Thinking Of Going All Krell...Thoughts?

[tweet]

Bryan,

Ivan has a good point. I too wonder if your MX150 might have a fouled spark plug or loose bolt somewhere? I have a similar setup with 802 Diamonds and I'm extremely pleased with the sound. I'm sure better is out there - better is always out there - but my MX150 is an excellent piece of audio equipment.

One of my favorite CD/SACDs is the Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions. Last night I watched the 5.1 version at near concert levels and it was so good that I didn't want it to end - so much so I played the last track again. Twice.

I was the audio/video guy at a very large church for 10+ years and like to think I know something about church sounds. The Trinity Sessions captures of a lot of the nuances of the church and through the MX150 it sounds very realistic. You are there with the band. Sounds like the cymbals, Jeff Bird's harmonica, Vic Chestnutt's haunting background vocals and Ryan Adams too loud guitar are all eerily real.

Tonight, I played the two-channel CD and again the sound was in the room. Soundstage on the 802Ds is exceptional. The reverb and echoes of the church are obvious and instruments are well placed in the space. My personal preference of this recording is the 5.1 surround, but I could easily live with the 2-channel CD though my MX150/MC601s/802Ds if no other version of the recording was available.

I'm preparing to convert a deck into a new room and add a MCD1100 and C2300 for two channel listening when that work is complete. Those components are not being added to correct anything, they are just another step forward in the journey. In the meantime, the MX150 will be keeping my eyes and ears very happy.

Terry

[mb2]

Hi Allan
I have compared a C46 pre against several pre/pro and settled on a Krell HTS 7.1 for 2ch/SACD.I have a Krell SACD Standard mk3,FPB 600c and a KSA 300s also
I have found the Krells to be amazingly powerfull and truethfull.I did not like them at all with B&W 802d as the bass sounded like a wooden spoon slapping a cardboard box(my opinion)
I built my own speakers so I donnot have any recomdations except '''DO NOT USE WITH METAL TWEETERS""""
Use silkdome
have fun

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jeffkad

Ivan, you have an MX150, a Krell S-1200, and a Bryston SP3. How do they compare?

I have used the SP3 but don't own one; all three are Suberb Performers. I use the MX150 in my Cape Theater since it is all Mac. LuJr has all Krell in his room, and is extremely happy.

When comparing processors at this price point, you have to also consider warranty.. Advantage Bryston

[1KW]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

I rarely quote jdandy when he is quoting 1kw but in this case I agree


howie

[1KW]

Originally Posted by allen_bh

Respectfully disagree. The MX150 does not sound anywhere near as good as my W4S DAC2 direct to my amps (as a preamp). That in itself tells me that the MX150 is the weak link - thus the desired change to the S1200.

FWIW - I know this unfortunately won't go over very well on this forum since the majority of members are McIntosh fanatics, but the S1200 is significantly better than the MX150 in two channel. I've now had the chance to compare the two (I actually took my MX150 over to the friends house and inserted it into his Krell system and we made quite a few comparisons actually, but I digress). Now, I wasn't about to haul my MC601's over to his house to compare them to his Krell amps, but I don't think my amps are the weak link. In fact I'm very hesitant to even consider getting rid of them.

It's all about synergy. If you want change your electronics don't let anyone stop you but better speakers should be in your upgrade plans if you want appreciate the changes your making

[Rilands]

Go buy your s1200 and be done with it. it sounds like you've already made up your mind. It's your money, do whatever you feel like. I'm sure your MX150 will sell quickly here in the classifieds if you price it well. Good luck.

[allen_bh]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I own both the MX150 and a S1200, I think you may have a bad MX150.

Hummm... my MX150 (which I've now owned for about 2 months) just came back from McIntosh with a clean bill of health (though it was bad out of the box/DOA - which is why it has the "just back from McIntosh" scent on it)....

Wonder if they missed something? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the MX150 doesn't sound good. Just that (to me) the S1200 sounded better in 2 channel and multichannel (on my friends' system). I guess I could try and talk him into letting his S1200 stay at my place for a weekend to see how it really is in my system... just didn't want to inconvenience him at my expense.

Thanks for the feedback Ivan.

[allen_bh]

Originally Posted by BlueChiaro

I think you have your prices mixed up. Sophia 3 and 802 Diamond both are between $15-20K, aren't they??? (at least in US)

Of course, I'd expect the Diamonds to be better than the N802s in all respects, as well.

Sent from my DROIDX using A.Aficionado

Sorry, was thinking Sasha's.

[allen_bh]

Originally Posted by Rilands

Go buy your s1200 and be done with it. it sounds like you've already made up your mind. It's your money, do whatever you feel like. I'm sure your MX150 will sell quickly here in the classifieds if you price it well. Good luck.

Frankly, my mind is not made up. I'm also looking to try out a C45 and keep my Mx150. I spent a good amount of time assembling my McIntosh system and don't want to get rid of it at the slightest inconvenience. I'm sure there are other options out there. I brought the topic up to see where all the Krell owners are and what their thoughts are on my OP, but it's pretty clear there aren't that many on this forum.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by allen_bh

Hummm... my MX150 (which I've now owned for about 2 months) just came back from McIntosh with a clean bill of health (though it was bad out of the box/DOA - which is why it has the "just back from McIntosh" scent on it)....

Wonder if they missed something? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the MX150 doesn't sound good. Just that (to me) the S1200 sounded better in 2 channel and multichannel (on my friends' system). I guess I could try and talk him into letting his S1200 stay at my place for a weekend to see how it really is in my system... just didn't want to inconvenience him at my expense.

Thanks for the feedback Ivan.

The 2 channel performance on my MX150 is crazy good, I really think something still isn't quite right with yours, just sayin.

Good luck!