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Wanted: Lightweight Krell KSA-100 Clone????

Until recently, every component in my stereo system was >30 years old; the relevant ones being Krell KSA-100 and Thiel CS3.6 that I purchased new in the 80s.

After ditching the old Pioneer Elite CD player, WADIA DAC, and KRELL PAM-5 preamp, I started streaming TIdal Premium > Node 2i > Dennafrips Ares II > the Krell>Thiels.

I love the sound and I’m amazed that the Krell sounds like new, however, it still weighs too much (around 90 lbs) and a much lighter amplifier would give me more flexibility.

Can you recommend a replacement that will sound very much like the Krell but weighs much less?

I'm thinking that there is probably something 5-10 years old that sounds similar and should be available at a “good” price. For instance, I can get a set of Bryston 7B ST for $2000+ but I have never heard these and know little about them.

Any information would be appreciated.

chinook9
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georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
chinook9 OP


At 45kg (100lbs) for the KSA-100, about the only amp I could think that could compete and sound similar, but be lighter in weight, would be one of the Gryphon Integrateds, the Diablo 120 or the 300 they are 26kg and 38kg
They are the closest to sounding Class-A without being highly biased into Class-A They have that big easy rich sound stage that you think you can get up and walk into.
https://gryphon-audio.dk/produkt-kategori/integrated-amplifiers/

Cheers George
chinook9 OP
68 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. 

After doing a lot of online shopping and reading reviews I went back and tried my other amplifiers with the Thiels.  The Parasound A21 sounds very good and so I am going to stick with that.  

My wife only listens to CDs so I'm going to set that system up just for her.

I only listen to Tidal Premium through a Node 2i so to satisfy my own audio urges I am going to set up a system for myself in the basement.  That should maintain my interest for a while. 

I am also going to sell the KSA-100. 


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