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Is it my amp or my speakers?

I've been dissatisfied with my system of late--wanting a little more brightness and color--and can't decide if it's the amp or the speakers, or both. Here's the set-up:
  • Krell KAV-300i integrated
  • Cyrus CD-T
  • Schiit Gungnir DAC
  • Tekton Lore speakers
The Krell was a hand-me-down (!); everything else was purchased new. The amp had some overpriced work done to it a few years back and I'm wondering if the workmanship is starting to show, or possibly its age (~25 years, I'm guessing). Or, are the amp and speakers mismatched?I can afford to invest about $3K in the system, but am unsure where best to put it.Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated.
danto
kennyc
1,514 posts
 
Trying out returnable cables may be cheapest fix shipping wise.  

+1 Tekton especially the double impact, but their speakers are rather large

GoldenEar Tritons - another great price/performance speakers with many positive reviews

You could look for used speakers to get better price/performance, but it'll add much more complexity to your research.
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mickeyb
575 posts
 
That krell integrated is garbage and I own krell amps. It is cheaply made and sounds nothing like a krell. It’s fatiguing and bright and makes you want to pull your hair out. I’d dump it. Good luck. 
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
That krell integrated is garbage and I own krell amps. It is cheaply made and sounds nothing like a krell. It’s fatiguing and bright and makes you want to pull your hair out. I’d dump it. Good luck.


stated too strongly, but i would have to agree with the gist, esp. on bright/harsh sound quality - i was not impressed with this unit when i had it... NOT Krell’s finest hour for sure
mglik
908 posts
 
I would agree that the Krell is bright and harsh.
From everything I have heard, the Tektons are probably good.
I would suggest looking on AG or USAmart for a used tube integrated. And roll the tubes to NOS. For $3k you can get a very nice one. And sell the Krell maybe increasing the $3k to $4k+.
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