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Krell KAV-400xi vs KAV-150a vs Outlaw Audio vs ?

Hey All,

My wife hates the size and mismatched looks of our current system, which consists of:

Meridian 508.20 CD Player
Bryston BP25 Preamp
Belles 70 watt Class A Amp (upgraded by Dave Belles in '95)
Kef XQ1 Speakers

She ideally wanted to go with a receiver...which I was pretty down on, though the Outlaw Audio receiver seems to get good reviews.

I just auditioned a Krell KAV-400xi at a local store and was awestruck. They also had a used KAV-150a amp that I was originally looking at.

Am I better off getting the KAV-150a used for $1350 and adding it to the Bryston BP25 and getting a smaller, sleaker system than my existing amp, or am I better off with the KAV-400xi integraded amp? That one costs something of the order of $2700 and I would have to sell off the Bryston, the Belles, a B&K ST2140, and a Sumo 9+ amp I have to be able to afford it. Would I be happy with the very cheap Outlaw Audio Receiver?

Any thoughts, opinions? Other options to consider?

Many thanks in advance,

Phil
philhh
eujin
33 posts
 
Get the 400xi. I reviewed it a couple of years ago for Stereo Times and still think very highly of it. It's one of the best things Krell makes and the price is absurdly reasonable.
philhh OP
2 posts
 
Hey Guys! Thanks for the response. I was pretty blown away by the soundstage and presence of the 400xi.

Are there any other integrated amps I should look at? I noticed NAD has an M3 which looked interesting...or any other high end receivers? Or am I giving up too much with a receiver?

Thanks so much,

Phil
eujin
33 posts
 
The Ayre AX-7e for $3000 retail is a great integrated. I used to own it and thought it better than the 400xi if you don't need gobs of power. But it's a very different sound and not the type that will "blow you away"--its charms are much more subtle. As usual, system matching, especially with the right speakers, will be critical. The $2000-$3000 range of integrateds is a very rich field, but since you're already a Krell type of guy, I'd say stick with the 400xi. Otherwise, strap yourself in and be prepared to shop for a good while--there are just so many choices out there.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I'm a Krell guy but for my second system I recently installed a Musical Fidelity A5 integrated. Great piece.
philhh OP
2 posts
 
Hey Everyone,

Thanks so much for all of the feedback...I bought the Krell 400xi used off a guy on Videogon...can't wait to try it out!
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