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Krell KAV-400xi vs KAV-150a vs Outlaw Audio vs ?

Hey All,

My wife hates the size and mismatched looks of our current system, which consists of:

Meridian 508.20 CD Player
Bryston BP25 Preamp
Belles 70 watt Class A Amp (upgraded by Dave Belles in '95)
Kef XQ1 Speakers

She ideally wanted to go with a receiver...which I was pretty down on, though the Outlaw Audio receiver seems to get good reviews.

I just auditioned a Krell KAV-400xi at a local store and was awestruck. They also had a used KAV-150a amp that I was originally looking at.

Am I better off getting the KAV-150a used for $1350 and adding it to the Bryston BP25 and getting a smaller, sleaker system than my existing amp, or am I better off with the KAV-400xi integraded amp? That one costs something of the order of $2700 and I would have to sell off the Bryston, the Belles, a B&K ST2140, and a Sumo 9+ amp I have to be able to afford it. Would I be happy with the very cheap Outlaw Audio Receiver?

Any thoughts, opinions? Other options to consider?

Many thanks in advance,

Phil
philhh
philhh OP
2 posts
 
Hey Guys! Thanks for the response. I was pretty blown away by the soundstage and presence of the 400xi.

Are there any other integrated amps I should look at? I noticed NAD has an M3 which looked interesting...or any other high end receivers? Or am I giving up too much with a receiver?

Thanks so much,

Phil
eujin
33 posts
 
The Ayre AX-7e for $3000 retail is a great integrated. I used to own it and thought it better than the 400xi if you don't need gobs of power. But it's a very different sound and not the type that will "blow you away"--its charms are much more subtle. As usual, system matching, especially with the right speakers, will be critical. The $2000-$3000 range of integrateds is a very rich field, but since you're already a Krell type of guy, I'd say stick with the 400xi. Otherwise, strap yourself in and be prepared to shop for a good while--there are just so many choices out there.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I'm a Krell guy but for my second system I recently installed a Musical Fidelity A5 integrated. Great piece.
philhh OP
2 posts
 
Hey Everyone,

Thanks so much for all of the feedback...I bought the Krell 400xi used off a guy on Videogon...can't wait to try it out!
ryder
1,687 posts
 
Let us know the outcome after you have received your Krell. I think the improvements would be significant from your current setup with the added quality watts.

Also, I noticed you are using the Kef XQ1 standmounts. Later you might want to add a subwoofer into your system with the additional outputs of you Krell amp. If your room is dedicated, placement of the subwoofer at the corner of the room will not only further reinforce the bass capabilities of the main speakers but make the sound larger and more 3-dimensional. The overall improvement will be quite substantial particularly with small monitors. An option worth considering.
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