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New Krell s300i vs. the older 400/300

I see that Krell has snuck in a replacement for the 400xi.
I know that there has always been debates over these
int amps.

Nothing on the Krell website yet. I have seen the specs and it looks like a good product. I have used a 400xi before and really liked it. My only complaint that it seemed hard to get the right sound at lower listening levels. No problem when you wanted to crank it up. I used different speakers.

Just curious if any Agoner's have used the new int amp.
Maybe I may look at the older 300xi. It seems that this is the sleeper.

Any opinions on the two different 300's from Krell would be helpful.
klaudio
tom92602
65 posts
 

I bought Dave_b's 400xi and I also have listened to the
S300I at a local dealer. While I agree the S300I is more
articulate it is also a bit colder sounding. Bass on
the S300I is tighter too but I prefer the 400xi's slightly
looser bass as I think it allows the speakers to "let go"
a bit more.

The S300I has much better aesthetics and a far nicer
remote as well but for now I prefer the warmer sound of
the 400xi. In fact this is the warmest Integrated Amp
I have owned. Much warmer than the Classe' Audio separates
that I used to own. I can definitely see how people
would prefer the S300I over the 400xi. It's more refined
from top to bottom. It really depends on your preferences.

For me and my tastes, I prefer the 400xi.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
I agree with Tom92602...nice to here you are enjoying it as much as I did:)
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Update...I had a problem with my S300i and Krell took care of it asap. It sounds even more remarkable now that it is fixed....really remarkable:)
tjnz
1 posts
 
Dave, what problem did you have with your S300i as I'm also considering buying one? Did you notice any difference with the 50 watt reduction in power from the 400xi.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Somehow a ground connection came loose (shipping?) so it would lock up from static discharge. Simple fix. As for power, the new S300i plays with more command of the loudspeaker...does 435/4ohm dynamic peak power before current limiting. In effect, it's more robust than the 400xi due to higher current delivery:)
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