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Which Solid State amp 2k used? Krell?

I'm considering changing my amplifier and for some reason I can't quite put my finger on, Krell appeals to me. Here's the set up: Oracle DelphiIV/SME345/Grado Reference on a marble slab, Lehmann Black Cube phono section, BAT VK30 preamp, YBA CD Integre on a Bright Star base, Magnum Dynalab on a Bright Star Base, Classe DR-8 amp on a 1" thick marine grade plywood base, Martin Logan Quest Z's. IEC power cords are Synergistic Research Master Couplers for preamp, Lehmann Cube, and amplifier. YBA CDP has the high-end YBA cord, speakers are MIT Z-Cord II's, tuner has it's own cheesy captive cord. IC's are a mix of custom cables from Classe, YBA, and Audioquest. Speaker wires were built by Classe for me many many years ago, eight 8' runs. I had two DR8's and sold one, so I'm running a single stereo amp in bi-wired mode. I listen to a wide range of rock music, with a little classical and blues thrown in every now and then. The sound just isn't full or authoritative enough; everything I've heard about Krell amplifiers are they fill the bottom end out and provide plenty of muscle. Any and all opinions for a good amplifier to match up with my system is much appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
jeffloistarca
ronc
32 posts
 
Try the Crown Macro Reference. At today's used prices, it should just fit your budget. I have owned these and found very few amps, even to this day, that will better it in almost any performance area you care to mention. It has tremendous power (750 wpc in stereo mode)for an effortless sound and, if you want low end punch, this amp is as good, or better than anything out there. Don't be misled by anyone who would excuse this as not being a true high-end product. Listen and judge for yourself.
gfroman's avatar
gfroman
142 posts
 
Not to toot my horn, but my KRELL FPB-650M monoblocks are glorious! If you are interested, I am selling them to downsize in my small condo.
List is $26000, selling for $12500.
Phone 206-465-3668
pops
2,275 posts
 
Jeff, what about a bigger classe like the ca401 or the cam mono's. I've heard the 401 several times in a couple of different setups and it sounded pretty darn good. Authoritative and enough power to light up No. Cal.
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
These are all good inputs, appreciate it. Oh, the reason I sold my other DR8 was I blew the crossovers in my speakers cranking up the volume a tad too much. Figured it was cheaper/easier to go to more modest power since I can't always count on behaving in an adult manner. I find there's certainly something missing with the single amp, and now that I have a BAT preamp where you can set the volume control to a pre-determined maximum, I really ought to consider a higher powered amplifier. In theory the ML's can take 200 watts. Again, thanks all! Jeff
panzercat
41 posts
 
The Bryston's have good command of the bass region. You can often find a 4B-ST for under $2000. If you have a bit more to spend and want more power, you might be able to find a pair of 7B-ST monoblocks for around $3500.
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