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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
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
boisehomes's avatar
boisehomes OP
56 posts
 
I think I will have Krell do the recap! Just got a bid from Steven at The Service Department and he wants $2,000 a piece! That seems absurd to me! Having Krell do it is a bargain compared to him! Lol! I’ll also give George Meyer a call and see what they can do! LA is pretty close to ship to.
boisehomes's avatar
boisehomes OP
56 posts
 
@gdnrbob

I would love the Ayre mono blocks but can’t dump that kind of money on amps right now. The VX-5 I could swing but not sure if it is a better amp then my Krell monos.  
gareneau
110 posts
 
To those who have had their FPBs recapped, is there a noticeable upgrade in sound quality? Some of the comments on Stephen's website indicate a dramatic improvement can be expected.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 



Recapping Krell FPB-Monoblocks - Need Advice

I have a flawless pair of original Krell FPB-350m


Magnificent amps, just have to read JA’s bench test on them.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/krell-full-power-balanced-350mc-monoblock-amplifier-measurements

I would just re-cap the Krells, use the equivalent size or even higher uf Nichincon 105c temp caps. Will be the same just as good or better than the Krell badged ones and cost less.

They use Nichicons 80c in it so go higher spec 105c http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~timc/e/krell-cap/index.html
Put Nichicons 105c in place of the Jamicons, they’re not very good, can’t believe they used them.

It says $160 for the caps, I'd say more like $250 and a couple hours labour, they look easy to work on.
 
Cheers George


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