Old Krell vs new Krell amps...

First of all, I have never heard the KAS amps. I have owned the KSA (150 and 200S) series, the FPB300c, then the FPB300cx and currently the EVO302. The 300c was good but the 300cx was far better, i.e., difference was very large between the "c" and the "cx" version. The older KSA (not to be confused with the KAS)were extremely grainy and not very reliable in my opinion. Finally, the EVO302 is significantly smoother (less listener fatigue) and has very, very impressive bass (perhaps since it is mated the the EVO222 preamp) making it sound much better than the cx version. Among the EVO, I recommend the 302 over the 402, since the 2-channels appear separated better in the layout of the 302 and this is reflected in the performance (maybe I am biased). Bottom line- if you can afford it, go get the EVO302 or economise and find a 300cx or the 400cx. Regards

Thanks for all those answers : they are very interesting !
I think that the best choice would be a new EVO 302.
The KAS and KAS-2 are old amps and reliability problems could occur fast...
I noticed too that the EVO 302 construction (layout) seems to be more "clean and symetric" than the 402.
In the 402, the two output stages with their dissipators are parallel and very close.
In the 302, the output stages are on each side, like in classical stereo amps.
Upgrade1394 : could you confirm me that they are actually 2 transformers in the 302 : a smaller one upside the big one (that is shielded) ? Another question : do you have compared your EVO amp with some Pass amps, like the X350.5 or the XA100.5 ?
Best Regards,

Upgrade1394 : thanks in advance for all new answer to my last post...
But all other advice is welcome too !
Regards,

I have to disagree with upgrade 1394, the KSA 250, KSA 200, and The KMA amps 160/400s are not at all grainy--they are very very refined and open. These all run pure class A. They have the big fins, run hot, and are very desireable on the collector market. When you think "macho" amps these are what come to mind. The KSA 150 and KSA 200s were later amps and perhaps were not 100% class A. I'm not 100% sure but I've heard others say the KSA S-series amps were the "whitest" of the Krells. BTW-- I've never heard a grainy Krell amp. I don't think that's a term "I" would ever use for Krell, that's just me though.

Peter

Hello Nico_g,
in my recollection, the Tannoys and the JBLs are really easy to drive, thus, some buddies here in Manila drive them with low-powered SETs with finesse.

IMHO, the Krells are the epitome of solidstate amps that are really "SOLID STATE". i am currently using my FPB 200c to drive my Sonus Fabers becaue my SF Power 2 just can't seem to cut it :-(

I think, too, that the FPBs are more desireable than the KAS or the newer EVOs but this is a matter of taste and personal biases.

If you can, please give them a listen in your own venue and then decide.

Best wishes in your quest!
.e.