Best preamp under 5k for Krell amp

Hi, I had the FPB 300 and think it's a good amp. Never heard it with electrostats, though. That being said, I think that you can find quite a few good preamps. Depends on your preference. Rowland Synergy is nice, as is the Levinson 38S/380 and a multitude of tube preamps. I've owned 12 preamps in the last 5 years, including many in your price range. Feel free to e-mail me privately. By the way, I don't have a Krell preamp to sell you.

i recommend a tube preamp, especially w/solid-state amp. if ya listen to cd, it will also make it much less fatigueing. personally, i really like my melos music director preamp (latest version of the ma-333). this can be had for way less than $5k, used.

re: speakers, i'd suggest trying newform research r645's or nhb645's check out the reviews on audioreview, & check out the www. i'm saving for these - i think they will be a steal at the price, even if purchased new. if not, there's a 30-day in-home trial, yure only out return-shipping if they're not for you...

A tube preamp is your best bet with most Krell amps. My two suggestions are the Audible Illusions 3a and the Hovland preamp. The AI can be had for around 2.2K, the Hovland, without phone, at about 4.6k.

I have a Krell FPB200 and am running it with a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 tube preamp, and it sounds great. The combination of solid state and tube is a good way to go. I know of a lot of other guys also running this combinatoion with good success. I have Dunlavy SCIV's, but I did listen to your set up ant a local dealer, and it sounded pretty good. Also, I am thinking of making the home theater jump (Meridian), so I might be selling my SF preamp.

audio8, don't sell the pre yust cuz yer gonna get the h-t rig - run it thru the processor bypass of yer pre. yer 2-channel audio will sound better that way...