AudioAficionado.org - Krell s300i

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Anyone here own one?
I am looking for a detailed opinion on the sound of this amplifier.
It would be paired with Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolutions. It would be a secondary solid state option.
Thoughts?

As far as I know, the S300i has been recently discontinued, alongside with the bigger S550i (pitty). One can still catch a piece via the distributor/dealer stocks network though.

In my opinion, I cannot see healthy reason to pair such a pricey noble speakers with workman-like design like the S300i. This amp behaves fine in general, but as always a suitable pair of speakers is must.

Why not give a chance to the new Vanguard integrated? It should be way ahead od the S300i.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoran (Post 654252)

As far as I know, the S300i has been recently discontinued, alongside with the bigger S550i (pitty). One can still catch a piece via the distributor/dealer stocks network though. In my opinion, I cannot see healthy reason to pair such a pricey noble speakers with workman-like design like the S300i. This amp behaves fine in general, but as always a suitable pair of speakers is must. Why not give a chance to the new Vanguard integrated? It should be way ahead od the S300i.

Hi Zoran,

Thank you for replying.
I am just looking for a dynamic solid state amp to keep on hand for those times that I want to rock out with some TOOL.
My Primaluna HP running KT-150s suits my regular listening really well, but does not have the current to produce the clean dynamics needed with that music on the 85db rated Guarneri Evolutions. I am hoping someone can provide me with a detailed opinion. On this amp and how it sounds overall. I also had a NAD M3 which was nice, but basically sounded boring. Almost too smooth in my opinion (at least in my system).

I own one but only use it to run my whole house system. I can't really say how it would work driving your SF's but my guess it would be a reasonable option and nicely priced.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Still-One (Post 654393)

I own one but only use it to run my whole house system. I can't really say how it would work driving your SF's but my guess it would be a reasonable option and nicely priced.

Can you give me an overall feel for the sound and its overall presentation? Even some generalities would be helpful.

As noted, I use it to handle the difficult load for powering 8 rooms of in-wall speakers that are used for background music. I have never performed any critical listening with it. It sounds a lot better than a Rotel Class D amp that couldn't handle the load.

Try checking with Richard (AKA MasterluJR) I think at one point he was using one to power some SF stand mounts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Still-One (Post 654422)

As noted, I use it to handle the difficult load for powering 8 rooms of in-wall speakers that are used for background music. I have never performed any critical listening with it. It sounds a lot better than a Rotel Class D amp that couldn't handle the load. Try checking with Richard (AKA MasterluJR) I think at one point he was using one to power some SF stand mounts.

I just ordered one this afternoon. Will arrive tomorrow.
We'll see how it fares with the Evolutions.

For the price and the resale of Krell gear even if you don't like it you should not loose anything. Keep us posted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoran (Post 654252)

As far as I know, the S300i has been recently discontinued, alongside with the bigger S550i (pitty). One can still catch a piece via the distributor/dealer stocks network though. In my opinion, I cannot see healthy reason to pair such a pricey noble speakers with workman-like design like the S300i. This amp behaves fine in general, but as always a suitable pair of speakers is must. Why not give a chance to the new Vanguard integrated? It should be way ahead od the S300i.

The Vanguard has cooling fans. I won't ever purchase another piece of gear that has or needs cooling fans. I dealt with fans on my ARC Ref gear and have since swore them off. I'm also not a fan of the new Krell design look either. Hopefully the S300i will fit my needs...Fingers crossed. I will follow up in a few days once I have some time on it.