2. amps-preamps
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NAIM 72/180, Nait5i vs KRELL 300iL

Hi All,
I am on the market for new/used SS amplifier in the $ 1200 – 1500 price range.
Since I am from Bulgaria where the choice are quite limited and after auditioning some low priced Rotel, Arcam and Denon stuff and PrimaLuna One&Two from the tubes I narrowed my search to two brands – NAIM and Krell (UK vs USA :) )
I got lucky to find in my price a 7+ years old olive Naim 72/180 combo and I really liked what I heard from my speakers.
What I am not sure, and need your help here, is will an used Krell KAV 300iL be the better choice – more excitement, more bass ?
The problem is I NEVER auditioned Krell and there is NO way to do it prior my purchase!
I like NAIM but will I enjoy Krell more?
So, here are my possibilities:
- NAIM NAC 72/NAP 180, pre/power combo – used
- NAIM Nait5i, integrated – new
- Krell KAV 300iL, integrated – used
I know there are thousands other possibilities but not here…
My speakers are quite easy load – Tannoy System DMT MkII 15” Dual Concentric, 98dB sensitivity, 8 Om.
I like rock, jazz-rock, acid jazz, electronica.
Thanks,
Ivo
natzev_i
mlauner841e
20 posts
 
krell sound is very good however if you really get into the prat of naim equipment you will not like krell.
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
no offense to naim, but the krell is 1. accurate and neutral (not cold)....2. will work incredibly well with a very wide variety of equipment. 3. is in a league with mac, spectral,audio research, revox, cj, etc.....
aleko's avatar
aleko
33 posts
 
Hi Ivo, why go for an integrated amp if you can have the separates? It is a more flexible solution, no? I wouldn't base my preference for an amp just because it is new/newer.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Naim AMP/Preamo combo!!!
I have had the Nait 3 (not i) and the Krell - no contest.

Match it well with proper speakers (Monitor Audio, Spendor or Linn)
setiawansr
9 posts
 
I had Krell 300iL and now I have Naim Nait5i. I paired the Krell with Celestion SL700SE (used to be the top of the line of Celestion). The combo sounded very tiring, I could not listen to this combo for a long time. However, now with my Nait5i and Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor, I can enjoy listening to the music for hours.
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