Best sounding Krell ?

To each his own is exactly the edict by which one should approach these discussions indeed. It would also help if we left our bias at the E-door (we all fail at this). Funny, how most of the products I mention in my discussions have had great success and staying power in the high end market place, with many devout users and a tremendous used market significance. Also interesting is the audio Du Jour, which sets the world on fire and then quietly fades away into oblivion. I predict that as the new generation of would be audiophiles enter the market (the convenience generation), alternative technologies will be adopted more and more, with diminishing quality (driven by cost cutting measures). Great gear has staying power long after the fads die...I look for quality, value and longevity in a brand that delivers an exemplary product amidst a sea of alternative overhyped, overmarketed audio Frankenstein Monsters:) Of course some people like pretty sounding alternative gear that makes everything sound like what they imagine real music sounds like!

"lacks finesse and texture" Your right, "That, of course, is subjective and one person's opinion." I find Krell's power amplifiers not only handle macro-dynamics well, but, micro-dynamics (finesse and handling?) as well, if not better than most other power amplifiers. IMO, lacking texture is a positive attribute. I respect your opinion, and usually agree with it (ha!), but differ on this one. To each his own.

I've enjoyed the FPB 600 very much but mine may well be for sale here soon. I recently purchased the MX-R monoblocks and will be receiving them soon. Many feel the MX-R is a great match for the 5As. I'm doing the audiogon audition since an ayre dealer is no where near me. I'll probably hold onto the Krell a few weeks to make sure I haven't made a dreadful mistake but based on the comments of others and reviews I've read I'm guessing my FPB 600 will be on the market. I don't have the space(or strength) to keep them both.

I wish you great success with the MX-R's, I have heard them and they sound very similiar to the FPB600. Perhaps your system synergy will be positive:)

well it definitely depends on what your other components are. But amps are to drive speakers, so your choice will depend on your speakers.

For 2 years i felt my Sonus Faber Concerto Domus are not getting enough juice from my SF Power 2, so i tried the VTL MB125 (did not better the Power 2), DNA-125+TLC-1 (bettered the Power 2), but it is the KRELL FPB 200c+SFL-2 combo that brought my babies singing with practically unlimited power and control.

I am happy with the FPB 200c and my SF Concerto, and my trusted SFL-2 brings them together pretty well ;-)

.e.