Who knows? Maybe because they're bigger and more successful than many other hi-end companies - they advertise more and undoubtedly get to charge a premium for their products based on name. None of this is a crime, of course, but probably engenders some resentment. I've been very pleased with the Krell equipment I have (KAV-250, KAV-500, KRC-3). I've also been very impressed with Krell the company - the few issues I've had with their equipment have been handled wonderfully, some of the best customer service I've ever received. Finally, the one high-end shop here in STL that's worth going to carries it - maybe that doesn't say anything about Krell, the company, but I'm always amazed at some of the high-end lines that allow their dealers to be unworkable. It may be random and we here in STL who like Krell are just lucky, but I know I've given feedback to other companies who don't seem to mind that there's no way in heck I"m going to visit their local dealers' showrooms.
Why Is Krell Not Considered Hifi?
No one seems to think that Krell sounds hifi, but just hifi price. They say it sounds hifi in that context that it doesn't sound real. I have to admit their products do have a metallic like cast to their tone, but aside from that I think that they are very smooth and detailed, far from the best in detail, like a CJ Premier preamp but they do make decent stuff. And just from looking at their products it makes you believe they sound as they look. Obviously its not true, but Krell makes decent stuff that has a good rep and is easy to resell (as long as its a current model, which is hard cuz they have so many new models) but its no way the sound of a Rotel or NAD that many people say.