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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
bobbydd OP
Upgrade Krell KSA 250 to what?
The Krell was a Bi-polar output classic, able to "almost" keep doubling it’s wattage down to 2ohms, they had a bit of Class-A bias on them as well about 12w. You obviously like what this sort of amp does grunt wise.

Go even better with the new John Curl designed Parasound Holo JC1+ monoblocks, they do the Krell balls to the wall thing and will sound great even better than the older JC1’s did.
https://parasound.com/jc1+.php

And your Wilson 7’s (best watt/puppy made) will love the JC1+ current ability and drive, also you can switch them into high Class-A bias for even sweeter more transparent upper/mids and highs. And your on the money with them

Cheers George
bobbydd OP
99 posts
 
The plot thickens ....estimate for repairs/restoration in the $2500 range.  The whole amp is worth about that much.

A real dilemma on my hands ....
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
A real dilemma on my hands ....
You could trade it in on the new JC1+’s
Just say sometimes it doesn’t turn on so your not hiding anything it’s not blown up, If you pick the right retailer they’ve got their own repair that’ll fix it and they’ll get their money.
Looking at Audio Shark the going price is between $2-$3k, I would ask for $1500 trade in as it’s not blown and they can fix it and make 100% on it
Cheers George


mgattmch
576 posts
 
$2,500 to refurbish, is that from Krell or an independent service technician? 
bobbydd OP
99 posts
 

Independent: Steve Leckrone mentioned above.  Former head of service for the "old" Krell - when D'Agostino was around.  Has his own shop where he services/restores the classic Krell amps like mine to supposedly new or better than new condition.

Still expensive though ... it's kinda like spending $12K to service an old Mercedes S class worth $12K.  Not sure it makes sense ...

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