Today I spent some time listening to the new Krell SACD player at a local shop. I took along some of my special toys that this dealer has elected not to carry. Sonoran Signature Plateau single ended cables. One pair from cd to pre one pair pre to power. Also had two Sonoran Plateau power cables for cd and preamp. A Sistrum Sp101 Platform and Apcd discs were used between the top shelf of a Furniture Works 5 Tall stand and the Krell Sacd Standard. Martin Logan Odessey was the speaker pair, powered by a Krell amp and preamp. I have forgotten the Krell model numbers. The pre was in the 3k range the amp was 4k. The speaker cables were a single 10 ft run of Audioquest Clear, silver over copper. Let me tell you I never played a SACD on this Krell player. All I played were Red Book standard cd's. Every SACD player I have heard in the past has been a major disappointment playing anything from my standard only, cd collection. I wanted to hear this player with material I am very familar with and would have access to on a daily basis. The new Ben Harper cd is one of my favorites. Ben would have been proud of himself being played back on this Krell. What I finally heard was wonderful staging and great dynamics. The depth of field was real and not exaggerated. Focus was sharp yet textured and very convincing. The best trait was the vertical height and air presented to me from material I listen to every week. Wow. The Krell was never etched or harsh playing Norah Jones, Hendrix, Sting, P-Funk, Sonny Boy Williamson or many classical guitar selections. Like at home on a good nite when the high-fi is most ripe I tend to nod off. This is when I know all is well. Well I nodded off in the show room in my musical trance knowing the Krell SACD Standard was a true contender. Six days previous I heard an Audio Note cd player in the same setup and with my same toys brought along. The Krell was just as engaging and more specific with a larger vertical stage when referenced with this tube output, cd only player. Next step for me is to see if the dealer will allow me to audition this, what I think is a great value player, in my system at home! To be continued..Tom
