2. amps-preamps
  3. 131102-101466

Refurbish vs New Amplifier?

I have been enjoying a Krell KST-100 for many years. I am contemplating having it
refurbished at the factory (vs a local independent tech).
also under consideration --buying a new amp replacement. (Audio Alchemy? or similar priced amp
--perhaps even a used).
Wondering what a factory refurbishment would run me (rough idea) and if anyone knows a reliable tech
in NY-NJ-CT area. I actually live fairly close to Krell and could drop the amp off!
Also
Not having been in the market for a while--I wonder if at the $2K to $3k range a new amp would surpass the performance of the older Krell?
Finally--the reviews of the Audio Alchemy Amp (I have their DDP-! phono stage and power supply already and find them quite good) are pretty good. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
128x128johnlnyc
donvito101
278 posts
 
Why not call Krell and ask them what it will cost?
johnlnyc's avatar
johnlnyc OP
59 posts
 

Well yeah! I was just looking for some input here. My question is a bit more involved than just a cost estimate. (I could have been a bit more clear though).


gs5556
1,235 posts
 
Older amplifiers are almost always not serviced by the factory because the parts may be obsolete and they don't want to take the chance of damaging, say, a working transistor while in their care. The only option is  use a substitute which may not sound as good in the circuit. So essentially you lose your amplifier and how is Krell going to compensate you?

If you are looking to get it recapped, ask Krell who they authorized or recommend (i.e., Levinson advises you contact Pyramid Audio; don't know who Krell recommends).
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,962 posts
 
gs5556
Older amplifiers are almost always not serviced by the factory because ...
That depends very much on the manufacturer. Audio Research, Threshold, Bryston, McIntosh and many others service their older equipment. I'd be surprised if Krell didn't offer that option.
johnlnyc's avatar
johnlnyc OP
59 posts
 
Just got off the phone with Krell tech support.
Great advice....."if it ain't broke. Don't fix it!"
They do refurbish repair all Krell units at the factory. He said they would be glad to "look" at it but unless there's a problem with the amp it is probably better to just leave it alone.
Also he recommended anyone in a three state radius of the CT factory, arrange to drop off their unit via car etc. (to avoid high shipping costs if the weight is substantial).
He said nominal repairs to my amp should run three or four hundred bucks but more expensive/sophisticated units could run into a thousand plus dollars.


More to discover