2. amps-preamps
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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
bobbydd OP
97 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 ...

naimfan
166 posts
 
You've got a truly great amp (and I say that as a non-Krell person - I've done the Linn/Naim/Exposure route). 

I think you'd be surprised at how much better it sounds after servicing.  I've not had a Krell serviced, but the difference in a Naim amp was night and day.  And a cursory search showed a number of people commenting on the positive impact of service on a Krell. 

And a service will be less expensive than trying to find something comparable - and you won't find anything demonstrably better without spending multiples of $2500. 
testpilot
930 posts
 
Yes, spending $2500 to service a present value $2500 amp does not make sense from a re-sale point of view, but if you factor in the utility and joy it will bring you for the many years to come, it can be easily justified.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
10+++ JC1+
supercool
3 posts
 

Try and purchase a fully refurbished Krell KSA 250 now...I looked and can’t find one available right now. I think for someone who wants a KSA 250 you’d be hard pressed to find one period.... right now anyway.

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