Krell EVO 302 or 302e

I just this past Friday picked up my Krell EVO 402 which was upgraded at Krell to the 402e spec amp. New faceplate, new box, etc. They told me that it would need a week or so of break-in to sound the way it should sound.

The change in sound quality was apparent from the moment it was plugged in. I forgot immediately all the cursing I had done moving that heavy amp back into the system. It is an amazing upgrade in sound quality. Much more than I ever expected.

The sound? Instrumental parts are more clear, the sound presentation is fuller and warmer. The echo on tracks (both concert hall echo and studio recording echo) is shorter, more accurate, less ring. There is a more open presentation of the overall sound, but especially more open and relaxed in the top end. Dynamics are more apparent but also more relaxed; if that sounds confusing then let me say that everything sounds more like music than before.

It is a huge upgrade in sound quality for the money. Krell did the upgrade in a week and it is worth every penny--and I have only been listening for 24 hours. I am eager to see what develops after a week.

I have had some tubeamps over(ayon audio)recently and have had levinson and graaf gm 200 and some others .
The opinion that i have of krell ( i have the evo 400 monos )is that they are clean ,,...clean and in control/ dynamic, it takes a while to get used to because they dont have a sound and therefore no character and its hard to like something that way.

I upgraded my Krell Evo 600's to 600e's. I also own a 300e. I have owned a couple of S275's, and have a new 400e on order. All of these amps, including the S275 are great sounding amps. All of the Krell Evo amps are absolutely superb amps, just stunning. The music these amps reproduce sounds incredibly alive and beautiful, especially when paired with a Krell Evo pre-amp. If you are going to spend the money on an EVO amp, it makes sense to match it with a Krell Evo pre-amp; it makes a huge difference, especially with cast mmf cables. The evo e series improves the sound incrementally over the prior generation. Krell Evo audio equipment is among the very best available. I have never compared Krell evo to the Pass amp. I would expect the Pass to be a bit darker (like the older Krell's), the Krell Evo will probably sound faster more vibrant and life-like. It would be an interesting comparison. I would be curious to hear how you feel they compare. Maybe your dealer would give you a loaner to try out. Go for the E series (but match it with a Krell Evo pre-amp).

How much did the upgrades to "e" cost you each?

Rob

I owned Krell exclusively until I purchased the 402, 222 amd 505 system....dry, brittle and lacking in contrast. Tone was warm but somehow less colorful. The sweetest most alive Krell amps were the original FPB's and the KCT. Maybe the e versions are better, but for me Krell is a name for the record books of the past. Keep the Pass amp!