Upgrade Krell KSA 250 to what?


Here's the situation:

My 30 year old Krell KSA 250 (upgraded/hot rodded at the factory 20 yrs ago) is showing signs of age.  I'm having trouble turning it on/off and I'm afraid it needs service.  While I've enjoyed it tremendously I'm naturally wondering about replacement in lieu of spending significant sums on updating it.  Furthermore, not sure if the Krell factory is willing or capable of servicing an amp of this vintage.

So I've been toying with replacing it with a new or nearly new piece.  Options I'm considering are Pass labs (possibly X250.8 or 350.8), ARC Ref 75 SE or possibly a Ref 150 SE (used), or similar.  D'Agostino dealer is nearby as well along with a VAC dealer but both those brands are too rich ($$$$) for my blood.  Trying to stay below $10K, preferably less than $8K.

The system for this change is composed mostly of older gear, as follows:

Wilson Watt/Puppy 7

Sota Star III/ SME V/ Benz Ruby Z analog front end

Oppo 105 digital player

ARC Ref 2 Mk II line stage

ARC PH3 SE phono

Straightwire/ Cogelco/ Purist Audio cables


Thanks in advance for the input!




bobbydd
Yes, spending $2500 to service a present value $2500 amp does not make sense from a re-sale point of view, but if you factor in the utility and joy it will bring you for the many years to come, it can be easily justified.

Try and purchase a fully refurbished Krell KSA 250 now...I looked and can’t find one available right now. I think for someone who wants a KSA 250 you’d be hard pressed to find one period.... right now anyway.

Full restoration on mine through Steve last year ran $3400 plus shipping.  The sound is excellent.  Amp looks new.

 

Not for sale.

Nice to read the story..and the conclusion. I had my Rowland model 8 serviced and modded by Jeff a few years back. Easily worth the $$, as it now sounds even better than when new. Some of these amps from the golden years, like my model 8 and the OP's model KSA 250 are going to be extremely hard to better unless many many times the price is willing to be paid. Even then, I'm not so sure that amps like the new D'Ag's, Soolution's etc., are that much better, if any! ( Yes, I have heard most of the new offerings).