I just switched out my Krell KSA-200s with xpa-1 gen 2 mono blocks and there are no negatives to my ears. The Emotivas have no noise, which the Krell had a slight hum and could be heard from several feet away with the volume at zero. They also suck a lot leas power and to me sound more open. I’ve owned other Krells, Musical Fidelity (A300’s three times and what a great little integrated), Peachtree Audio 220se (awesome class d), PS Audio Stellar 700 (kinda disappointing but still good) and many more I have forgotten in my 50 years of audio love.
I think it’s the speakers that make the system. Currently running Focal 1038be’s ($13k new and very revealing) supported with an Oppo 105d and a Marantz 8801 pre/pro. The synergy I’ve found is excellent. Past speakers running the gamut of Martin Logan, Paradigm Signature and Studio Refs, and some cheapies. It’s all in the speaker.
Can’t stand audio snobs and Audiogon tends to have quite a few.
I think it’s the speakers that make the system. Currently running Focal 1038be’s ($13k new and very revealing) supported with an Oppo 105d and a Marantz 8801 pre/pro. The synergy I’ve found is excellent. Past speakers running the gamut of Martin Logan, Paradigm Signature and Studio Refs, and some cheapies. It’s all in the speaker.
Can’t stand audio snobs and Audiogon tends to have quite a few.