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Vintage Krell Amp... Which would you choose?

I am in the market for a new amp, and I was thinking instead of purchasing something new, why not purchase a preowned amp. I always admired the krell sound, but it was just way to expensive. I would like to know if there was "ONE" krell amp either class A or SS that you can go back in time and purchase, which one would it be? It will be paired with Martin Logan's.

Thanks,


matt00
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Is this a trick question? NONE. Krell class A amps run hottt! And burnout over the years. So, IMO I would go with a tried and true brand like McIntosh for a pre owned amp. Someone on this site is selling a MC352, a beautiful amp to drive those ML's.

Matt M
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unsound
7,329 posts
 

jmcgrogan2, FYI:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/krell-ksa-250-power-amplifier-when-class-class

normansizemore
601 posts
 
I had a KSA-50, and used it for a few years.  It's still my favorite Krell.  Don't let the 50 watts fool you, it will drive anything with plenty of volume.  
It will also need servicing every few years, just too much heat and eventually electronics fail. Wonderful sound however, truly magic..

Norman
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,696 posts
 
I'd get a vintage Crown over a Krell.  May not have the 'panache' of a Krell, but they tended to be more 'bomb-proof'.

And as for heat, get a clue.  I run 'puter fans on my amps.  Quiet, efficient insurance for peace of mind, and cheap.  Maybe not 'pretty', but it beats repair costs replacing fried parts.

And....you might give a thought as to why things are getting heated up so.
"Pushing the envelope" in any pursuit tends to push anything to their limits... cars, aircraft, relationships, audio equipment....
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