Krell , Martin Logans Mark Levinson?

I sold my 5 channel B&K 200 watt amp for a Krell KAV 1500 (also 5 channel but 300 watts) which was a big price leap. I started thinking I was crazy because I found the Krell was harsh and did not have the warmth of the B&K. I have Martin Login Odessey front speakers. I started tweaking with cables and got closer to what I wanted with Nordost Quattro fil but had no doubt when I audtioned the Transparent Reference cables. I put Transparent throughout my system. Then at about 200 hours into burn-in, my Krell nearly caught on fire, it was smoking! Krell support is incredible and came through with a drop shipment exchange with a brand new amp. They are a great company, to say the least! Anyway, now I'm back to the harsh, dark sound again. I can only attribute this to the long break-in period this amp obviously requires. So, bottom line, tweak with cables but perhaps just be patient until you've racked up about 200-300 hours on that thing. It is well worth the wait. Good Luck!

I have a Krell 200 (not the “C”)and I understand your issue. The Krell drives my Thiels great but can be harsh in the middle ranges, at least for my taste. I solved my problem by using an AE-3 tube line level pre amp. It was relatively inexpensive and sounds better every hour it’s on. Audition a tube pre amp, it may be worth your time. For me the combination of a SS amp and tubes in the front-end path is very satisfying. Good Luck..