Krell KSA 300S or FPB 300?

A cap replacement at Krell could cost up to $1500.00 including shipping. I've seen a video on how to replace the caps in KSA 250s on the internet and I believe it is on U-Tube. A Google search should bring this up. We have a great tech service in St. Louis called Alpha Tech, Mike is the tech person there, and I'd trust him to perform any service on the Krells and evaluate anything that needs done. There phone number is 314 645 5250. Before shipping to Krell, (although this is probably the best option, but also the most expensive,) I'd see if you have a good tech service locally.

Sgr I have used Alpha Tech. They do good work and they are the ones I speak of in my oast previous posts concerning Levinson amps.

I guess everything is subjective but some people think the S series is sweeter especially in the midrange. My buddy used to have a KSA 250 and likes the KSA 200s better.

SWEET,

Will find out what a cap replacement would cost from Alpha Tech & Krell. Will try and get a quote from both.

If I could get a step by step instructional on how to replace the caps, I could do that myself... used to build pc-boards for the Dragon Missile System (For the Army) back in my late teens @ McDonnell Douglas. I would also need a schematic and parts list. That's a viable option except for the testing and settings of the amp. Have no idea on how to do the bias adjustment, dc-offset, check oscillation and such. No oscilloscope and no experience as how to read them!

Looks like I'll be checking You Tube.

I can't find ANYONE locally who could work on this amp. We don't have a single electronics repair business here in Laramie. The closest is Ft. Collins @ about an hour South and then Denver @ about 2 hours South. Bet I could find someone in Denver. They have a few High-End Audio shops there.

My only worries would be that if someone other than Krell did any work on the amp would Krell still work on the unit if it were ever in need to be returned to Krell for repair? Musical Fidelity won't do it!

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I have to share my experience although there is a lot of good response to this I have lived owned the KSA-250, 300S and FPB 300. My first Krell amp was the 250 and I loved it but then thought newer was even better. I sold the 250 and bought the KSA-200S only to have lost the major bass slam that I loved from the 250. After talking with krell, they said that was because of the transformer size and I should have got the 300S. I then sold the 200S only and bought the 300S and was rejoicing once again. The 300S was much cleaner from mids and into the upper frequencies, that was my impression and that the 250 was a bit "grainier". I loved that for a few years and started thinking "what if" and decided to buy the FPB300 but had to sell the 300S first to afford it. I did that and got the FPB300 and although it was even more refined sounding I felt it lost the "amplified" sound for rock/metal and was really sorry I sold the 300S. I tried to live with it but just couldn't and sold it only to buy my current 300S that I am living happily ever after. The bottom line is that I found my “cup of tea” for my liking and won’t part with it now. Obviously try to audition before you buy but the good thing is the resale on most Krell is not that bad. My system is Krell AVS, DT10, B&W 802N with all Purist Audio Venustas cables.

I had to put In my 2 cents. I have owned the ksa 250 many 200 and 300s amps. Fpb 650m . I owned audio standards. Fpb 600. I have owned three of them. I currently own a ksa 300s and fpb350m monos. The s series has a very special sound. I would much rather own a 200s or a 300s than a 250. The 250 is a great amp looks and sound. The s series amps are much cleaner and more musical. The 300s Is by far the best buy In audio. If you go fpb the monos are the way to go. The have more control and seperation than any of the other amps. The s series Is very musical and fun to listen to. I really never warmed up to the fpb 600 . It Is very clean Incredible control on the bass but never drew me In. So my opinon go with either fpb 250m 350m 650m Or the 200s 300s.