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Krell Duo 175xd

Just got the Krell amp about two weeks ago. I was debating between it and the Coda 8 (as well as some others).  A local dealer, in fact, was nice enough to lend me a new Macintosh amp for a few days.  I was unable to audition the Krell or Coda locally and relied on recommendations, in this case primarily from the “Audio Doctor” Dave Lalin. Dave has always given me good advice and has a very good ear, although he’s about 3000 miles away from me. He had great things to say about both amps. 
There have been many posts on this board from happy Coda customers but not much about the Krell.  Dave felt that the Krell would sound better in my system (Kef Reference 5 speakers, Innuous zenith 3, Audio Research LS22 preamp, PH 3 phono stage, Rega P6 with Dynavector cartridge), especially because I’m replacing an Audio Research VT130se amp. He thought the Krell was closer sound wise to the amp I’m used to. He also had the CEO of Krell call me to answer any questions, which was really  helpful. So far, the Krell is sounding very good. The best I can put in words is that it has more “slam” than other amps I’ve heard. Notes are more dynamic and sharply defined. The soundstage and imaging, which is what I like best about the KEF speakers, are very good.  It does cost more than the Coda but I see this as a very long term purchase.  I would love to compare the Krell with the Coda but I don’t see that happening. 
I know that Dave posts here frequently, which some like and some don’t. His advice to me has been very good (to the point where I bought the amp without an opportunity to see or hear it). He also recommended the Innuous Zenith 3, which I love for both the sound and the functionality. I also value the advice he provides here to others, which often helps me and is very thoughtful .  Not surprisingly, he often favors products which he sells but I’m fine with this as long as he is up front about it, which he is. Don’t want to open any controversies. Just my opinions. 
fast
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,807 posts
 
Bingo, both are great and both represent tremendous performance and value. 

Oem your best bet would be to upgrade you Parasound preamp the JC 2 is good but there are a ton of superior preamps, 

Please call if you want to discuss a huge preamp upgrade.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
oem-wheels
196 posts
 
I purchased it straight from Doug @ Coda.. I have the Coda .8 v1..  No, I didn't get a chance to compare the two.. From what I've read between the 2 amps I felt they were nit picking on which one is better so the price was a factor on the decision with the Coda.. One more point with the Coda is that its a "cleaner" sounding amp compared to the Krell.. or less tubey. I figured to get that tube flavor into the mix I can add a tube preamp.. More flexible on which way to go.. I think the Coda plus my speakers (Salk Sound - Song 3a) will let it show..  I'd still like to hear the Krell though.. 


Dave and Troy, I'll be calling you.. 
fast OP
92 posts
 
oem-wheels: if you’re ever in the Bay area, I’d be happy so show you the Krell. Just let me know. 
I’ve noticed that it has improved in the last couple of days. It’s still pretty new. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,887 posts
 

I was going to ask a question on this thread about the KRELL 175XD speaker connections. However, I figured it out without breaking anything. Just needed some controlled muscle power.

I have the CODA #8 and the KRELL 175 XD in my office now, I also have the CODA 07x preamp in the office connected to the 2 amps at the same time, though only 1 amp is used at the same time. I have to mostly agree with the above comment on the 2 amps.

These are two fantastic power amplifiers, the Krell is a bit more liquid and has a lot of the flow of a tube amp. The Coda is a bit more omph in the bass but does not have as rich of a presentation as the krell both amplifiers are super musical, the Coda is a bit more clean overall the Krell a bit lusher.

The CODA seems to have a bit more ooph on the bass however, the bass on the KRELL seems bigger or stronger in other ways. Love both of these amps. I was thinking of upgrading the CODA #8 to the #16, which I have heard with the same preamp. However, now that I have the KRELL I am not so sure if I want to do that.

@fast You should try some RAAL SR1a headphones with the KRELL 175XD. I specifically bought it for that purpose, but I found I like it just as much with my speakers, so I rotate the amps.

KRELL + RAAL SR1 is incredible. The CODA #8 and RAAL SR1a is just a hair behind. is also incredible. You can really hear the difference between the 2 amps on the headphones.

brownsf
38 posts
 

Fast here.  Interesting to see your comments yyz. For some reason, there still are hardly any comments here about the Krell 175xd and reviewers have pretty much ignored it. I bought the Krell over 2 years ago and am enjoying it very much with my KEF Reference 5 speakers.  I haven't been able to compare other amps except for my Audio Research VT130 SE, which the Krell replaced.  I don't notice a huge difference which I consider good (But the Krell doesn't require monthly trips to a repair shop to replace tubes and other parts which blow out when tubes go). The internet connection of my Krell  has stopped working but it's not exactly a big thing.

What was the problem  with your speaker connections?  

I looked up the raal out of curiosity but given the cost and that I can't remember using headphones in at least 20 years, they probably wouldn't make sense for me.  It would be interesting to hear them but it looks like they're not sold by local dealers.  

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