Opinions on Krell LAT-1 Speakers


Waiting for delievery and want some feed back from Audiogoners.
radrog
This post is for George, or anybody else who is more skilled in electrical physics or system matching than I am.

I am interested in purchasing a pair of used Krell LAT 1's as I think they are a well built, under-appreciated speaker.

I saw George's post:  Their impedance hovers mainly around 3 to 4 ohms. But they have a nasty 60hz load of 5ohm/-45% phase angle, which means you need an amp/s with good current, but because they are surgical in their sound, you’ll need an amp that’s also easy on the ear. 

I have a pair of Conrad Johnson LP 260M SE's (upgraded capacitors and resistors).  These tube amps provide 275 WPC at 4 Ohms, and I have  a Conrad Johnson ET5 preamp.  So, I think I have the "easy on the ear" part met, but am unsure if these amps have the power necessary to drive these speakers and if they are a good match.

My source material comes through an Oppo 105 with Modwright Truth upgrades, and a Rega RP6 turntable with a Pass Labs Phono preamp.

While this is an older discussion, I would appreciate any input folks may have.

Thanks,

Sorry I don't have a personal experience with these speakers but based on my experience certain companies are known for building certain components real well mostly because of the respected designers they have (or have had) on staff. I don't know of a single company that builds the entire range of audio gear and they have the best designers for each piece all under one roof. Buying speakers from Krell (or Mark Levinson or alike) is like paying top dollar and buying an SUV from Ferrari. Also, IMHO, buying everything from the same brand because they (might) have the best synergy is complete BS. YMMV.

I have a pair of Conrad Johnson LP 260M SE's
Not really a speaker for tubes, bass will be hindered in the lower registers.

Stereophile test quote:
" However, the combination of 5 ohms magnitude and 45 degrees capacitive phase angle at 60Hz means that the LAT-1 requires a beefy amplifier (such as one of Krell's own)."

https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/KreLATfig01.jpg

Cheers George

Thanks George.  This is very helpful, and generous of you to share.  This is exactly why I like Audiogon.