Amp upgrade ?

I agree with you, the Krell and ML may be the best of your 5 choices. However, at their age, and as hot as they run, they will probably need their caps changed soon, if they haven't had this done recently. So I would look for ones that have recent (within the last 5 years) service with caps already changed. Otherwise you may as well contact Krell/ML now and find out what it will cost to replace caps, then figure that into your budget.

Cheers,
John

I if you look at it from one point the krell and mark lev was $5900 in 1990 and that would be equal to a $20000 amp today,and probaly as good as a $5000 amp now, but it is a good idea to call mark lev or krell to find out the cost, but I think it will be less expensive to buy a newer but still can't decide.

agree..the ml or the krell

What amp do you have now? Based on my recent experience with the ARC SP16, i would start the upgrade path by replacing it. I wanted a tube preamp to use while my VAC Renaissance is in for repair and updates. I brought home an SP16 and it took all of five minutes to decide this was not a good choice, very limited bass, flat two dimensional soundstage, plus the awful stepped volume control. I then took home a Manley Shrimp which comes much closer to the sound of the four times more expensive VAC. It does not match the VAC in bass weight, detail or separation but the overall presentation is one I can live with for awhile. The biggest downside is no remote control but it does have a nice feeling volume control that is not stepped. IMHO, no matter what amp you purchase, your speakers will sound thin and weak in the bass with the SP16 preamp. B&W's need a bit more meat on the bone and just changing the amp won't do it.