I replaced my Krell Evolution 2250e with a Devialet Expert 200; in my system (WA Sasha 2 / Transparent Reference / Sony HAP-Z1ES / Large Room), the Devialet was a clear notch above the Krell; both were in my system at the same time and the sonic improvements were so apparent that there was no need to switch back-and-forth; this after many years of using Krell Amplifiers. The Devialet's SAM (Speaker Active Matching) DSP software and excellent built-in TI PCM1792 DAC / Magic Wire (special gain circuit) I'm sure helped, but still the Devialet is worth an audition.
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.
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.
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- 40 posts total
I thought the 402e I tried was just right there for me. But in having said that it was monstrous in every way, but I didn't hear it with a Krell pre. Their pres are even more than their amps so that also won't happen, good or bad. As for the Davialet, I have to be honest I have never heard one and dealers up here are few and far between. I won't bash something I haven't heard but the D amps I did hear only served to put the nail in the coffin for me on that front, but that's not to say there all meh. In the case of the Davialet it doesn't matter because they are as expensive or more than any of the amps in my range so it's a motivation point. But thanks for that it's really food for thought. I figured some of these ultra $$ D amps must surely bring a quality sound, good to know the elite are elite, just not in my budget. Also the Ushers found a new home. Since I started this thread I've had to move and my new space wouldn't accommodate the speakers. So as much as I loved them they no longer worked. It gives me another factor to my journey rebuilding my 2 channel system. |
For Class D what about the PSA Stellar 700 monos? They are just shy of $3K new. I am pretty sure they do a demo trial. Very Recent IcePower implementation. I dont know if they ship to CA though. But they are a good outfit to work with. I have the 300 and like it very much. https://www.psaudio.com/products/stellar-m700-power-amplifier/ Pretty new stuff but I think there are some reviews out there. |
Stereophile review on the 700 https://www.stereophile.com/content/ps-audio-stellar-m700-monoblock-power-amplifier-page-2 |
- 40 posts total