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Recapping Krell FPB-Monoblocks - Need Advice

I have a flawless pair of original Krell FPB-350m’s I purchased from the original owner several years ago local to me. I am kind of on the fence as what to do, They definitely need a recap as one of them is heating up now and shuts off after 25-30 minutes. I’m debating recapping with upgrades or selling them as is and trying out Parasound JC-1’s or a Pass Labs X250.8. If I do recap them is there anyone in the western United States that can work on them? Krell is back east and wants $1300 per amp and I would have to pay shipping across the country. That would cost me around 3k. That seems quite high for a recap. Is there a dramatic difference sound wise when having these old amps rebuilt with modern caps?  If I do sell them as is what could I roughly expect to get out of them. I am clueless As to what they are worth? My system consist of Egglestonworks Andra II speakers and a AYRE K-1XE preamp. Any advice would be appreciated.
128x128boisehomes
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
total recap is not necessary most of times. you need to go over caps exposed to high temperatures and voltages. measure their parameters before replacement. if parameters are within specified tolerance and no visual damage, leave them back in the circuit.
if your unit still works nice, you don’t have to do that.
Definitely don't go for $1300 per chassis deal. Not needed and not necessary. 
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@boisehomes ,
+5 on shipping them back to Krell.
I think the 'peace of mind' factor would be my overwhelming point in sending them in. While they are at the factory, they would be able to see if anything else needed replacing.
As you own an Ayre preamp, have you ever considered an MX-R?
Bob
nhp46
1 posts
 
I just got an return authorization last week from Krell to return my FPB-300, I think it’s worth the extra money. If you want to sell, the paperwork from Krell showing the work done can worth a lot. It won’t be worth your time trying to sell something needing work.

minorl
1,016 posts
 
Those are very nice amps.  Hard to beat.
In my opinion, they are worth getting repaired/recapped.
Unless you can find someone authorized by Krell or at least very knowledgeable and experienced with Krell equipment, I would bite the bullet and either ship them to Krell or to George Meyer AV in Los Angeles.

Shipping to LA from where you live is probably less expensive than shipping to Krell.  But, you can't go wrong either way.

Get those babies fixed.

enjoy
mcintech
128 posts
 
If you really like the amps, get them completely re-capped. If a cap in the wrong place decides to cook-off you'll have a lot more than overheating issues.

Think of this as a timing belt in a Honda Civic with 89,000 miles on it. You can keep driving it instead of spending the $750 (oft included the new water pump, too), but WHEN belt fails on that interference engine, it'll total it
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