Krell , Martin Logans Mark Levinson?


Hello everyone. I just sold my levinson 335 and bought a krell fpb 200c and I have a question. I feel that all the cds I used before for testing my equipment dont sound as good but others I didnt use before do? Also I think my system can be a little smoother what do I do that wont put me in the poor house? I use a Krell FPB 200c A Mark Levinson 39 cd player running directly to my amp and a pair of Martin Logan Ascents and I use all Harmonic Technology cables. Iam starting to think it is the cables because I heard the krell in the store and it sounded great. So I use the levinson to smooth things over. Krells can get brite at times. I wonder if I made a mistake selling my baby(335) I love the 335 but I wanted to try something new? Should I be shot? Thank You
lev335
Lev: Major homework ahead of you. I have the non cast version of this amp. From personal experience I'll warn you that the FPB 200 is very fussy about interconnects and speaker wires.

Skip lower end HT's, NBS, and Transparent. The AQ Python (bal) interconnect I settled on beat out 8 other contenders including more expensive Tranparent MW+, NBS King Serpent and Kimber 1130 (silver). Second best was another Kimber 1120 (copper) but I already use 1 pair in the system and 2 pairs seemed to emphasize the midrange slightly. Didn't get to try Cardas but they would have been my next option if the Python hadn't worked out.

I'm also breaking in new AQ Gibraltar speaker wires in place of some Kimber 8 TC. The AQ's have a smoother midrange than the 8 TC's but aren't the last word in detail, at least yet (less than 50 hours on them).

Happy Home Trials
No_money is right-on-the-money. Here you go again. All fun and games. I would suggest PAD and Tara. Another thing to consider is how long 200c was unused. After long periods (over 3 months), they need re-break-in. Last, but not least, if you can, run 39 thru a pre-amp (preferably a Krell). I will keep my 335 - I don't want to go thru this - yet.
If it ain't broke don't fix it. I made a similar mistake when I broke the synergy that I loved when I sold my KSA-300S to get a FPB-300 at Christmas time in 1999. I never had such a bad Christmas before especialy since I let it go for below market value. I quickly sold the FPB and bought another 300S in even better condition(if you use a magnifying glass) and have been living happily since. I am not saying this is your case, but I know it is nore than frustrating and some will argue. When you know it is right then just leave it alone and enjoy the music. I use a KRC-HR, KSA-300S, KPS-20i with B&W 801 III w/North Creek x-overs BTW. I also checked out the Nautilus but I know.........it ain't broke. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Thank you for your input eveyone. I had the all levinson system and it sounded better than anything I ever owned. Then you start reading and talking to people and I had some suggestions about replacing the 335 with a krell they said it would have a more exciting sound. And it does but I know I need to recables my system again. It was smoother with the 335 and thats why I say it is a cable thing. It took me a long time to find the proper cables for the Levinson system. So here I go again. Awe man! When you have something great you tend to take it for granted sometimes and now I have a footprint on my ass from kicking myself. I know that once I change my cables it will sound awesome. Thanks again. Dan
Lev335, you better change your ID to Krell300...just a bad joke. Krell1 is right on the money. If you're happy, keep it that way. I too have made mistakes in the past and very hard to correct. You gotta change this, then change that and that...and on and on till you get satisfied.

For me personally, I'd keep the Levinson.

Best of luck. You might hit the bulls eye the first time though. No one knows.