I thought I would post an update on the Krell K-300i with optional DAC that I recently bought. I think it is now sufficiently burned it. It was also a demo unit at the dealer. So what I am hearing now is likely optimal.
I tried the following (in increasing order of preference):
1) Krell Ethernet via RJ45 using cheap CAT5 Ethernet cable
2) Krell Balance 1 input via Benchmark DAC3B* using Benchmark XLR
3) Krell
Balance 1 input via
AudioMirror Tubadour III SE Tube DAC* using Audience AU24SE XLR
*DAC got streamed data from Fibre Optic cable (not Toslink)
The 3rd
connection choice was incredible. It was as good as the CODA CSiB (from 2018 not the latest) that I at one time thought was the best integrated on my power hungry speakers. The 90 watts of Class A on the Krell + the tube on the AMT3SE is a great pairing. Very smooth, with detail and body. The Krell also has some serious bass. The best bass on my Thiel CS3.7s out of a few different brand I have used, Benchmark, CODA, and Krell.
I sold the CODA today because this Krell with choice 3 was as good as the CODA and the Krell has better digital connectivity, such as HDMI.
The Krell K-300i is a seriously fine integrated amp. I may even sell some gear to simplify with this Krell.
