2. amps-preamps
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Wanted: Lightweight Krell KSA-100 Clone????

Until recently, every component in my stereo system was >30 years old; the relevant ones being Krell KSA-100 and Thiel CS3.6 that I purchased new in the 80s.

After ditching the old Pioneer Elite CD player, WADIA DAC, and KRELL PAM-5 preamp, I started streaming TIdal Premium > Node 2i > Dennafrips Ares II > the Krell>Thiels.

I love the sound and I’m amazed that the Krell sounds like new, however, it still weighs too much (around 90 lbs) and a much lighter amplifier would give me more flexibility.

Can you recommend a replacement that will sound very much like the Krell but weighs much less?

I'm thinking that there is probably something 5-10 years old that sounds similar and should be available at a “good” price. For instance, I can get a set of Bryston 7B ST for $2000+ but I have never heard these and know little about them.

Any information would be appreciated.

chinook9

Showing 3 responses by chinook9

chinook9 OP
68 posts
 
Thank you all for your response..

Actually Roxy54, I would prefer to be able to move it. The last couple of years I have started trying some different components and I expect to keep on doing so for a while.  As good as the KSA-100 is, it takes up a lot of space and puts out a lot of heat. 

Right now I also have a Parasound A21 and a Classe AMP2 Class D amp.  I can move these around the house with no problem but the same cannot be said of the Krell.Its a beast.

I am continuing my research on the Bryston amps.  
chinook9 OP
68 posts
 
tweak1, Thank you for the mention of the GaN based amps.  I am really intrigued by Class D amps and will follow the development of amps using this module.  I like the Classe AMP2 but it may be a bit bright.  It appears that Classe did a lot of work on this Class D amp and haven't done much with it lately. 
chinook9 OP
68 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. 

After doing a lot of online shopping and reading reviews I went back and tried my other amplifiers with the Thiels.  The Parasound A21 sounds very good and so I am going to stick with that.  

My wife only listens to CDs so I'm going to set that system up just for her.

I only listen to Tidal Premium through a Node 2i so to satisfy my own audio urges I am going to set up a system for myself in the basement.  That should maintain my interest for a while. 

I am also going to sell the KSA-100. 


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