2. amps-preamps
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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
inna
7,296 posts
 
I would keep the Krell and do exactly nothing unless it obviously fails or something starts sounding not quite right. Krell people are correct, this is not the case of preventive approach. It may work just fine for another ten years.
There are always better amps until you reach the top - then just different.
jl35
4,022 posts
 
At 25 years old it's possible performance has been very slowly decaying for some years but it's hard to notice.. 
jl35
4,022 posts
 
There can be a big gap between not broken and not at its best 
inna
7,296 posts
 
If the listener cannot hear possible slow decline - why bother?
jl35
4,022 posts
 
not sure if he should bother or not...but if it is a slow decline, while he might not have noticed, he may very well notice if all is made right...different ways to look at it...Odyssey encourages their owners to have their amps checked and it's free for original owner...I have had only good experience with having older amps refurbished
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