Help - is Krell dead?


Hoping to get some cues from other owners. I have an older Krell KAV 280 CD Player that I really like. I am moving to Europe and tried to contact Krell to see if it can be switched to 220v (it is already 50/60hz). (Yes, i could buy a step-down transformer but i prefer converting it internally). No one picks up phones, the voicemail to some guy called Tim Rogers is full. Emails to servcie go unresponded. Does anyone know if there is some way to contact Krell? Dealers I have tried in NJ are also unable to help.....it is so strange. Many thanks for any help.

musicmatters1206

@musicmatters1206 the microcontroller will make the unit stop working if it’s set up for 60hz and it is used on 50hz. That’s how krell set up most of their equipment to counter grey market sales. I’m not saying your CD player has that, but it might.

1. I need to stand corrected, the KAV 280 CDP is 50/60hz. So its a voltage only issue. @invalid thanks, i am glad mine is 50/60

2. @jji666 despite a good streaming chain + Roon I just cannot seem to divorce my 2000+ CD collection, the experience of looking at the rack and picking what to play. To me CDs ain't going anywhere....

@jji666  - Thank you for the clarification. I used my Denon DVD player as my CD Player and was told I shouldn’t bring it to the UK. I didn’t realize they meant the zone was just for movies - although I have a ton of concert discs.

I feel really stupid now as I also left my CD’s in the states as well. Now I have to bring those back with me next time.

 

Usually Krell gear has three red switches inside. They are easy to access. Just remove top cover and you will see them close to power section (sometimes the switches are "hidden" with glued black plastic covers on top of the swithes. .Just take those away). In all my Krell gear (about 25 units) the settings of those switches shall be 2-2-2 for 240 Volt. I do not have the KAV 280cdp but the KPS30i cd player and it has those three red switches inside. The setting 2-2-1 is usually for US standard, 120 Volts.

I live in Sweden where we have 230 Volt, 50 Hz as standard. I have bought several poweramps from the US and never had any problems changing the voltage from 120 to 240 Volts. The only problem I have faced was with a couple of Krell FPB 300cx poweramps. They are locked to 60 Hz and needs a new IC to accept 50 Hz. Those wonderful Krellamps are the only ones of all Krell gear I have that needed the IC change. Take you player with you to Europe!!! There are plenty of Krellservice places in Europe. Some certified by Krell, some not. Look for the certified ones (of course). Good Luck! Mikael Sweden 

Edit: You can easily change the switches yourself but then you must be 100% sure that 2-2-2 is the correct setting for 240 volts for your KAV 280cdp If you have Facebook you can join the group "Krell owners and enthusiasts group". It is a serious group where members and  some Krell employees and retired Krell employees answers questions. Highly recommended.