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Looking for THE amp to anchor my system, Krell, Plinius or maybe a D

Ok guys, this is likely a dead horse issue but I'm at a crossroads and needing some advise. I've been out of the 2 channel game for a very long time, having owned vintage Krell gear way back. I sold all and made my way into the HT realm. But keeping up with the Jones got stupid and I've paired down to a simple AV receiver and streamers and decided it was time to get back into a nice 2 channel listening system again. What I already have is a used set of Usher CP8571 Dancers, Marantz SACD player, Cary C306 pre and an original turntable (never sold my Rega table-no one seemed that interested then, but that isn't a factor at this time, since the Cary doesn't have a phono section anyway, so it'll sit until I decide what to do with it and all my vinyl. .
 
I'm currently using a friends old Ayre V-3 amp to run my system (very nice) but while it sounds ok with the rest of the system, it doesn't have the umph the Ushers like. I auditioned the speakers through a Krell EVO 402e through a Hovland tube pre that took my breath away.I bought the only thing in the package I could afford at the time-the Ushers.

I figured I could get 75% of the 402e out of a 302e or 2250e but those are scarce and on the cusp of my $3K buget for this amp purchase. I've turned to the Plinius HT-301 or Kiokio range as they are supposed to be very Krell like. The others I've considered but not heard are (in now particualr order) Classe CA-2300, Sanders Magtech, Innersound DPR, Dreadnaught (I, II, III, IV), Ayre V-5 (or V-6) and even a Spectron Musician. I have even looked at the interesting fare of D-Class ICE and nCore type amps and I'm intrigued but being old school I'm not completely sold in spite of all the rave reviews. I am trying to stay open minded though.

All of these amps are in and around the price range with the Krells pushing the envelop. I can't touch a 402 or any of the FPBs nor any MBL, PASS, Vitus, PS Audio or other exotics so this is where I have settled. I also need it to be powerful, 200WPC min. (I know the Ayre is rated lower but it seems to push beyond its rating) which kind of eliminates pretty much all tube amps-but I'm a SS guy anyway.

So there you have it. I know the Krell works so that is my point of reference, but finding one in my price is tough so while I know the right way to do this is to listen, listen and listen some more but that isn't the easiest thing to do as there just aren't very many high end shops in my area. So any advise or direction based on your experience is highly appreciated, as I just don't have the funds to "try" and see how it goes.
killerklown
spenrock
24 posts
 
The Classe amps are excellent amps, the used CA-2300 you mention should fit your budget.  Even new, they are a great value in my opinion.  I believe the CA-2300 was still made in Canada.

If you are still considering digital, another option is a used NAD Master Series M2.  The M2 however, is more of a digital Power DAC (i.e. DAC/Pre/Power), but it does have two analog inputs: one RCA set, and one balanced set.  The analog inputs will be converted to digital signals due to the design.  It is rated at 250Wpc.  The new technology is somewhat novel, eliminating the gain stages found in typical Integrated amps, giving a very clean signal path.  Absolutely black background and exceptional dynamics. It should sell for around US $2500+ (MSRP $6000).

I own the M2 and a Classe CA-301 (previous model to the CA-2300), so obviously I'm biased.  However, I own them because I feel they are more than worth it.
killerklown OP
13 posts
 
I just missed out on a CA-2300 locally. It was more or less right there in my budget but I hesitated while I wavered on the Class-D decision, so fate stepped in and made the choice for me (at least on that one). But I was very impressed even though the aesthetics are an all or nothing proposition, I happen to dig the Logan's Run futuristic design of the Deltas. 


killerklown OP
13 posts
 
So I hate to restart something but here we go again. I was dead set on a D-Class after a lot of back and forth and was about to pull the trigger then pulled myself from the brink. In the meantime I lost out on a few really good deals on some killer A./B stereo amps. I've picked up a relatively cheap Proceed amp to fill the void for the time being, which worked out pretty well after all was said and done. It was reasonably cheap, has XLR and RCA inputs and seems well built and has relatively good feedback. I personally have no complaints other than the old school fugly aesthetics!  Design was obviously not at the top of Proceed's to do list. 

I'm still in the market for a top quality (at least in my price range) amp and have narrowed the field quite a bit but seems being in Canada is a real hurdle. Just when I'm poised to strike it is sold out from under me while the seller and I try to work out the shipping issues that are inherent to cross boarder shopping.

The only other real concern I had was a friend let me here his tube amp and while it was really low power it had a sort of magic quality to it. I'm trying to resist the temptation of falling into that rabbit hole of tube amp and SS pre or tube amp/tube pre and was suggested to stay with a SS amp and a tube pre. Then there is the quiality SS DAC pres that do everythign but phono. 

Damn this is a slippery slope we are on!! 

Still on the hunt, but for now I'm not as impatiently waiting. So in the meantime it off to speaker upgrade hell!!! That will be a whole bunch of fun too I'm sure.


bigamp
219 posts
 

I feel your pain.  I had a Krell amp for several years, then downsized to a receiver, then went through a string of amps and preamps (tubes and SS).  It's a pricey rabbit hole.  In the end, I always missed the Krell bass and house sound, so I bought the same Krell amp model that I had before.  Whether it's speakers, amps, or cables, if a certain brand's sound sucked you in, then go with that brand.  Having said that, you may eventually hear brands that you like better, but you won't know until you hear it yourself and get that emotional response.  You mentioned that you need at least 200wpc.  For what it's worth, there are several 200 and 300wpc Krell FPB models currently available on this and other sites.

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,618 posts
 
I am curious about the 402e as well. Which Krell pre-amp matches this power amp?  Anyone using the Vanguard integrated amp?

Happy Listening!
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