Krell Vanguard Integrated vs Bryston B135


Krell Vanguard Integrated vs Bryston B135.


Both are available for about the same price in the SALE page.

I use an Aerial 5 and Marantz CD63ii. I want to replace my ADCOM GFA- 555ii/GTP-500 combo

Will either of these be a solid step up from the ADCOM combo and if so...which sounds better?


Thanks.

manto
@Matias1979. Same story with me and the Vanguard.  I would strongly suggest you try Anticables power cable...it is the only one that really let the Krell soar clearly and dynamically!
hooo, my beloved vanguard..I’ve been around a lot in this expensive audio-hobby and I can say that it is an excellent integrated if you don’t want to get involved with so many devices in your system.
with my Vanguard i must accept that in many cases it sounds better than others pre-powers setups.
It is very sensitive to the line cable. surprisingly I like how it sounds with the pc cable it brings. (after trying some 500-1000 dollar cables, transparent, bla bla bla)
Total agreement with dave_b, the Vanguard is an exceptional sounding unit.  Certainly Krell's best sounding integrated.  It takes a lot of money in separates to best it.
Thanks! for sharing- dave_b

I want it all! Detail, dynamics, micro and macro extension. Nothing muted nor rolled-off, especially, the top end.
FYI, the Krell does 200w/ch @8ohms and 400w/ch into 4ohms!!  It replaced my FPB 300/Phantom combo...it's that good!  It is extended, fleshed out and dynamic.  Sound staging is amazing with great image spread and detail.  A great PC and clean AC are required.  If it sounds etched then it is indicative of problems elsewhere.  Of course some listeners dislike realistic frequency extension in favor of a more colored or muted top end.
Not even close ...the Krell Vanguard is equal to, and in many cases, superior to separates.  The limitations will be your cables and ancillary equipment.
I used to own a GFA-555. It was very nice for the money, but the Bryston gear is in an entirely different league, sonically. (I owned a 14BSST for years and have auditioned a couple of all-Bryston systems.) I for one would go for the B135, and I can't imagine you would be disappointed.

I can’t comment on the Krell item, not having heard any Krell gear for over a decade.

HTH
My take-
I just got the Bryston 4B cubed. I also have a Krell Duo 300.
Krell has great bass, but the highs are etched.
New Bryston has nice uniform response through all frequency ranges.
And excellent bass.
Great query- manto

I would like to read more about these (2) amps from owners. Yes, either one will be a step up for sure. I want to read about which one has the most current.