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Krell Duo 175xd

Just got the Krell amp about two weeks ago. I was debating between it and the Coda 8 (as well as some others).  A local dealer, in fact, was nice enough to lend me a new Macintosh amp for a few days.  I was unable to audition the Krell or Coda locally and relied on recommendations, in this case primarily from the “Audio Doctor” Dave Lalin. Dave has always given me good advice and has a very good ear, although he’s about 3000 miles away from me. He had great things to say about both amps. 
There have been many posts on this board from happy Coda customers but not much about the Krell.  Dave felt that the Krell would sound better in my system (Kef Reference 5 speakers, Innuous zenith 3, Audio Research LS22 preamp, PH 3 phono stage, Rega P6 with Dynavector cartridge), especially because I’m replacing an Audio Research VT130se amp. He thought the Krell was closer sound wise to the amp I’m used to. He also had the CEO of Krell call me to answer any questions, which was really  helpful. So far, the Krell is sounding very good. The best I can put in words is that it has more “slam” than other amps I’ve heard. Notes are more dynamic and sharply defined. The soundstage and imaging, which is what I like best about the KEF speakers, are very good.  It does cost more than the Coda but I see this as a very long term purchase.  I would love to compare the Krell with the Coda but I don’t see that happening. 
I know that Dave posts here frequently, which some like and some don’t. His advice to me has been very good (to the point where I bought the amp without an opportunity to see or hear it). He also recommended the Innuous Zenith 3, which I love for both the sound and the functionality. I also value the advice he provides here to others, which often helps me and is very thoughtful .  Not surprisingly, he often favors products which he sells but I’m fine with this as long as he is up front about it, which he is. Don’t want to open any controversies. Just my opinions. 
fast
brownsf
36 posts
 

Fast here.  Interesting to see your comments yyz. For some reason, there still are hardly any comments here about the Krell 175xd and reviewers have pretty much ignored it. I bought the Krell over 2 years ago and am enjoying it very much with my KEF Reference 5 speakers.  I haven't been able to compare other amps except for my Audio Research VT130 SE, which the Krell replaced.  I don't notice a huge difference which I consider good (But the Krell doesn't require monthly trips to a repair shop to replace tubes and other parts which blow out when tubes go). The internet connection of my Krell  has stopped working but it's not exactly a big thing.

What was the problem  with your speaker connections?  

I looked up the raal out of curiosity but given the cost and that I can't remember using headphones in at least 20 years, they probably wouldn't make sense for me.  It would be interesting to hear them but it looks like they're not sold by local dealers.  

yyzsantabarbara
4,553 posts
 

The problem with the speaker connectors was that it was tightened to a level that made me scared I would snap it if I turned it too much. I was wondering if the connector was a different type than what I was used to. I managed to slowly twist it after I disconnected the amp and was facing the back of the unit.

I use the KRELL 175XD with Thiel CS3.7 speakers. The KRELL is not officially rated at 2 Ohms as my speakers require. However, Walter @ KRELL asked the designer of the amp if it would work and he said the 175XD would be good on a small room and my speakers, While the 300XD would work in a bigger room at loud volumes. This is only with my hard to drive speakers and this comment would not apply to most speakers.

I am not a fan of headphones and the RAAL sound like 2-channel. I love it for late night listening when the family is sleeping. I do not feel as if I am losing anything when I switch from the speakers to the RAAL. That is the biggest compliment I can give. The KRELL is amazing with the RAAL.

You can do a home trial with these headphones. There are a few dealers out there. I get my RAAL gear from Danny at their US head office. These guys are local to me. Actually, walking distance from my old job.

Dealer · 2175 Goodyear Ave, STE 110. Ventura CA. 93003

danny@requisiteaudio.com

(818) 437-0779

Contact: Danny McKinney

 

 

 

brownsf
36 posts
 

Thanks.  What do you use between the Krell and the headphones ...what do you plug the headphones into?  I have a Benchmark LA4 preamp but it doesn't have a headphone jack.  There's a similar Benchmodel-hpa4-which does have a headphone jack but, since I never use headphones, I didn't pay the extra $500 for that model.

yyzsantabarbara
4,553 posts
 

@brownsf The headphone is plugged into the RAAL amp interface box which is included when you buy the SR1a.

I have 2 of them, one is currently connected to my CODA #8 and the other is a spare that I was trying out temporally with the KRELL 175 XD. I rotate the amps between the speakers and headphones.

Since it is a pain to post images on Audiogon. Here is a link to my system with the amp interface box. I have a Benchmark LA4 preamp besides the 2 amp interface boxes. However, I use my CODA 07x preamp with the RAAL SR1a. Not shown in the photo.

Raal Ribbon Headphones - SRH1A | Page 319 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

BTW - I had the HPA4 and sold it after the RAAL SR1a. However, that great idea turned out to be a bad idea and I bought the LA4 again. I rotate the LA4 and CODA 07x between the amp connected to the speakers. It is a simple matter of changing the XLR cable to the amp from the preamp. I have 2 15 foot XLRs from each preamp.

 

yyzsantabarbara
4,553 posts
 

If I did not want to use the CODA or KRELL to drive the RAAL SR1a. I could get a dedicated SR1a headphone amp such as the following.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in California and Texas

This is the lowest end one, but I am looking to get a used one for my bedroom. Notice the headphone connection is opposite of normal headphones. I cannot use the Benchmark HPA4 with the RAAL SR1a and you can only use the SR1a with the Schitt Jotunheim R that I linked above.

 

Designed Especially for Raal/Requisite Headphones

Let’s be clear. If you have other kinds of headphones, this amp isn’t for you. This amp was designed for one kind of headphones only: the Raal/Requisite ribbon headphones. Delivering up to 13A (amps…yes, amps) per channel into the Raal’s extremely low impedance load, and including the baffle compensation needed for the SR1a, the Jotunheim R is completely unique. It means you can leave your speaker amp behind, forget the Raal/Requisite interface box, and, if you buy it with the optional True Multibit™ DAC, you have a one-box system that’s easily transportable.

 

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