.
Well, the Krell KAV-250p
has a "home theater passthrough" mode that can be configured on input
#3. You would just take the left/right pre-outs from the Yamaha and
connect them directly into input 3 on the Krell. This will save you the
cost of the RCA switcher and extra RCA cable. Also, I think you'd get a
bit better performance from this 2-channel preamp then you would from
the multi-channel Pre/Pros you listed. http://krellonline.com/assets/support/KAV250P_V000_MAN.pdf Referenced on page 8 of the user manual.
Auxinput, thanks for the input. The Krell 250P interests me, but time and time again, I'm reading that the Krell sound is more forward and brighter than Classe, which is what I'm trying to avoid. I guess I can always try various pieces and sell what doesn't work for me. |
Yea, I've been looking for CJ's, but if they're remote capable, they're newer and out of my price range. Thanks for the advice!
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Dastro - Your philosophy and approach is absolutely sound.
In
almost every respect the very best deals on used 2ch stereo preamps on
the market today might just be older extreme high-end pre/pro's that
lack HDMI and modern processing formats.
I think that adding an
SSP-300 into your existing system might be an interesting experiment.
Also, with the vast array of hookups and routing options, you should be
able to forego that passive RCA switcher and run the Classe and the
Yamaha together without need for another piece of equipment.
Greg, do you know how I would be able to connect the AVR to the SSP-300? I'm not quite sure what inputs I would connect it to. Thanks! |
Dastro - I'd have to check the manual for the SSP but I think that
it allows for HT type bypass as does the CP series (manual is online). -
Otherwise, you'd probably need to look at the manual and connections on
your Yamaha to see what's possible (you'd need preamp inputs - totally
bypassing the processor/ volume, etc).
I think that the weirdest
part of this potential setup that you're pursuing is the fact that
you're utilizing the amps in the AVR so you really don't get to bypass
it completely with a new pre/pro.
Still I'd look at your manual
and see what's possible but I'll bet in the end you might end up w/
either 2 dedicated systems or at least going w/ separates.
At the
end of the day, however, the older processor that are pre-HDMI are
insanely cheap for a high-end 2CH setup - incorporating that into a
modern AVR, however, that's a different thing altogether...
Still worth some research and experimentation IMHO.
Greg
Grey, I'm not using the amps in the AVR, I have separate amps. I'm only utilizing the Yamaha currently as a pre/pro. Thanks, dAvid |
Your Threshold Threshold S500/II (great amp BTW I had one) only needs
around 1.2v input to give full 250w output, so a low gain preamp would
be best to have so you can have a good range of rotation on the volume
control, as most sources are over >2v output.
And it has a 75kohm input impedance, which would be a great match for a passive preamp. The way I used it.
I would say being new school this maybe better and it's new with warranty and it has remote.
Try
the Schiit Audio Freya (from the guy who designed Theta Audio’s best
products) , as it can be a passive pre, active tube pre, or active solid
state pre. So you can suit your moods. All with low gain so you’ll have
plenty of range control with your volume control.
Plus it has
balanced or rca input and outputs and comes with a extremely high
quality 128 position relay based volume control, and it’s all remote
controlable as well. For just $699 with a trial period, so you could
send it back if you don’t like it.
http://schiit.com/products/freya
And they make a great phono stage as well mm/mc.
http://schiit.com/products/mani
George, Yea, I love that Threshold. It taught me a great lesson about amps. Before that I was using an Aragon 4004 Mk 2, which was a revelation compared to 2 ADCOM 555's bridged on my 802s. The Threshold grips and controls the woofers and completely changed the sound. You are the second person to recommend the Schiit Freya. Mmmmm, I'll probably have to check one out. Thanks for the help. |
Okay, I pulled the trigger on the Krell mentioned above. The price was very low so if it doesn't work out I can easily recover the cost.
I lusted for Krell at Progressive Audio in Columbus during my college years- this made the decision a little easier. If I don't like the sound I'm going to try the Schiit Freya.
