Which Krell to hunt down on the used market?

I haven't owned many Krell units in my time but I think the last of the best ends with the KAV-XXX yr2001-2 or so. The AVS was the most absolute definition of quality in AV sector. The HTS-1 &2 are also more wanted IMO. The amps and sources are in the same boat and time frame.

Also, I think astetics play a factor in what appears to be a quality unit. With companies trying to cut costs, increase efficiency and increase profits, it may be obvious to some that they have changed and I personally think that change started with current line up of light silver KAV-xxx.

Now the Class a stuff is still top notch and always will be, but how many consumers are willing to get that quality with a set-up costing 80K+. The quality will always be there with them.

No comment on the reference line.

Sound like you got some bad information. Krell has never made anything as musical as the newer FPB series. I have owned two of the FPB amps, the better one being the FPB 700cx, and I have spent untold hours listening to some of the older KSA/KMA series. The newer ones are far more neutral.

You can not go wrong with one of the KSA/KMA's..or the newer FPB's. Check various threads here on Audiogon, for specifics. It all depends on how much money you want to spend, and how much power you require.

The Original KSA/KMA's and the MKII series of amps along with the 80 and the 200B were class "A" rated. After that Krell did not rate the amps up to full class "A" power. You can find am awfull lot of info here in the forums.

I would like to take exception on the mis-information that seems to be rampant here on Audiogon, that a capacitor will only last 10 years. This is total bull! There are several factors that determine Capacitor life:
1) amount of heat it has been exposed to.
2) material used in the manufacture (this typically drives price)
3) amount of use
4) when it was manufactured

It is like a tube, you need to have it tested to know if it is bad.

The Caps that Krell has been using since the mid 80's are not cheap caps. These are caps that the Military used, not what you would find in a tv from the 60's, or a cheaply built reciever from the same era.

Buying an older amp is similar to purchasing a used car. It's not the Caps in a unit, You are completely at the mercy of how well the previous owner cared for it, stored it, and used it.


Best wishes

I tried the MD300's in my system for a while and they sound very good. They are warmer sounding than the newer FPB's - a little less 'neutral'.
I was also concerned about the cost of a future re-cap with a near 20 yr old amp. These things generate a lot of heat, even when they are standing idle with power on. Assuming that the previous owner(s) let the amps stay powered-up mostly, that's a lot of heat for a lot of years, and enough reason to justify concern/caution.

I've owned the FPB200 and it was a very good amp but didn't quite have the grunt that I needed for a pair of Magnepans. I've briefly heard the newer FPB700 and that sounded very good, very neutral. Incidentally, neutrality might be the holy grail for many audiphiles, but it doesn't always work in the real world.
Be sure to listen before you buy, if you are not familiar with Krell amps.

Rooze

Rooze said "neutrality might be the holy grail for many audiphiles, but it doesn't always work in the real world" I'm going to have to think about that. That might be a very insightful statement... or maybe not... ?!?