Krell or Pass

I have two systems and use Martin-Logans in each (but also have a pair of Thiels that see occasional service). Both the Logans and the Thiels are so revealing of midrange textures that solid state amps just sound either mechanical or plain irritating. I have tried the Krell but not the Pass. However, my vote is to look at a tube design. There is a lot of techno-babble about impedence issues, which I am sure is relevant, but if you try it and it works then the techno-babble doesn't matter. The tube amps I use are more lively on the Logans or Thiels than any solid state amp I have tried - figure that out. But importantly, the mids now sound like real voices and instruments. I used to avoid tubes because of the hassle factor, so do not believe I have a bias. But in my solid state days, I was always struck by the beauty of midrange sounds at live events that just did not seem to exist on my recordings. When I first put a good tube amp in place I realised what the problem had been. $9,000 is plenty. I agree with the earlier posts re VAC and VTL. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

"Harvey": I would blame your Logans before I blamed the Krell amplifier, unless you're not conditioning the AC power for the Krell. (Krell says not to use conditioners, but they're partly wrong, because the ones that don't current limit are fine FOR SURE!) "Bmpnyc2": Rel subs are ok, but they aren't the best. "ARAGONACE": Again, you just aren't filtering the AC enough for the FPB 300. If you were, it would soundly stomp the ARC 100!

Both are wonderful and ignore what we all say and take them both home and compare them. You must have a dealer in your area the would allow it. I have owned both Pass and Krell amps and it would be personal preference. Nice choices!

Both are wonderful and ignore what we all say and take them both home and compare them. You must have a dealer in your area the would allow it. I have owned both Pass and Krell amps and it would be personal preference. Nice choices!

Harvey, don't ignore what we all say. Just buy Krell FPB-350 monoblocks USED...then you can sell them exclusively TO ME in a year or two when you uprgrade to KAS...