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Advice on Krell amplifier

I am planning to replace my 20 plus year old Audio Research amplifier with a solid state one (tired of dealing with tubes). I’m considering the McIntosh Mc312 and the Krell duo 175xd.  The Krell is highly recommended by a trusted dealer as having a “tube like” sound and going well with my other components.   My other equipment: Audio Research preamp and phono stage (which I plan to keep) KEF Reference 5 speakers, Innuous Zenith 3 server. I haven’t seen many comments or reviews of either the McIntosh or the Krell. I would appreciate any advice, including comments from people who have heard these amplifiers. Thanks. 
fast
yyzsantabarbara
4,732 posts
 
I would have thought the dealer would have also recommended the Coda # 8 for the KEF Reference 5's.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,507 posts
 
The Krell would be the easy winner here.
fast OP
92 posts
 
Yyz-good suggestion. Actually, the Coda was recommended also but the Krell got even a higher recommendation. I haven’t heard or even seen either amp but was told that, while the Coda is very good and costs less, the Krell was even better particularly if looking for a tube like sound.  Any feedback?
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yyzsantabarbara
4,732 posts
 
@fast If I had a Paradigm Persona I think I would favor the Krell XD. I am actually considering that scenario for the Persona 9H for my downstairs. I wanted to put in a KEF Blade in that same space but may not be able to due to the side woofers. I will determine a solution to this issue later. Considering 9H, Blade (or KEF Ref 5's), and Thiel Cs 3.7 for this space.

I would not want too tubey sound with the KEF, but that is just my personal preference. So I do not think I would look at the Krell XD line for them. The only tubyish sounding amp I love is the Luxman m900u which for some reason I think would also be good with the KEFs.  If I were not set on the Luxman for my upstairs system I would want to try out the much cheaper Coda #8. My upstairs speakers will be Vivid Kaya 45 or 90 which sound very similar to KEF Reference.

I tend to favor the KEF's with more neutral sounding amps, such as Benchmark AHB2, Bryston, Wyred4Sound, and Hegel.  I am currently using a Peachtree Nova 150 with the KEF LS50's and though not as neutral sounding as the above mentioned I am enjoying the music.

Given the 2 choice you mentioned, I think I would look at the Coda #8  for the KEF over the Krell. I messaged 2 or 3 Coda #8 owners on A'gon in the past and their feedback was that they loved the Coda. One was using it with Persona 3F.

KEF Reference are awesome speakers so whatever amp you get for your 5's are likely going to be very satisfying for you.

I just went and re-read what I wrote. I never promised it would make any sense.
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