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Advice on Krell amplifier

I am planning to replace my 20 plus year old Audio Research amplifier with a solid state one (tired of dealing with tubes). I’m considering the McIntosh Mc312 and the Krell duo 175xd.  The Krell is highly recommended by a trusted dealer as having a “tube like” sound and going well with my other components.   My other equipment: Audio Research preamp and phono stage (which I plan to keep) KEF Reference 5 speakers, Innuous Zenith 3 server. I haven’t seen many comments or reviews of either the McIntosh or the Krell. I would appreciate any advice, including comments from people who have heard these amplifiers. Thanks. 
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tom8999
153 posts
 
I have used Krell Integrated amps for over 15 years in my two main stereo systems ( Krell KAV 400 xi and Krell S 550i). I have pushed Maggie’s with both integrated amps just fine and Maggies have to be the most inefficient speakers built. The sound I get is amazing - midrange, bass and imaging are the best I have heard. Just be aware Class A power runs hot! But it sounds great. Krell service was needed on my 550i and they were great! Go with Krell and you will be happy! I am!
krell_fan1's avatar
krell_fan1
100 posts
 
I own the latest Krell Duo 300 XD and couldn’t be happier. I have owned the iconic 400 FPB and other Krell classics. This sounds the BEST. The latest series of KRELL XD amps are without question the best sounding amps on the market for the money. A thing of beauty given the relatively lower amount of power the amp consumes as a result of some brilliant software. Pure class A power has to be heard to be believed. 
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict
63 posts
 
I own the Krell 575  monoblocks, upgraded to XD. I can’t be happier with their new sound. Too, Krell’s customer service is amongst the best in the industry. 
kenmason
13 posts
 
I personally don't understand the use of burl wood to (match?) grass cloth wallpaper. I personally would have recommended bamboo. However, what do I know? I have only designed and built custom furniture for 40 years. I expect only a very few will understand and enjoy this post.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
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.
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