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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
allchemie
118 posts
 
Personally I would go with either a Clayton M200 or M300--or a McCormack DNA-500. The all are superior to the Krells and the Levinsons.
bruce328i
7 posts
 
I also a loving/loyal owner of Revel Salon 2 speakers. I used to power them with a ML 433 amp, then upgraded to the Krell Evo 400s , and now use a pair of the Krell Evo 600e. The difference in sound quality upon each of these upgrades was large. The Evo 400s really hooked me on the Krell sound. The 600e took it to yet another level. I realize comparing a Levinson 433 to more expensive Mono Amps is not a fair comparison. I have also heard also heard Levinson mono amps in dealers showrooms. No doubt, ML makes great amps. My point is simply that the Krell Evolution amp line is absolutely amazing with Revel speakers. Match made in heaven IMHO.
kennyt's avatar
kennyt OP
1,226 posts
 
Bruce328i,

I never went with the Salon 2's, now running Wilson Sasha W/P's and the Center 2 with a Krell Evo 403 and thinking about going to the 600e mono's. Also added the Classe' SSP-800 and ARC 40th Anniversary preamp (still burning in now!) pre for 2 channel.

LOVE the Krell evo amps and the newer 'e' models are even a bit clearer than mine! Just not sure where I want to go with this.....
kennyt's avatar
kennyt OP
1,226 posts
 
Also replaced the Esoteric DV-50s with TOTL EMM Labs separates.
bruce328i
7 posts
 
Hey Kenny- Wilson Sashas - nice!... can't go wrong with those. I have now had my Krell Evo 600e monos for about a month...and all I can say is wow! For power hungry full-range spakers, I don't think there is much better than these beasts..... I am still waiting on delivery of the Krell/Nordost CAST MMF cables....right now I am running balance xlr pre-amp to amp. I am very eager to see if the CAST cables make as big of difference as advertised. The other recent upgrade was a Krell 202 pre-amp. I was very interested in the ARC 40th Anniv pre-amp.....but never got a chance to audition it. The Krell 202 is a great pre-amp..and seems to mate well with the Krell mono amps......that being said, I remain very curious how Krell mono amps behave with high-end tube pre-amps (like the Arc 40). Perfect blend of precision and warmth?
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