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Krell or Mark Levinson with Revel Ultima2's???

OK,

I know the ML amps and Revel speakers make a solid match, but given the recent changes in ML, I have some issues with buying their amps right now. I would also like a SLIGHTLY more forward presentation than the ML/Revel combo does, though I could easily live with it and be quite happy.

I am considering either 5 ML 436's or Krell Evo 403/402 to power Revel Ultima2 Salons front Studio surrounds and Voice center. Pre/pro is a Meridian 861v4 and several sources exist including Esoteric DV-50s, Meridian G98DH, Toshiba HD XA2, Samsung BDP-1200.... you get the main idea. Cables are Transparent reference for the front so far and likely will be reference for the surrounds when all is said and done.

I can't find any one nearby who sells Krell, Levinson and Revel to compare them so am seeking anyone with experience of these combo's to chime in with your thought and opinions.

All help is appreciated!

Ken
128x128kennyt
overhang
199 posts
 
I can't say for Ultima2 because i own original Salons but in my experience it was tough to make Salons sound a bit forward.After numerous experiments Pass amplifiers with pre 1987 conrad-johnson tube preamps (Premier 10,14)did the trick.Now i feel the musicians are in my room as opposed to peeking in thru the back door of a concert hall as it was with other amps and preamps.
rzemkoski
87 posts
 
I powered the original Salons with a ML 333 and before that a Krell FPB 300. They were soon taken to task on just the bottom end of the speaker where they did a splendid job. An ARC VT100(1 thru 3) was provided for the lower mids to highs and the Salons began to sing. I went to an ARC VTM 200 and then a Conrad-Johnson Premier 12. Overhang is correct in praising the C-Js. Full and robust with great center-fill.

I've always enjoyed Audio Research, but the Salon needed a "thicker' sounding amp. As much as I enjoyed the C-J, a little more power was needed. The 200 wpc Moscode 401HR now powers my Salon2, and has the strengths of both ARC and C-J. Pass Labs X600 will soon provide the bass.

I haven't heard the newer designs of ML or Krell, but my suggestion is to try a well watted tube amp on top, with a solid, solid state on the bottom. As long as their voltage gain match up to at least 1 db, there should be no descrepancies in volume. Talk about presence!

all the best
ttowntony
145 posts
 
KennyT, both are decent choices, but the Krell EVO would be my choice between the two as I've never been a big ML fan or Krell for that matter. However, I am a new fan of the EVO's.

As a Dynaudio dealer myself, I had a recent customer purchase the Dynaudio Temptations from us and he was dead set on using Krell and the EVO 402 was his choice. After setup and dialing the EVO's in with the Temptations, I was pleasently surprized how well it sounded. Now mind you the Krells were powering one of the very best speakers in the world....And, they did a very nice job in doing so. Was it the best I've heard with the Dyn's?....NO....The Simaudio Evolution W-8 is the best I've heard to date. The Simaudios just have that magical uncolored sound to them. I've yet to hear anything I like better. The Simaudio would also be an excellent choice for your Revels. Do give them a listen if you have the opportunity.

I do think the Krell EVO is their best amp to date.
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