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

Thanks Dave, I'll definitely check out balanced connections. I have an integrated amp now (an old Creek), so I don't have amp to preamp interconnects. I'll have to demo a few different things to see what I like the best.

Other than power, do you think there are any differences between the KAV-250a and KAV-500? I've listened to the 3250 and know I like that, but for financial reasons I'm going to be going with something a bit older. The 250a goes for a bit more than the 500, but if there's a marked difference in sound quality it would be worth it. If not, I'll go with the 500, and use the extra cash for media.

Donnelly asked:

"Other than power, do you think there are any differences between the KAV-250a and KAV-500?"

I don't know, my best guess would be that they sound a lot, a like. The biggest difference in sound, between amps cut from the same cloth (IMHO) is the difference between their power supply/transformer size. This would come into play (or not)...depending on the speakers used, room size, spl's required...ect. At normal listening levels (75-85db) I would expect, that the Kav amps sound similar.

The Kav-500 "does not" sound like the old Ksa-250 I had. The Ksa-250 had a relaxed tonal presentation...the Kav-500 has a more forward sound, more detailed (lots of twinkle)... I never thought it bright though. I liked mine.

As I mentioned above, though. If I had speakers with tweeters, that were "a little over the top" in the treble area of reproduction....they would now be, more so.

You could try the Kav-500?...the three channel Kav goes for around $1,300-$1,400 used...pretty easy to sell, easy to ship if you don't like it, (50 lbs or so).

I paid $1,400 for mine, sold it a couple years latter for $1,400.

Dave

Thanks a bunch, Dave. That was very useful input. Just what I needed.