2. amps-preamps
  3. 1004257269

Exchange Krell KAV-250a for a Pass Labs X-350?

Would I gain anything by exchanging my Krell KAV-250a for a Pass Labs X350? I am not dissatisfied with the Krell. It seems to be a pretty good match for my Dynaudio 1.3 Se�s. But yet I do not know what something else would sound like. I do know that these speakers like a chunck of power and they tend to be easy to get good sound out of. If the Pass amps will not be a vast improvement, what would be a good choice? I generally listen to jazz and a bit of rock and classical so my demands are not huge. I am using a NAD Silverline S-100 preamp and I have a Velodyne HGS-15 sub for when I want to rock but for the lighter jazz and classical it is not necessary. The only other upgrade that I am considering is moving to the Harmonic Technology Magic interconnect and speaker cables. I would appreciate some education on what would be the best amp for this set up. Dale
mcne
sqjudge
96 posts
 
Most pre amps with a balanced input and output will have impedance specs simular to the ones mentioned. In a balanced output stage the designer will put protection resistors on the outputs and the value doubles because now ther is two of them in a balanced configuration.

The input and outputs being balanced will quite often double the impedance specs but that does not mean that the input stage did not convert the signal to single ended. The signal then gets processed just like any other pre amp and then gets converted back to differental in the output stage. A fully balanced design has a four gang volume control vs a dual unit for a single ended design. There must be twice the gain stages in the fully balanced design. I hope this clears up some confusion. Chris
mg123
192 posts
 
Dale,

Ok, you got me there.... I didn't realize the Silverline was a different product line. I've owned other NAD products in the past (cd player, amp, receiver) and found them to be good values, but not "high-end". now I know something new.
mcne OP
113 posts
 
Thanks Sqjudge, I am getting some great lessons in balanced circuitry. I just knew how good this preamp was at sonic reproduction so I had to inquire. I did not understand the explanation Of Danelk141 so I had to start investigating. You hit it right on the head of the information that I was reading. The deal of adding four more gangs to the volume control was the reason that NAD stated for not adding balanced inputs to this preamp. Only outputs. Still, I guess that specs don't mean anything unless you can interpret them and understand their value. This thread has been very educational for me. But I am afraid that I have asked an impossible question that can only be answered by experience in listening with the desired upgrade in my own set up. Dale
sqjudge
96 posts
 
It is indead a tough question ....

I have heard several pieces of krell gear and it is always very good, but one of the most musical adutions I have ever had was thru a Pass pre and an X350. It was truly magical. Remember that this was my experience and your mileage may vary. Chris
davewavaolcom
193 posts
 
I have listed to both x-350's and Krell's. I bought an x-150 and an pass labs x-1 pre-amp. I like the match between the x-1 and x150 the best. The preamp makes a larger difference than an amp. I also own Harm Tech cables. Try the Pro Silway II's and 9's before the magic. I could not tell them apart.
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