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Did I make a mistake buying Krell?

I was in search of a nice integrated amp that I could keep around for a long time. I got a good deal on a Krell KAV-300i, so I made a command decision to buy it.

I haven't hooked it up yet but I'm second guessing if it was the right decision. My equipment that will be used with the Krell: EAD-2000 cdp and Klipsch KLF-20 & Chorus II speakers (99db & 101db sensitivity respectively). The Klipsch speaker crossovers have upgraded resistors and caps and I can honestly say they don't sound bright and forward anymore. I would describe the sound right now as much warmer and alot less forward than before.

My question to you folks is:
1. Is Krell a good match for my existing set up?
2. What is the Krell sound?
3. If Krell isn't a good match, what would be better in the $1000-$1500 used range?

Thanks,
Mike
vman71
krellm7
163 posts
 
I had KLF 30's with a 300i for two years. Then I bought a pair of B&W DM 602.5's & I never looked back. Where you made the mistaken is buying the klipsch. Knock on the side of the cabinet that ringing sound you hear is not quality.
phd
1,326 posts
 
Krellm7 I will have to agree with you on your choice to pair a Krell amp with B&W speakers as I have a close buddy on Audiogon that has this set up & loves it. I don't agree with your asessment on all Klipsch speakers as the different models are not all equal in sound or build quality. I have the Klipsch CF4s which were next to the best Klipsch speaker sold in the early nineties, you will never see me sell these. The McCormack amps sound excellent with Klipsch speakers as I found out, also Steve McCormack mentioned to me in a phone conversation that some of his customers felt the same way. I am not dismissing Krell as a good power amp as I never heard one but rather making a suggestion as what works well & sounds good with Klipsch. I love well designed horn speakers, someday I hope to purchase Advantgarde. Vman71, let us know how things work out.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the krell is your keeper. hook up and play.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Hook it up, and you tell us if you made a mistake. Audio is a very personal think - 100 people could say they dont like klpipsch + krell but you could disagree. I owned the Klipsch KLF20 and I loved how dynamic they were. Try comparing your Krell with a good tube amp, especially an SET, and you tell us which you prefer and why.
vman71 OP
218 posts
 
Well, the Krell was hooked up this weekend. My first impressions are that this integrated amp has tons of power, probably too much for my Klipsch speakers. The sound was very clean, good soundstage and good imaging. I thought that the sound, while very clean and having a super quiet background, came off brighter than what I expected. Coming from Sunfire seperates, some of the warmth was gone and the music seemed stiff, not as musical.

I'll spend some time with it this week but I think that I'm going to sell it.
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