Upgrade Krell KSA 250 to what?


Here's the situation:

My 30 year old Krell KSA 250 (upgraded/hot rodded at the factory 20 yrs ago) is showing signs of age.  I'm having trouble turning it on/off and I'm afraid it needs service.  While I've enjoyed it tremendously I'm naturally wondering about replacement in lieu of spending significant sums on updating it.  Furthermore, not sure if the Krell factory is willing or capable of servicing an amp of this vintage.

So I've been toying with replacing it with a new or nearly new piece.  Options I'm considering are Pass labs (possibly X250.8 or 350.8), ARC Ref 75 SE or possibly a Ref 150 SE (used), or similar.  D'Agostino dealer is nearby as well along with a VAC dealer but both those brands are too rich ($$$$) for my blood.  Trying to stay below $10K, preferably less than $8K.

The system for this change is composed mostly of older gear, as follows:

Wilson Watt/Puppy 7

Sota Star III/ SME V/ Benz Ruby Z analog front end

Oppo 105 digital player

ARC Ref 2 Mk II line stage

ARC PH3 SE phono

Straightwire/ Cogelco/ Purist Audio cables


Thanks in advance for the input!




bobbydd
I’d just have Krell service it.  Good amp, you’re happy with it in your system, etc.  

A different amp might undo everything you’ve put together.
Biggest mistake of my HiFi journey, selling a fully refurbished KSA-250 several years ago. Missed it ever since, even tried to buy it back on more than one occasion. Keep the Krell, have it refurbished by Krell or an independent service technician. Sound quality is still up there with the very best IMHO. Plus, nothing beats a KSA-250 for bass control and extension. Steven Leckrone is the  technician who serviced my amp at Krell. He now works as an independent Krell service specialist. Contact Steven at; Steven@theservicedepartmentct.com (203-331-0671).