i am looking to replace my Krell with tube amps,

Hi Chris

Auditioning is the only answer.

If you do not play highly dynamic music and stick to music valve amps shine on I at one time even used an 8W amp SET - (Trafomatic Experience 2) on some 87db speakers no problem so power is not really an issue.

However the very best valve amp I have heard - and I have heard a few these days - is the amp I mentioned previously:
http://www.westonacoustics.com/page007.html

The guy built it as a special order for me but was so impressed with how it sounded decided to make it part of his line up. The issue though is the guy that makes them is good - and plenty of people know it - so there is a huge wait time - mine took nine months. But if you want the best - that's it - and at 45W is quite loud enough. Of course not as dynamic as the 500W SS I also mentioned and on some music you will notice it but still quite good.

Thanks
Bill

Thanks Bill
The problem buying from so far away, shipping and service takes long time.
Chris

BAT may be worth exploring. I heard King V2 driven by VK-150 to good effect

Audio Research....but ya might wanna keep the Krell. Should have picked up a KCT preamp...tube sound without the tubes!

Have you considered having your Krell rebuilt.  I just had that done in November and for a whole lot less than the cost of a new amp, I had Krell rebuild my 30+ year of KSA-80B.  Its just marvelous.  So musical.  They put new caps in in and a few other parts, adjusted the bias and tuned it up.  It have never been serviced before.  And with Krell, two things you can count on, they will drive low impedances (mine is one ohm) and they early ones do sound nice.   If you have had yours 10 years, they probably sounded good to you, but could use some new HQ components.

Bailyhill