Now, I get to choose a CD player, maybe a dac, and a phono preamp. Isn't this hobby/obsession/craziness/wallet draining fun? |
Well, the Krell KAV-250P showed up yesterday. I connected it using the identical cables as my Yamaha Aventage HTR. I'm running the Yamaha to Krell using it's theater throughput input. This is interesting because with 2 different CD players in the system, it allows me to do real-time A-B listening using 2 copies of the same CD.
I've been told this Krell model is considered entry level Krell quality but I have a new found respect for the Yamaha HTR's preamp section. I've had three people and myself do comparisons and if there are differences, they are incredibly subtle, almost to the point of being negligible.
To many on this forum, this may sound unbelievable and possibly sacriligious, but I am confident in my and others' opinion. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the 2 units have a similar sound or are of similar quality but I have a feeling it is my speakers (B&W 802 S2) that are the issue.
I think the speakers just do not have the resolution that is needed to articulate the differences. This is based on listening to a pair of B&W 801 S2's on the Yamaha (with Threshold) system (this is the basis for a different thread I started a couple months ago.). The 801's are much more revealing when it comes to equipment and source material Possibly the best resolution test I've found is using the Yamaha's "Pure Direct" mode. When this mode is engaged with the 801s, the difference is not subtle. It is like a veil has been lifted and the sound is more articulate and the soundstage is greatly enhanced. With the 802's, I notice zero difference when the direct mode is engaged. I find this very interesting since the the 2 speakers share the same midrange and tweeter units. The 801s mids are glaring and fatiguing to me- and they lack midbass punch and have a somewhat boomy bass at times, probably due to my room. This is why they are not my main listeners. It has been stated that the 801s, atleast to some people, at first discover a heightened presence and resolution in the mids and lower treble only to realize this is due to somewhat increased levels in those frequencies, sometimes resulting in fatigue.
When time allows I plan on connecting the 801s to the Krell to see how they work with one another. If there is an improvement, this will then put me on the search to replace the 802s. I find this a daunting task as I will want to buy used to get the most for my dollars but will be limited to what is close for auditioning purposes.
Lastly, I also have a Parasound P5 arriving today as well. When the bug bites, it sometimes bites hard....
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Hi dastro. A couple
thoughts. You did emphasize that you wanted a "warmer" type sound. The
term "warm" does not always mean resolution. If you want more
resolution, you might have to sacrifice some warmth because the higher
resolution character may be towards the bright/forward side of things. Also,
what CD Players and interconnects are you using? I have been in
situations where the interconnect is not able to show the true
resolution of the source. I have compared two different DACs with a
lower end interconnect. With that, there was hardly any difference
between the two DACs. However, when putting a very excellent
interconnect into play (i.e. solid-core OCC copper, Futurech XLR
connectors), it became totally obvious that one DAC was highly superior
over the other DAC. Your CD players may not be able to provide a real high resolution signal. This may also be a limiting factor in things. With
everything else, I would not say the Krell KAV-250p is a super high
resolution preamp. It is not forward/bright, but there are other preamps
that are definitely superior. The Parasound P5 might give you higher
resolution and also be just a little bit more forward than the Krell. I
am interested in hearing your results with the P5.
Thanks for the response, auxinput. You point is very valid. Warmer..., hmmmm, I may already have a somewhat warm sound using the 802s (as compared to the not so warm 801s)! I'm using a Yamaha DVD player as one of the CD players running HDMI to the Yamaha HTR. I'm using a Sony SACD DVP-S9000ES into the Krell. Except for the HDMI, I'm using all Canare Star-Quad cable. I understand this as being good quality cable for the low cost, but it could have its limitations- engineers may disagree. It has been an upgrade to vintage Monster products I was previously using. The P5 just arrived. It's the unit that Parasound used at CES so it should be properly broken in... |
After hours and hours of listening with the P5, it is indeed a keeper. To my ears and perception, it has a more balanced, fuller sound than the Yamaha HTR. The soundstage width and depth is also enhanced and the whole experience is just more involving.
A gentleman that auditioned and purchased a pair of 801 S2 with it loved it so much he's contemplating replacing his AR LS15 with one.
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