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Krell's new direct i-pod connection.

been using the direct i-pod hook-up on my new krell s-300i integrated (special hook-up cord is included). kinda surprised how "good" it sounds when compared to a "dock type" connection. seems alot smoother/warmer with great depth. has anyone else tried it?. thoughts??

love the fact that the krell remote also operates basic i-pod functions and charges the thing while you play. still prefer my cdp but no by as much anymore. i'm thinking for i-pod users, this type of connection is a good thing.

i-pod classic, krell s-300i. aerial 7b's, velodyne dd12

cheers
levy03
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
The S-300i was launched with a grounding problem (locked up alot) and the noise floor is very high. In addition, it is cooler sounding than the 400xi with less power. One fuse vs two on the 400xi an no XLR locks. Good feelings gone:O(
the1stdude
4 posts
 
Funny that you mention it Dave_b.. It locked up as soon as i plugged in my iphone and I noticed with no signal in the source for the ipod and the cdp it had a lot of noise in the system. I was expecting silence, but I heard something. When you step the volume up and down it had audible clicking. The salesman said, it's normal with these new digital integrated amps.

Is that normal? I think I need to keep looking. I just think Krell cause my Dad's old Krell (late 90's) gear was sooo bad ass sounding.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I do not agreee that S300i is calder sounding than 400xi. Quite on the contrary. To my ears, S300i has muh more texture and sounds warmer and more natural than 400xi.

I have never experienced problems with noise or the amp 'freeze' you are describing, although I did not attempt to connect an iPod.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Elberoth2, I am not alone by any means in describing the S-300i as sounding cooler than the 400xi(I've owned both and I still have the 400xi). The other problems were also experienced quite frequently by others and my dealer. In fact, my dealer sent back the entire order he placed because they were all defective. To be exact, what I am describing is a lack of warmth and color in the mids and upper mids, combined with a greyer sounding treble...slightly brittle. The bass is full and lush which may be confused with warmth.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I know, I have read your posts, in this and other threads, and continue to be amazed by your experience. To my ears, S300i sounds fuller and more natural in the all important midrange. Somehow, it reminded me of a Mac MA6900.

It seems that I'm not the only one who shares this point of view:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/krell3/krell.html

What is more, I have found S300i to offer substantially higher level of resolution and HF detail, less grain, and much better soundstaging.

PS. I have both 400xi and S300i on hand as I write.
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