2. amps-preamps
  3. 1004257269

Exchange Krell KAV-250a for a Pass Labs X-350?

Would I gain anything by exchanging my Krell KAV-250a for a Pass Labs X350? I am not dissatisfied with the Krell. It seems to be a pretty good match for my Dynaudio 1.3 Se�s. But yet I do not know what something else would sound like. I do know that these speakers like a chunck of power and they tend to be easy to get good sound out of. If the Pass amps will not be a vast improvement, what would be a good choice? I generally listen to jazz and a bit of rock and classical so my demands are not huge. I am using a NAD Silverline S-100 preamp and I have a Velodyne HGS-15 sub for when I want to rock but for the lighter jazz and classical it is not necessary. The only other upgrade that I am considering is moving to the Harmonic Technology Magic interconnect and speaker cables. I would appreciate some education on what would be the best amp for this set up. Dale
mcne
gregm
3,396 posts
 
Dale: r you sure the Krell is the culprit (if culprit there is)? Can you try another pre -- just for the experience (just a suggestion, pls don't go into sudden pre upgrade mode...:-)

I personally like the Pass X better than the Krell KAVs -- but so what? I listen to classical, blues & jazz and have not heard your amp-speaker combo, to boot! Also, I'm sure the NAD's a great machine, but how's the chemistry w/ your Krell?

What's your source, BTW?
mg123
192 posts
 
I agree with Gregm: the Pass is probably the better sounding amp, and IMO, if its available to you for the ease of a swap, I'd do it. However, I'd guess you'll notice a bigger difference by upgrading your preamp. NAD is ok but not in the same league with Pass/Krell and Dynaudio.
mcne OP
113 posts
 
Yes, that is the pendulum Gregm. I do not know yet. But the general consensus is that the Krell may be a bit sterile or have a sound. I am just looking for my next upgrade path if I need one. I have tried a number of preamps, tubes and SS, and I have landed with the NAD Silverline but I also restrict my self to a budget. So I am looking for people who might say, Yea, I know quite a few people who have had that problem or this with that and they changed to ?
My sources are the Silverline S-500 CD and a Project Perspective with a Blue Point Special. Dale
mcne OP
113 posts
 
Mg123, I do not think that your statement about the NAD Silverline preamp not being in the same level as the Krell, Pass, or Dynaudio is in fact. The S-500 is a different animal than the regular NAD equipment. The Silverline is NAD's bid at the highend. I chose it over the Krell KAV-250p and others. It had a much more balanced sound and it's build qulaity was a notch better. It's Danish heritage was very evident. I don't know why the Silverline suffers from PR problems but it could have something to do with NAD not giving free samples to the American audio media. They make them buy the samples. Go figure. But after going through a few preamps to buy the NAD was the winner in overall sound quality so I was not focusing on it. Dale
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