"Krell" is a buzzword


When I look at how the posts involving Krell deteriorate to the point of civil(actually not so civil) war, I have to say that "Krell" has become a buzzword. It seems as if you just have to mention the name, and the mobilization begins. Sooner or later the insults sink to the level that make the thread completely unrecognizable from the original question. I am more neutral than not on Krell(probably not many of us around). Used to dream about them in my bigger is better solid state days, but have since moved in other directions. Now I am a definite tubeophile, and don't even think about Krell. But, I don't say you cannot build a great system around their products. Just have to apply the right surrounding components. But don't you have to do that with many brands of amp? So, do you agree that Krell has become a buzzword, and why?
trelja
I know this off the original proposed thread. I always thought tweeks were to articulate chracterisics not contradict them. I would think it is better to match equipment with like desings and goals and I never put a piece in my system that didnt sound good on its own. When you mix a harsh peice and a refined piece dont you get the worst of both worlds? You are contradicting what each piece was designed to do well. I am very intersted in hearing your comment on this. I admit I have never heard Krell and I am very open to opinion.
Good point. I don't think that ANYONE would LIKE to match bright electronics with dark electronics and "hope for the best". Unfortunately, some people can't afford to just dump everything all at once and replace the offending components. For them, it is a matter of working with what you have and gradually climbing the ladder. After all, that is what keeps places like this, Audioshopper, Audioweb, AudioReview, etc... thriving with used items. Doing something like that is merely a stepping stone to what people are trying to achieve further down the road as their budget allows. As to putting something into your system that doesn't sound "good", i think that we have all done that at one point in time. Not only do our tastes change (for the better, i hope), but our levels of experience and what to listen / look for advance with our exposure to different gear and system combinations. Can you actually say that the first "Hi-End" or "Hi-Fi" that you assembled actually sounded good and gave you everything that you want by your standards today ? Probably not. You PROBABLY worked up to that level. Just like you, others are still climbing that ladder, hoping to find "audio nirvana" once they get to the top. Only problem is that there is no top and the ladder never ends : ) Sean >
Krell did come from the Forbidden Planet.... I own a Krell KSA200S and love it. I've heard a lot of other amps that sound as good but it depended on the speakers that were matched to them. Krell's have one technical specification (current non-limiting) that sets them appart from most other high quality amps. I own Thiel 3.6s and they suck the live out of many amps (almost all tube amps) with their nominal 3 ohm load. So for soom audiophiles with speakers that demand high current capability Krell is an obvious choice. Other speakers may present different challanges and different amp solutions.
Sorry to jump in. I was always wondering exact same question. I have just got Sonus Faber Signum, and someone told me that SF designer's reference amo is Krell (sorry if wrong). Do any of you have direct experience of Krell/SF combination?
Trelja...really what is the point in threads like this? You have clearly stated that you have moved on in other directions and even state that you don't even think about Krell anymore. This thread seems a bit of a contradiction as you obviously do. If you've found what you like, and it's not Krell, why would you care what others think. Even if you did own and love Krell would it make you feel insecure or uncertain in your choice if others were bashing it? Trelja, I see your name so much on Audiogon threads voicing opinions (or seeking them) that I honestly wonder when you find the time to listen!