Any love for newer Krell amps?

Congratulations. I’d be interested to know what you think once it’s broken in and what equipment you’re using with it. I’m using the Krell Duo 175xd with Benchmark LA4 preamp,KEF Reference 5 speakers, Innuous Zenith 3/Innuous Phoenix, PS Audio Directstream dac.

I am listening to my RAAL SR1a headphones with my KRELL K-300i in my bedroom as I type this. It is the very best sound I have gotten from these headphones. I have tried a ton of gear on these headphones because I think they are incredible and sound like 2 channel, not regular headphones, which I am not a huge fan off.

In my office I have a CODA 07x preamp which has 2 sets of XLR outputs. I set of outputs goes to my CODA #8 amp which drives my Thiel CS3.7 speakers. The second set of CODA 07x XLR outputs was previously connected to the Parasound A21+. Which then drove my RAAL SR1a headphones via an amp interface box. I thought I would be happy with the A21+ for this task but whenever, I listened with the KRELL K-300i integrated and the RAAL SR1a the A21+ was found lacking.

So, I made the crazy decision to trade-in the A21+ for the KRELL Duo 125XD. This amp will be used just with the RAAL SR1a. I know crazy but this is end game stuff for me. I was considering getting the 175XD or a used 300XD to have the option of also driving the Thiel CS3.7’s but I decided my CODA 07x and CCOA #8 were amazing and not to mess with a good thing. The 125XD will be under-powered for the Thiel.

I also have the Benchmark LA4 preamp in my office. It is also connected to my audio sources as is the CODA 07x. I just flip the XLR output from each preamp to the CODA #8 amp to change things up with the Thiel CS3.7. I will try the LA4 with the KRELL and RAAL along with the LA4 and 125XD with the Thiel CS3.7 though I expect this to be lacking in power,

Bought a Krell KSA250 32 years ago new.  Great amp that still sounds good with the right speaker.  140 pounds of finesse/muscle.  On a wait list for complete restoration.

Had an original KSA50 before that.  Also a wonderful amplifier.

Build quality of those amps resembles that of $50,000 plus products of today - actually more.  Can't afford new stuff in that category, so compromised on a set of new Pass class A mono's.

Don't even think about new Krell amplifiers, totally different product.  YMMV

Yyz-I noticed your comments in the speaker forum about the KEF Blade2.  I've been very happy with the KEF Reference 5s.  I didn't even audition the Blades because of WAF.  She was pretty adamant that the Blades were not coming to our house no matter how good they sounded.  I got the Reference 5s in white and they look and sound great.  My Krell amp replaced a 25 year old Audio Research VT130SE.  Great amp but, after all that time, I was making too many trips to the repair service, which is 90 minutes away.  I don't think I've lost anything with the Krell.

I was lucky enough to audition the Krell K-300i & Duo 300 xd.  Both are fantastic paired with my speakers, Alta Audio Alec’s.  I have a Primaluna Evo 400 integrated and a Coda CSib Integrated as well.  The 300i beat out the other 2 integrated amps.  The Coda is a beast as well, I preferred the slightly sweeter, warmer sounding Krell to the Coda but think when comparing the 2 would be a toss up, come down to personal preference to Krell or Coda’s sound signature. The duo 300 xd is the best amp I have ever had in my system.  I ended up buying the 300 xd.  I’m using the Coda as a pre for the moment, couple steps up from any integrated amps I’ve heard.

Both Coda and Krell where very accessible, they’ll talk to you about their products.  I’d highly recommend both brands if someone is looking for amps amp and or an integrated.