaker. The krell's mids and highs are very clean with a tendency toward being a bit analytical,(neutral). I would personally suggest the choice be made using musical preferences, Classe if most listened music is light jazz to string or piano classical, Krell if most listened music is orchestral,rock,blues,etc. I hope this helps,if any questions please e-mail me at: whiggster@aol.com

See the very positive review of the new Krell receiver in this month's Absolute Sound. The amp/preamp section is the same as the KAV-300i. Unless you have something else in the system with a harsh top end (CD player, speakers), go with the Krell. Consider buying a used unit, if you want to save money -- they're available for about $1500 - $1600.

I've heard the Krell KAV-300i and the Classe CAP 151 in different settings. The Krell sounded harsh and too bright for me, but it might have been the speakers and CD player. I listen to a wide variety of music and the Classe with the Classe CDP .3 and Joseph Audio speakers in a small room sounded much warmer and relaxing long term, no fatigue, as well as being duynamic and so musical. Of course, you see much more used Krell, noone seems as familiar with the Classe.

what about bryston?

classe of course.....krell really is not the sound period