S300i Integrated

[salmtpa]

There's a review of the new Krell integrated in the JUN 09 issue of TAS. While it's a pretty good review overall I was somewhat disappointed how light and shallow the TAS review was. I had just resubscribed to TAS a few months ago and based on what I've seen so far it will be a one year deal. All of the reviews are pretty lightweight, especially when compared to Strereophile and the British magazines.

Anyway, off rant. This is a pretty amazing integrated for the money, I've heard it on several occasions at a local dealer and it has impressed me every time. I used to have a KAV400 and this new model is much more refined sounding, especially when driving Wilson Duettes or Sophias. I wonder to what level it could be taken if GNSC or some of the other upgrade houses went under the lid.

[two dot]

This is ONE little amp that I would really like to hear!!!

[PHC1]

I believe the Papa Dock for the KID is the same as S300i internally? If that's the case, I've heard the Papa Dock driving Wilson Duette's and it was an enjoyable pairing. Very grit and grain free with enough current to make the Duette's sound open and airy and to make them sing effortlessly. Rather impressive for $2500.

[salmtpa]

I'm not sure, I was told the preamp card was a scaled down Evo circuit without CAST. Whatever it is, it works!

[Still-One]

That would be a nice amp to pair with a pair of JM Lab new Diablo Utopia's.

[BuffaloBill]

It does appear that this new Krell integrated is worth a closer look. Krell is a reputable company and many audiophiles prefer them. Compared to the MA6300, the unit provides 300 watts @ 4 ohms vs. 160 watts for the MA6300. The Krell has some useful features not found on the MA6300. It appears to be robust construction and weighs almost 10 pounds more than the MA6300. According to the owner's manual, the Krell has on-board electronic devices to regulate voltage at a constant 120V. The Krell costs ~ 40% less than the MA6300.

[US Blues]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

The Krell costs ~ 40% less than the MA6300.

Yes it does, because it's built in China, not the US.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by US Blues

Yes it does, because it's built in China, not the US.

US Blues.......Thank you very much. Where it's made matters in more ways than one.

[BuffaloBill]

My Lexus car was built in Japan. My Rolex watch was built in Switzerland. My PMC speakers were built in England. Some Steinway pianos are now being built in Korea. My current McIntosh integrated amp was built in the United States. I need another intergrated amp to power my 4 ohm LS320 speakers and it might just be built in China. It is a global economy. Competition and innovation lead to economic progress.

[PHC1]

The fact that the Krell integrated is designed by Dan D'Agostino and assembled using components specified by Dan in China doesn't change the fact that it is a very good sounding unit. I view it as a bargain in the audio world.