Krell or Mark Levinson amp.?


Krell 200c or ML 334 OR 335-which is the system to go with?
sot025c
I feel that it's the ML stuff that has the rep for erring on the side of bright at times. And Krell has the rep for having the most tubelike (i.e. "correct") midrange (except for the new "c" series). Levinson amps have been measured to have a higher damping factor (usually), so the bass can be more controlled, and sometimes winds up sounding not "round" enough. IT ALL CAN BE TUNED WITH CABLES THOUGH (unbelievably so), so it's not terribly dependant on the choice of speakers. I've heard a VTL amp that sounded more like transistors than my Krell KAV-250a (mine with my speakers almost sounded like a CJ tube amp in comparison, yet it played effortlessly much louder). He had very bright cabling, and had electrostatic speakers that were also adjusted very bright (he must've had some hearing loss). Very analytical and unnatural sound. Anyway...besides, ML is owned by Harman, might as well be owned by Microsoft, Standard oil, or OPEC. How much more money could they possibly need? I am all in favor of Revel taking some market share from Wilson, however.
This is really a matter of personal taste, both companies make fine products. I have heard nothing but great things about the new ML integrated amp. The Krell is usually noted for it's bass slam. I have the Krell integrated and will say that the bass slam was greater than the ML 333 when each was hooked up to a ML 39. Not that one was better than the other just that the sound was different. It's a matter of personal taste. Hopefully you can listen to both in your system and make the decision based on what you like.
Bel Canto EVo 200.2 digital T amp. This amp was just reviewed in Germany's Stereoplay and was rated peak performer. Cost is $2395. According to someone at Soundstage they have heard this amp and it compares to the Art Audio Jota (7K). Digital amps are the future.
Before you buy a Levinson or a Krell do yourself a favor and listen to the Jeff Rowland Model 10 amplifier. This amp blows the Levinson and Krell and probably most amps out of the water. It truly bridges the gap between great ss and great tube amps. Plus it is built like a tank and is gorgeous too.
While you're at it listen to Muse, Ayre, McCormack DNA, and SimAudio. All are great SS amps and much less expensive than Krell or ML.