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Pathos Classic One MkIII vs. Krell S-300i

How does one decide which amplifier they prefer?

For a little background, my system started with an Integra 50.1 receiver (still have).  My first amplifier upgrade was to add a Yaqin MC-30L integrated tube amplifier to my setup using a switch.  The Yaqin MC-30L was clearly an upgrade to the Integra, but also had a very similar sound.  My audio journey then took me to a Cambridge Audio Azur 840A that I simply never liked the sound of so to make a long story short I traded it in to a local audio shop and picked up a Pathos Classic One MkIII that I have really enjoyed.  The Pathos was once again a clear upgrade to the Yaqin and again had a similar sound.  From the Integra to the Yaqin to the Pathos there was never a question about which one sounded better because each seemed to simply be a better version of the previous one.

Enter the Krell S-300i that has really upset the balance of my audio world.  It's not unexpected, but the Krell and Pathos have very different sounds and very different sound stages.  The Pathos has more pronounced and clear highs and the Krell has more detailed bass (there is a bit of a mid-bass hump that isn't pleasing).  In line with the Fletcher Munson Curve, the Pathos sound better at low levels and the Krell starts to move ahead as the volume is increased.

Sometimes I wonder if the majority of my "dislike" for the Krell is simply that it sounds different than the sound that I've had as long as I've had my system.  There's some music where the Krell is absolutely superior and some that I clearly don't prefer it.  I think the Krell has allowed me to hear difference between Redbook and SACD that I've not heard before and I have greatly enjoyed the sound I get feeding it with the Integra through the home theater bypass feature.

My system is far from being setup ideally, over even well, but that's just the reality of living in a 1,400 sq-ft house.  I honestly believe that most of my gear is well above the setup making it somewhat pointless to try and really evaluate them.

I could keep both of the amplifier and have them both connected to my overall system, but they also represent funds that could be used to try out a new pieces of gear.

I realize that this is kind of an open ended question like ramble, but it's a new experience to truly not be able to pick a favorite.  In the few A/B tests my wife and kids tend to prefer the Pathos (they also prefer lower listening volumes which make sense) and the Pathos is clearly a better looking piece of gear (WAF), but the home theater bypass feature on the Krell allows it to be fully integrated and could eliminate the switch.

Anyone else have the experience of not being able to choose a clear favorite?
mceljo
mceljo OP
1,357 posts
 
alexatpos - I definately couldn't describe the Krell in my system that way though it does have an overall warmer sound than the Pathos.  The Krell seems to have a more visceral presence that some might say leads to toe tapping.  The other thing that sticks out is that it sounds more "black" to my ears which is the only way I know to describe the lack of noise.  This is something that has always impressed me with quality audio components and it's particularly noticeable when acting as the power amp for my Integra receiver, but I do hear the same qualities compared to the Pathos with some music.

I'm fairly certain that I could be happy with either and honestly don't have a pressing need to only have one other than simplicity appeals to me.  

I don't anticipate doing anything about it other than dreaming, but I'd love to hear the PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC and Stellar S300 amplifier as it combines Class A analog with power and has a built-in DAC that would eliminate another component.  I'd be more tempted by the GainCell DAC if the Krell S-300i would allow for multiple home theater bypass inputs so that I could use the GainCell DAC and home theater receiver as sources.  I've never been around a pieces of PS Audio gear so have no idea if I'd like it or not, but it sounds great on paper :-)
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
I wrote reviews of the Classic One (original) and MkIII for Dagogo.com

I did not invent the idea of "Pathi" (two units used in Mono), but reviewed it as such. A very nice improvement over single unit without faltering in terms of the lovely characteristics of the amp.

Having handled many amps, the Classic One has more midrange presence/emphasis than most others. It's quite different in that respect, and can be very appealing. The bass is driven a bit lightly, but with two units it is improved. If you love the single Classic One's character, then a second unit would most likely delight. 
mceljo OP
1,357 posts
 
douglas_schroeder - How exactly does it work to run two units?  What do the connections from the sources and to the speakers look like?
adg101
1,062 posts
 
Always good to have a third option. Heard both years ago but different stores so could not compare. The store that was auditioning the Pathos passed on picking the line up and to be fair it was a fresh unit, Classic One. Remember Sam Tellig of Stereophile loved that amp and I didn’t get it, but again it probably needed more time and it was the original. Maybe look at a Rogue as a third option in that price range. 
alexatpos
1,209 posts
 
Mceljo, just checked your speakers, I would say that Pathos Classic might be on limit with them. Multiple drivers, impendance drop to 3 ohm, perhaps it just may be too much for that smallish amp, when driven 'hard'.
I do not know what do you use as a source, but I assure you that with a really good one, very soon you are going to hear limitations of that Krell.
As much as you like some of its characteristics, it is in fact a poor sounding amp. It has power, it is famous brand, good build quality, but it lacks the top end. Also, I would say that Focal speakers (aldo I have not heard your model) are 'helping' to hide Krell's S 300 faults. But, that is only my experience, yours might be very different  
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