Regarding Krell KAV 300i: I had it for some years, and though I would not call it my worst buy, we never became friends. I changed to Krell KAV 250a + 250p (two boxes). In terms of price/quality, the 250p was perhaps my worst disappointment. I still remember the big smile when I changed to the Aesthetix Io. Hello, music! That was with Krell FPB600, the first Krell I liked. In fairness, it should be said that I sold the ones I did not like (and eventually also the 600) for OK prices, I lost money, but it could have been worse.
Regarding Atma-sphere amps, I can only report my own satisfaction over the last couple of years with MA-1s. Sometimes, a tube can blow or arc, yes, it happens in all tube gear, but the amps have functioned with zero problems otherwise. The upgrades have been fairly priced and worth the money. Also, customer help and just general communication with Ralph is a big plus. To me, in my system, this is music in a way I never got it, with the Krell (and Dynaudio Consequence speakers). So I would encourage other A-goners to explore OTL sound (I have no commercial interest whatever). And as you will understand, with experience from three steps of the Krell ladder before I moved up (yes, up) to the MA-1s, I read Stereophile with great caution. "Almost tubelike"!! They said that about the FPB600, back in 97, and recently about a new big s-state amp. I have heard it before. "Almost"? Not to my ears.
