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Recapping Krell FPB-Monoblocks - Need Advice

I have a flawless pair of original Krell FPB-350m’s I purchased from the original owner several years ago local to me. I am kind of on the fence as what to do, They definitely need a recap as one of them is heating up now and shuts off after 25-30 minutes. I’m debating recapping with upgrades or selling them as is and trying out Parasound JC-1’s or a Pass Labs X250.8. If I do recap them is there anyone in the western United States that can work on them? Krell is back east and wants $1300 per amp and I would have to pay shipping across the country. That would cost me around 3k. That seems quite high for a recap. Is there a dramatic difference sound wise when having these old amps rebuilt with modern caps?  If I do sell them as is what could I roughly expect to get out of them. I am clueless As to what they are worth? My system consist of Egglestonworks Andra II speakers and a AYRE K-1XE preamp. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Showing 6 responses by boisehomes

boisehomes's avatar
boisehomes OP
56 posts
 
I’m in the Northwest! What modern amps would compare to the big old school class A stuff. If I do have the FPB’s rebuilt I will never get rid of them. I wish there were some factory certified techs on this side of the country. 
boisehomes's avatar
boisehomes OP
56 posts
 
Yeah, I probably will bend over and send them in! Krell used to do 25% off there legacy amp rebuild program at Christmas but I guess the current management has no plans to do that again. I was going to have it done as a present to myself this year. I immediately pulled them out of my system when it happened and called a tech at Krell! He said a bad cap makes it go out of Bias and overheat! I currently have a 150 watt older Musical Fidelity amp I use as a backup! It actually is surprisingly good. I still want to try out some Pass Labs amps! I’ve always heard they were hard to beat.
boisehomes's avatar
boisehomes OP
56 posts
 
I think I will have Krell do the recap! Just got a bid from Steven at The Service Department and he wants $2,000 a piece! That seems absurd to me! Having Krell do it is a bargain compared to him! Lol! I’ll also give George Meyer a call and see what they can do! LA is pretty close to ship to.
boisehomes's avatar
boisehomes OP
56 posts
 
@gdnrbob

I would love the Ayre mono blocks but can’t dump that kind of money on amps right now. The VX-5 I could swing but not sure if it is a better amp then my Krell monos.  
boisehomes's avatar
boisehomes OP
56 posts
 
@georgehifi 

Will definitely have better caps put in! You really think it’s only a couple hours labor per amp? That would mean Krell is charging me over $500 an hour. Krell also told me it’s a huge improvement when these are recapped. 
boisehomes's avatar
boisehomes OP
56 posts
 
@georgehifi 

i just read your link again on the recap and I think it’s 5 hours per mono block. Also mine is jus a regular M not the X version. The M is probably easier! 
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