2. amps-preamps
  3. 131102-101466

Refurbish vs New Amplifier?

I have been enjoying a Krell KST-100 for many years. I am contemplating having it
refurbished at the factory (vs a local independent tech).
also under consideration --buying a new amp replacement. (Audio Alchemy? or similar priced amp
--perhaps even a used).
Wondering what a factory refurbishment would run me (rough idea) and if anyone knows a reliable tech
in NY-NJ-CT area. I actually live fairly close to Krell and could drop the amp off!
Also
Not having been in the market for a while--I wonder if at the $2K to $3k range a new amp would surpass the performance of the older Krell?
Finally--the reviews of the Audio Alchemy Amp (I have their DDP-! phono stage and power supply already and find them quite good) are pretty good. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
johnlnyc

Showing 4 responses by johnlnyc

johnlnyc's avatar
johnlnyc OP
59 posts
 

Well yeah! I was just looking for some input here. My question is a bit more involved than just a cost estimate. (I could have been a bit more clear though).


johnlnyc's avatar
johnlnyc OP
59 posts
 
Just got off the phone with Krell tech support.
Great advice....."if it ain't broke. Don't fix it!"
They do refurbish repair all Krell units at the factory. He said they would be glad to "look" at it but unless there's a problem with the amp it is probably better to just leave it alone.
Also he recommended anyone in a three state radius of the CT factory, arrange to drop off their unit via car etc. (to avoid high shipping costs if the weight is substantial).
He said nominal repairs to my amp should run three or four hundred bucks but more expensive/sophisticated units could run into a thousand plus dollars.


johnlnyc's avatar
johnlnyc OP
59 posts
 
This is interesting. I tend to agree with the Krell advice. Re: older equipment that is working well probably is best left alone. I just had a water pump fail on an old Ford.
had it replaced with new factory pump which proceded to fail. Second new replacement is working fine now.
Caps new or old can fail. So can other parts. I had a tube fail in a CJ preamp one week after plugging it into my system. 
Predicting part failure ...why stop at caps ? Is a personal decision. 
There are no guarantees and apart from rebuilding an older piece of equipment.....(even then.....)
The KST 100 was a well reviewed unit...A comparable Krell (100 Watts) is app $5k.
i really like it . I realize there are less costly amps out there that may sound better
I am intrigued by the Audio Alchemy and a few others  in the end they will have to beat the Krell.

johnlnyc's avatar
johnlnyc OP
59 posts
 
Some good info here. An interesting discussion.
I have concluded that given the Krell has been in my system since I bought it new (way back when) the Krell factory guy was offering good advice.
If it ain't broke......

If I were buying this amp today (used) , I would have it "checked out" by a pro or buy from a dealer who bench tested before selling equipment.
The Krell to my "older ears" sounds as good as the day I bought it and is exhibiting no signs of any problems.


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