I don't see the Krell Evolution 505 SACD/CD player on their website. It appears that the Evolution 525 has replaced it. The 525 has four variations to select from.

Question: Does the Krell Evolution 525a play CD and SACD ???

Interesting that Krell abandoned SACD playback since it was onboard with the 505. I realize that the format is always in question, but there is certainly an inventory of SACD discs on the shelves.

Good idea by them?

Can you still buy a new 505 ... still on the shelves?

there's about 5 Krell Evo 505s on Agon all in the $5K range. I believe original retail was $10K.

__________________
Cyril
Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

I had the Krell 505 Evo in my system for a few weeks on a loan. Most impressive CDP when it comes to dynamics and resolution. Unfortunately it makes the poor recordings stand out that much more.. not the player's fault, just the imperfect world we live in when it comes to so many CDs.

__________________
System 7.1:
Wilson Sasha/Mezzo/Watch surrounds
D'Agostino Momentum x3 amps
Bryston 4B SST2 x2 amps
Krell S1200U pre/pro
Oppo Blu
Sony Blu changer
McIntosh MS300 music server
EAR/Yoshino Acute III tubed CDP
Transparent Ultra cabling
JL Audio F212 Sub
Lumagen video processor
JVC RS-35U projector
Stewart Screen

Krell Evolution Series 'approach' vs the Esoteric 'approach'.

The Krell Evolution 505 SACD/CD player houses all the DAC's and the power in one box. Krell chooses to separate the channels in their Evolution TWO [2 box] monaural preamplifier.

The Esoteric PO-1 SACD/CD transport separates its power w/ a second box. Then, Esoteric immediately separates the channels with their DO-1 monaural DAC's.

I am wondering why Krell opted for a SACD/CD player vs a separate transport and DAC combination to mate with their monaural preamplifier.

Have you had any listening experiences with Esoteric?

505 is not a natural partner for Evo TWO preamp. Evo ONE and TWO were to be joined by Evo THREE reference CDP. It has been in the development stage for years.