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Amp for VA Beethoven

Currently my system consists of a Sunfire Cinema Grand, Anthem AVM-20, Vienna Acoustics Beethoven (Bach surround, Maestro center), REL Storm III etc.

I'm moving to a bigger place and figured I'd take a shot at a 7.1 setup (I have an extra set of Bachs) so I'll need another two channels of amplification for the Beethovens. Despite the 7.1 setup, 99.9% of the listening is stereo. I really enjoy these speakers and have no plans to replace them any time soon. A pre will be added eventually, but I'm in no rush for that either. The Beethovens are a very musical warm speaker, but I don't want them any warmer. For that reason, I'm looking for an amp that is not at all warm or laid back. Budget isn't my greatest concern, but I'm not looking to spend 50% the cost of this whole system either--something in the realm of the surrounding components would be nice. But most importantly, something that will provide a clear improvement over the Sunfire in the current setup and be worthwhile hanging on to when I add a preamp down the road. Thanks for the help.
ultraviolet
ultraviolet OP
105 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn't considered any of those items. Any thoughts as to how the older Krell's would compare in this situation?
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
An older Krell, like a KSA-250 would sound great. However, you have to be a bit careful when buying these used, as they are getting to the stage where they will need their caps replaced soon, if they haven't been replaced already. This will probably set you back $1000-$1500. If you can find one that has had it's caps replaced within the last few years, jump on it.

Cheers,
John
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
The newer Krells have a different sound (better) than the old Krells, IMHO. If I were getting a Krell, then it'd be a relatively new one. I've always preferred the Brystons, between those two however.

Dave
musiqlovr
54 posts
 
I have a set of the grands in a system with Ayre CD and Ayre Preamp to an Electrocompaniet Amp. Sound is wonderful. I also powered with an Ayre V3. I would recommend the Ayre V3 or an Electrocompaniet.

Steve
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
02-03-08: Dcstep
The newer Krells have a different sound (better) than the old Krells, IMHO.

Dave, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I would disagree. I do agree the newer Krells sound different, but IMHO not better. So I guess I'd recommend that Ultraviolet listen for themselves. I still think the golden age for SS was the Threshold/Krell/Levinson's of the late 80's and early 90's, when they ran in pure class A bias. As they started getting funkier with the bias, in an effort for more power, the sound went downhill. Again, that's just my $0.02.

Cheers,
John
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