Some of the comments mention the older Krell Evolution line stuff (KAV 400 xi, S550i, 202, 525, 600, etc.). These Evolution generation were a more transparent high resolution type of sound.
The new Krell stuff (Solo, Duo, XD) is the sliding-bias Class A and has a completely different sound. It is a very smoothed over and possibly lush type of sound, which dealers can say "sound like tubes". I disagree. My opinion is that this is similar to a lot of the high bias bipolar Class A amps on the market (smooth, liquidy, lush). Not bad, but a different type of sound.
The McIntosh MC312 is going to be more laid back and mild sounding (in a way) than the Krell XD, but it is going to be more neutral and natural sounding. The Krell is likely to have more punch and impact. But the McIntosh is very engaging even though it's mild/laid back.
The new Krell stuff (Solo, Duo, XD) is the sliding-bias Class A and has a completely different sound. It is a very smoothed over and possibly lush type of sound, which dealers can say "sound like tubes". I disagree. My opinion is that this is similar to a lot of the high bias bipolar Class A amps on the market (smooth, liquidy, lush). Not bad, but a different type of sound.
The McIntosh MC312 is going to be more laid back and mild sounding (in a way) than the Krell XD, but it is going to be more neutral and natural sounding. The Krell is likely to have more punch and impact. But the McIntosh is very engaging even though it's mild/laid back.