Tubed Linestage

The edge you are hearing is a result of your power amps. I have owned KMA 160s, but before the KMAs I had a KSA 80B. Sonically speaking the KSA 80B was much better than the KMA 160s. If you remember that the KMA 160s were this amp that could programed from a KSA 80 to a single KMA 160 mono block. It was bit more involved than programming. You had to send the amp back and the factory would re-configure the inside of the amp and put on a new rear apron. What Krell did was bridge the amp. I simply sold the my 80B and bought a set of KMA 160 monos and they had lots of edge and were very hard sounding. At that point I sent them back to Krell and had them set up a KSA 80Bs and bought an electronic crossover and re-configured the system. The Krell 80B was a delight but the KMA 160s were simply a nightmare. Sell those amps and find your self a set of Threshold Mono blocks same money much better sound. PS I have owned many Audio Research pre-amps tube and solid state and they all have been first class in their sound. Smooth, rich, transparent, and powerful.

Handymann,

>>I read where it was suggested that ARC equipment doesn't mate well with Krell...

I have never heard that before. I ran an ARC PH-3SE and LS-16 into a Krell KAV-250 powering my Apogee hybrid ribbons for years, and I thought that it sounded great. Although I ultimately replaced the Krell amp with a refurbished McCormack unit, I can't say that there was a mismatch between the ARC gear and the Krell amp. If you like the Krell sound it will be fine. If you don't, it won't.

I used to use a FPB 600 and tried an ARC preamp with it and really loved the sound. It's what convinced me there was something to the tube sound. Audition in your system first if possible but I think you'll be fine.

Hi Handy,

I think you are starting to see a theme here...ARC and Krell are not known to any of us who've posted as having bad synergy. And i have actually spoken with people who've actually elected to go with the combination. Good luck!

I appreciate all of your responses. The subject (krells don't match with ARC) came from a comment from a fellow audiogoner. It appears they have been out voted. One thing I have noted when reading reviews of the most recent ARC preamps, 17, 26 & 27 is most reviewer's say they have lost some of that classic warm tube sound. ******* Any comments on this subject?*******