Replacements for Dynaudio Floorstanders

I'd keep the dyns and replace the Krell with an ARC tube preamp and Wyred4Sound Class D amp or even better if budget permits Bel Canto ref1000m monoblocks.

That gives you a similar configuration to my system which has just the right degree of warmth IMHO but with bigger, more full range and hence better Dynaudio's than my monitors, which are no slouches.

Also use a pair of MIT networked or similar ICs or maybe balanced ICs between pre and amp if supported perhaps.

Nothing wrong with Krell, but warmth is not something I associate with that line based on my experience.

Nothing wrong with Dynaudio in that regard, in fact, unless you are looking to go overboard with the warmth, I cannot think of a better option there!

HAven't heard the Mirages but have heard only good things about them. I'm not confident though that they would move you towards your stated goal or not though. Maybe others know better....

"I don't like the tube sound...period. Listened to a bunch of them and just don't find it appealing. "

Wondering which ones?

I am with you. Tube sound does not appeal to me. However, the sp16 ARC I use does not sound "tubey". More like what you say you seek with the Dynaudios. I think pretty neutral.

There are probably similar sounding SS pre-amps out there as well if tubes are a total no no.

My Dynaudios also have a nice warmth with excellent detail even off the vintage 20 wat/ch Yamaha receiver in my second system (used with a sub to offload the low end).

The Yamaha is not a warm sounding unit by nature. I attribute the proper warmth aspect mostly to the Dyns.

When I use my Triangle monitors there in place of the Dyns the sound is similar except with no real noticeable warmth. Very neutral, detailed, and pleasing still. just not warm sounding.

Yes, if you must change speakers Avalon is one that might offer up something different, though not necessarily warmer than the Dyns. Definitely audition them first and make sure you will want to live with them before buying in that they have a distinctive tonality and are not inexpensive.

I'm not sure that running those of the Krell though still will get you what you are after.

"Dyns are not bright speakers you must have a problem elsewhere in the chain. "

My experience is they can be a touch bright in comparison to other designs that also tend to be classified as fairly neutral and balanced in general, in some cases with some amps.

But they are not inherently especially when matched well to amp. YMMV.

Yes, speakers do make the biggest difference, but Dynaudio is an excellent choice for one who wants some warmth without sacrificing the rest, so changing for that reason alone does not make sense.

Maybe there is something else other than or in addition to what the OP mentions as "warmth" that he is looking for that other speakers might do better.

But that's not what I'm reading here to date.

I have not heard that specific model of Krell amp. If it is a significant departure from the typical Krell house sound and in fact somewhat "warm" sounding, then I would retract my recommendation to necessarily change it.

" I've owned Krell and Dynaudio and if either one is brighter sounding it's the Krell, not that either is bad but maybe just a bad combo."

Exactly!

And if either line is inherently warmer sounding in general it is Dynaudio.

On paper, having never heard the two together actually, I'd say Krell and Dynaudio would be a synergistic combo for good detail with a touch of warmth.

Maybe a touch more is what the OP wants though.

Changing the Dyns alone is not likely to accomplish that.

The Krell or the source (Benchmark DAC I believe?) maybe.

I would only consider changing the BEnchmark if that were perhaps my only source and I like my amp better for whatever reason.

If I also have phono say and want more warmth overall with all sources,then I would say you have to change the amp and not just one source. I suppose I am assuming this scenario in saying change the Krell and not the Benchmark DAC. If Benchmark is and will continue to be the only source, then changing that might accomplish the goal.

Definitely not the Dynaudios though.