Krell HTS 7.1 vs. Showcase

I have owned both.

What I will say is that one of the biggest differences I found between the two is the sound quality. While the Showcase is a fine pre/pro, the Krell HTS 7.1 is better than the Krell Showcase on movies and especially on music. I like to watch a lot of concert footage dvd's and the HTS 7.1 really shines.

I use the HTS7.1 with three krell amps (fpb 350Ms for the two fronts) and a Krell KSA 150 stereo amp to drive the sub and center. The HTS7.1 has worked really well and provides a lot of adjustment options, etc. It had to go in to Krell once (the left channel had gone dead) but they gave me good turn-around time and downloaded the latest software, all on warranty. It works great now and I am very pleased with it. BTW, the fronts are Maggie 20.1s and the center is a Maggie CC-3.

Ok, seems like the concensus is that the HTS 7.1 does indeed sound a bit better...

Puerto- impressive collection of Maggies/Krell you have! I bet it sounds amazing.

I'll also join in to favor the HTS 7.1. It beat many stand alone pres I had over to demo. It doesn't seem to be a popular piece around here, but my experience with it has been extremely favorable, quite contrary to many who "blast" Krell. It is the one piece I've had for the longest time. I've used it with a variety of amps and for 2-channel, M-channel, and movies too.

Audiojan: Thanks, yes, it sounds great (to me). I agree with Dbld that Krell makes an excellent product. Further, I have had good experiences with the service department. Perhaps a bit slow but the results are there. FWIW, I chose Krell all around, Maggies all around and Cobalt Cables all around because I think there is a synergy between like brand products that may be more difficult to obtain with components from all over the spectrum. It's off the HTS7.1 subject line here, but now I am looking for a reasonably priced set of Power Cables to replace the originals on the Krells and Pre/Pro. Again, if a suitable replacement is found, they will all be from the same manufacturer.