Krell KCT/FPB-300cx vs. Pass Labs X1/X250.0

As for the initial posed question? I would recommend the Krell Combo you have listed over the Pass combo you have listed. I think a better comparison is the X-1 with the 250.5 or much better yet, the XP-20 or XP-10 with the 250.5. The prior Pass amps (150, 250 etc. . . prior to the .5 versions) are no where near as good as the ,5 versions. This is based on my ownership.

I think the comparions between the Pass XP-20 (or 10) with the Pass 250.5 versus the Krell KCT/FPB300CX is going to come down to a matter of taste more than one being better than the other.

I know two places where you can get a Pass X-10 preamp for about $900 off the list price (one is new and the other is almost new). Neither are mine, but both were offered to me for sale.

I presently have the Krell FPB 300 C (no X) and Wilson W/P 5.1 speakers. I have gone through many preamps and to me this is my toughest component. I am looking for a new preamp at the moment (in the meantime I am running my Krell HTS 7.1 (new from dealer 1.5 years ago, for direct 2-channel operations, this unit uses a preamp based on the KCT and is supposed to be very close (90%) to the KCT, which I did compare at the dealership and agree with - both run balanced vs. with cast) until I find something else. I am surprised by how good the HTS 7.1 does as a preamp (better than many of the dedicated 2-channel preamps I have tried/owned).

Since you have been mighty impressed by what you have heard with the Krell equipment in the past and the Pass is unknown, I would go with the Krell equipment. The sound between the two is not better vs. worse, but a little bit different - a matter of personal preference.

Don't fault Krell for the troubles with their SACD player. Krell was one of several vendors, including Krell and Cary, to get burned with a faulty drive unit sourced from Phillips. Phillips hung the vendors out to dry and discontinued it without ever really fixing it. Lesson learned is to shop for a CDP with a reliable drive unit, like the VRDS-Neo available in Esoteric's CDP's and OEM'd out to others, and Marantz's in-house built units for their CDP's.

Good Topic,
Go with the Krell. If you get the KCT/300cx combo make sure to get either the KPS28c cd player or the Evo player with cast (since your already almost there! -- Don't stop) If you go balanced I guarantee you will always wonder about a full cast system (audiophile Disease). I have owned my system for 6 years and know I still have a great system (currently enjoying the ride versus what ride to get on). I won't put down the Pass system but if you go with krell -- believe everything eveyone so far has said -- It's just great stuff!! -- There will always be problems with the best equipment in the world -- but I have had no bad experiences with their customer service. I was quite surprised the first time I called them to inquire about upgrading/refurbishing my KSA-100s amp -- the vice-president answered the phone and talked to me about my different options (go figure). Since then I have sent my KCT/KPS28c in to look them over and replace a Light out on the KCT. Turn around was 3 weeks (they told me it would take about that long so it didn't bother me). They did replace parts in my KPS28c player and upgraded the software in my KCT (~$500.00). I have not had any problems with any of my Krell gear -- All the work done was initiated by me. Another good thing about krell amps is they will recap/upgrade your amps (It does cost alot but if you buy this kind of equipment you should expect the high cost and as heavy as their amps are -- Yes it does cost to ship) Like any expensive car it cost to fix and maintain.
My sysytem
Krell KPS 28c/KCT Preamp/Krell fbp-200c or Evo 302/Krell Lat-2 speakers - Hard to beat by anyone to this day.
Note: I love my KSA-100S amp -- even though back in the day it got a "B" on its review (They compared it to their other amps in the Krell Line )(hey nothing else on the market could compare except other krells)-- It rocks -- no it kicks ass - upgraded ($1100.00)and ready for another 20yrs!

Your very smart looking at products from the same company -- stick with that logic and you can't go wrong. Hey pass Makes great thing too -- absolutly nothing to snuff at by a long shot. Lets here some Pass Guys....

Having owned all of these products at some point in time, with the exception of the KCT, I would say the Krell (no surprise) has that iron-fisted bass like no other. Pass is very close, but not the same. The Pass has a slightly more organic character that I have not heard in Krell, but the Krell has better bass.

I own all Pass now. Sometimes I have a hankering for a Krell amp, who knows, maybe I will try another.

Scoutdog

>>>>If you get the KCT/300cx combo make sure to get either the KPS28c cd player or the Evo player with cast (since your already almost there! -- Don't stop) If you go balanced I guarantee you will always wonder about a full cast system (audiophile Disease).

What is it like between using CAST and Balanced interconnect on the Krell CD Players ? Is there a lot of difference to justify the upgrade ?