Krell Amps/preamp listeing levels -- room size

Thanks Mclsound for the input,
I brought this question back on the table just to hear some more input -- People make some statements about the size of there amps and why 600 watts is better than 400 watts but they never say the critical question of how loud do you listen to your setup (regular average)-- because 75 to 80 db or 100 db is the same whether your in your room or in australia -- using 900 watt amps or 100 watt amps. What are your setting to make statements like "Better" "blown away" a/b comparisions -- It doesn't matter about difficult speakers or the load, or cables -- Room size and volume will tell you just about everything you need to know about someones setup (Quality gear of course)-- so lets put it on the table. (Note: I cannot for the life of me get my evo302 to max out in a 15 x 20 ft room - let alone my FBP 200c, so what volume are you 400 to 600 watt guys listening to -- headroom is not an excuse its another forum) -- Lets stir it up a little -- don't make me name names (ha)

Well, Scoutdog you saw my other post. All of my speakers like to get loud and sound best that way,wasn't my intension just like the MBL's and B&W 801N's and they all like to rock. The issues with the speakers in my fairly large room are different, the MBL's are only 78db efficient and need a lot of amperage to bend those reeds, the B&W's are like 90 db efficient but they dip to like 2.5 ohms or something in the bass. My comment about the FPB 350mc running out of steam( about 475-485 watts@8 ohms or about 900 actually into 4 ohms) is all about cranking up the MBL's to over 100+db. At this point they will start to compress some but do I want to go any louder...No. My new room/ new house is pretty big like 25 by 40, I have not set up the MBL's yet just have the 801's in there, 801N are not a speaker for low listening levels, it does take some volume for them to wake up.

Not to be a jerk or anything, hopefully I can be helpful here. The Krell FPB amps, I don't know what it is about the 200 and 250 amps but they do not share the same sound quality with the larger amps. When the 250 is upgraded to the "x" stays and gets it's 350 status (same identical output really) they do sound better. But not as goos as the original 350 or "x" version the 450. Another thing to consider, the stereo 650 or700 are bridged amps and do not have the same sound to me anyway as the Mono amps. I own both Mono and Stereo FPB's and the Mono amps are really a lot better. At theMono amps sound stage is much better, wider deeper and so on. The FPB 650-750 both put out about 950 watts or better into 8 ohms, there is no increase in power with the 750, they are equal to the few EVO 900 at least in power. The larger mono amps generally do sound better than the smaller amps, more robust output stage and huge power supply. I know many exaggerate a lot on here but the mono amps is where it's at. The most lovable amp to me is the FPB 350m, the 350 mc and the best is the 450mcX all of which are the same amp with improved circuits. That is love, the best sounding without a doubt is the FPB 750mcX, very comparable to the EVO 900. Wonderful like from god himself bass, great lifelike midrange and a great treble too. I don't know of any amp better than these in the bass, at 5 watts or 500. I swear those big guns could push bass out of a horn tweeter if they had to, lol.

Just my 2 cents, iPads are not good on long emails...
Rob

Rob

Hey Rob,
Great Conversation -- Very informative and you speak from experience! You nailed my idea of providing good information and explained it quite well and backed it up with your very "logical" knowledge-- I understand your why's (and correctly so) -- on your room size, and speakers(OHMs/Imp/effeciency)Now I know where your coming from - thank you. -- Great system in a great room -- ROCK ON!
Thanks for sharing your Info with all of us --
Ronnie
Scoutdog

Ronnie,
Thank you for the kind words. Sorry everyone for the spelling, it was very late at night and my iPad kept changing my wording. Too bad the iPad spelling correction does not learn.

I'm thinking seriously about picking up a pair of Sophia 2's but not sure yet? Anyone have any opinions on them?

Rob

Good stuff in this thread. Long time FPB 600c owner and I've been contemplating an amp change for a bit now. It just seems like every time I find something I think could be a good fit I come home and warm up the big Krell and it just sings. I just can't seem to find the amp that warrants pulling the trigger. The new big Krells are so pricey and the gain from a move does not seem worth it. I have thought of a subtle jump to a 750cx. The only amps that I am seriously considering now are the Spectral DMA 360's which could happen. Speakers are Maxx II. Any suggestions? Don't mean to get off topic but seems there are some knowledgeable Krell folks here...