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Help I have not bought equipment since mid 80's

I am new to the hi-fi world. My old stereo was purchased in the mid 80's when I was young and poor, therefore Lo-Fi (it survived a divorce, the ex didn’t even want it). I listen to music most of the day, so I want to hear music that makes me feel alive. Recently I decided to purchase a new stereo. Talk about overwhelming, and what a strange trip it has been. Going to the local stereo dealers is like walking onto a used car lot. They raved about B&K, and I ended up purchasing a PT5 and 4420. This thing sounds terrible, or at least it is not what I am looking for. When I told the guys at the local stereo shop this they look at me like I lost my mind. They are difficult to work with, they would like it if I just walked in, made a purchase, went home, shut up, and accept the crap I’ve bought. Anyway, this is what I currently have:

Pre: PT5
Amp: Krell 2250 (owned less than 30 days and can still return it)
Interconnects: audioquest viper
CD: Krell 280cd (owned less than 30 days and can still return it)
Speakers: Energy Veritas 2.4
Speaker cables: audioquest double bi-wire CV-6

I like the Krell sound, but I am willing to check other brands. I am considering a Krell 2250, 280p, and a 280cd. Is it worth the extra money or would a used 250a, 250p, and 250cd be a better choice? Or perhaps a mix of the two? Or would some other line of Krell be a better choice? Another brand perhaps? Any advise for a novice?
whatsthisone
johnnantais
621 posts
 
If you like the Krell, then why look for something else? Keep it. Remember, you have to live with it. Kudos on not being browbeaten into accepting the B&K, you're on the right track. Trust your ears. It seems to me, that instead of changing the components you already know you like, you should get rid of the B&K preamp first, and perhaps replace it with a Krell. It certainly sounds to me like you've found your brand, IMHO.
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
The pieces you describe are Krell mid fi they sound better than most equipment but not their high end stuff. I would return it asap depending on your budget. To buy the real Krell stuff your talking signiicantly more. You could look at Classe, Audio Research, McCormack, and many others.
Audioquest wire is generally very nuetral, I haven't heard the stuff you own.
I have not heard the Energy Veritas speakers either.
Let me know what your budget and goals are (home theater vs. two-channel or both. Also a budget
Thanks,
Sgr
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Its a mine field out there! You really have to invest some time in planning out your system before you start buying stuff. You need to address (1) What kind of sound do you want to hear such as warm, euphonic, neutral to the source, highly detailed (usually coolish in tone) etc. Then you should determine if you are going to make a one time purchase and just listen to music or if your coing to make this a hobby (you choice will determine the quality of the seperate pieces of equipment that you want to buy) and you have to set a budget. Buying piece meal, based on store recommendations, will lead you to the poor house quickly. There is a massive amount of info available on this site and on Audio Asylum - once you have some inclination about the type of sound you want you can start asking specific questions - for example, since you already have your speakers you could ask what type of amp works best with them and will produce a tone that you want. Then work backwards thru the chain til you have your system on paper. Then ask questions about your prospective system as a whole. Good luck.
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