Krell KAV-250a/3 or KAV-500?


I have a Krell HTS 5.1 and Thiel CS 1.5s, and I'm trying to decide which three channel amp to get. I'm strongly biased toward matching the preamp and amp, so I'd like to get something else from Krell. Does anyone have any opinions on the KAV-500 (in 3 channel configuration) versus the KAV-250a/3?
donnelly
Are the three channels for the front 3 speakers (L-R-C) or for the Center and surrounds/rears? If you are looking for a 3-channel amp for the LCR speakers I would recommend the 250. If you are looking for an amp for the center and surrounds then I would throw in the 500. But this partially depends on what amp you are driving the front LR speakers. With 2 of the channels bridged to one on the 500, it is supposedly rated at 400 watts per channel. In my opinion, others may certainly differ, if you are running 3 channels for the front 3 speakers having similar power to each in this case is probably a better move (ie. the 250). Of course the 500 gives you great flexibility running all 5 channels (vs. bridging) and allows for you to use 2 of these channels for a second zone as well (assuming you only need three for the main zone).
I had a Kav-500 3-channel driving my center and rears for a couple of years...a nice little amp. I would guess that the two amps have the same sonic signature...the Kav-250 would have a good deal more, "power to spare"....you may want to consider this factor in?

The 3-channel Kav-500 has a 1 kva transformer, and is rated as 120 watts at 8 ohms load....240 watts at 4 ohm load. It's sound is highly detailed, but not, "over the top" bright (still, maybe not a good match with some tweeters)...pretty good bass too, for only a baby Krell.

Dave
I would go with more power then. The Kav-250 probably has twice the transformer size of the Kav-500...the center and mains will hit it hard, as that is where most of the sound is in movies.

I used a Ksa-250 with my Kav-500...Apogee Duettas for mains, and Apogee Centaur Minor for center, and rear duty....this was a few years back....(early multichannel SACD days).

Dave