From Krell to McIntosh - Anyone?

i'm a mac person, but your krell stuff is really nice...keep it.....should drive any loudspeaker into audio heaven.

Unfortunately I think you are asking a question that only your own ears can answer.

I am at a lower end from you, but I went from a MC-352 to a FPB-300c (pre 400cx amp). I am very happy with the improvement when I changed. I had the Mac for not quite a year. I bought and sold it here on Agon for no loss, but lots of enjoyment while I had it. It drove my current hungry speakers better than anything I had before.

Nevertheless, I like the improved clarity and precision of the Krell. It too has no problem driving my speakers. The Krell does seem to take more time to warm-up though...that is something I didn't notice with the Mac.

See if you can demo. At this level, it is the only way to truly know.

Good luck-

I don't own either Mac or Krell, but I've heard nearly everything both make, at length, on equipment I'm familiar with. Now, to be honest, from the very first Krell product to the latest, I have considered that company's sound to be an appalling step backwards that undermines the credibility of "high-end" audio as an idea itself. Really, Krell's acceptance and longevity in the market is positive proof to me that high-end audio criteria are essentially divorced from any notion of music fidelity in reproduction. I haven't heard Krell get anything right, so far.

Now, McIntosh has had its slumps, but not lately. If you opt for MC501 or 1201 monoblocks, or a 402 or 602 stereo amp, I am certain you will be recognize that move as an unconditional upgrade over Krell. Of course you have many other options too. But a pair of MC501s can make you "done" for quite a long time, if music is your chief concern.

Phil

"Really, Krell's acceptance and longevity in the market is positive proof to me that high-end audio criteria are essentially divorced from any notion of music fidelity in reproduction. I haven't heard Krell get anything right, so far."

Gimme a break, that's so full of horse hockey I can only chuckle at the insubstantial inanity of such a statement. It amazes me to no end the tactics taken by those who bash Krell for no REAL reason at all. I suppose all those high end speaker manufacturers who use Krell equipment to evaluate their designs are also devoid of any sense of hi-fi.

Uh...yeah, could be. Or maybe not. I've been giving Krell a chance over and over again since their debut. Haven't heard music from Krell gear yet. Sound yes; music, no. You have to understand that speaker manufacturers often use associated gear that they believe will not be questioned in demo use. It's the path of least resistance for acceptance, not necessarily an endorsement. But look -- lots of people buy Krell gear and say they like it. My experience is vastly different and I recommomend it to no one, on the merits. The original poster wanted to know whether Mac's upper end amps would be an upgrade. I am sure they will be if he tries them. And I make that recommendation putting my own negative perceptions of Krell on the table, so nothing is hidden. Krell is the sharpest wrong turn of many made by high-end hi-fi in the 1980s, IMO, and the industry in general is still paying for it.

Phil