2. amps-preamps
  3. 1201270089

Krell showcase or other 5 channel amp

I own a Parasound 1205A and am looking for something that would be an upgrade. I want an amp with balanced inputs and need it to be in black (which seems to cut down your choices in high end amps these days). I am wondering if the Showcase would really be an improvement over what I have. I am somewhat suspicious of these newer Krells (as compared to, say, the Krell TAS which looks like a real Krell!). Would I be getting just the name or a real sonic improvement?

I have B&W803N's, and would get a Classe, but they seem very rare on the used market. The Dreadnaught seems like a great idea, but perhaps a bit more expensive. Any other suggestions?
diw
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Of the amps you listed, and...hometheater/multichannel in mind. Classe, Krell TAS, and Cinenova Grande would be my top choices to explore.

The rest of your choices, are well below these in build...the Bryston being the best of these. When you buy an amp, you should buy with "intended use" in mind.

If you want a two channel (audiophile) amp, then thats what you should buy, simply add a three channel amp to that.

BTW, the Theta measures the highest distortion levels of the bunch (by far), when pushed hard....Google is your friend.

Dave
Post removed 
diw OP
33 posts
 
There are a couple of Proceed Amp 5's around. When I was a 2 channel guy, I had a Levinson 23.5 which was my all time favorite amp.

How do the Proceed's stack up against the other amps we are discussing? Is buying an amp that old a good idea?
asin
33 posts
 
I owned Proceed AMP-5. It was an excellent amps, the sound is more lively and open than equivalent Krell KAV series but never compare it to showcase.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
If you are primarily a music lover, don't get a multi-channel amp. If I understand correctly, the Parasound is a multi-channel amp? If so, keep it for your HT and get a good 2-channel amp (Krell FPB or go back to the ML 23.5 - which is a great amp) or tons of others. Even at a used price of $1,000 a decent 2-channel amp is going to blow the Showcase out of the water and also the Dreadnaught II which I owned for 2 weeks and sold because it was useless in terms of performance in 2-channel mode!

FWIW I tried to go the 5-7 channel amp route with Krell KAV 1500, Dreadnaught II, Conrad Johnson, and none did it for me in 2 channel. I now run a Krell FPB and a Proceed 3 channel for center and surrounds - but HT is a very low priority for me. Previously I ran a ML 331.5 with the Proceed which was a pretty good balance for HT.
More to discover