Krell re-introduces Class A

[Mikeoz]

Originally Posted by stock78

I use my Krell 400e with Audio Research Ref 5SE, which caused there is no midrange sterility here I am aware of, instead it shows the best of both worlds when combining Krell (indeed authority and dynamics, but also openness and detail) with ARC-tubes (adding that magic midrange).

Heat is also no issue here, as 400e runs warm, but not particular hot in my place.

This is also the direction I have taken but on a smaller scale (ARC LS26 and the 302e). I'm looking to change to a 5SE as the next upgrade.

I'm sure Dan's latest offerings sound fantastic. But in the UK a Stereo CS costs almost £30k - approx USD 45k and those prices are crazy.

Personally I don't like the look of the new Krell line up but I'm sure there will be a market.

[stock78]

Originally Posted by jdandy

He loves his Krell gear as much as I love my McIntosh gear. I get the feeling you're loving those Krell Evolution 400e's too.

Yes, I found the combination absolutely fabulous. It is in a whole other league than my previous Krell KSA 150/KRC-2 combo, which indeed shows a somewhat edgy and metallic sound.
Your friend with KSA 250/KRC should be surprised by the differences of the newer generation Krells.

Did not hear McIntosh, but given the huge follow-up here, it makes the right connection to a lot of folks... Enjoy!

[Zoran]

Did you see, folks..??

One single 750VA transformer, only 39 kilos for the flagship 575W monoblock. Is this some cruel joke...?? I simply cannot cannot believe...

[New guy]

It looks the Evolution series is being discontinued since it's no longer on their web site. I hope the new models are equal or better than the E series. I am not thrill with the new design and don't like fans.

[jima4a]

Originally Posted by Zoran

Did you see, folks..?? One single 750VA transformer, only 39 kilos for the flagship 575W monoblock. Is this some cruel joke...?? I simply cannot cannot believe...

They must have class D type efficiencies to be that close. I can't handle a high class A bias due to heat in my room so these have peaked my interest.

My first introduction to Krell was in the early 90s with a 100 wpc class A monster with matching preamp and a Krell CD player at Sound Advice in Jacksonville, Florida. Heard these with Kef Reference 105/3 then later B&W 801 Matrix Series III - simply amazing. I learned how electronics can matter when the 105/3's were later powered with Adcom 200 watt monos and a Lexicon processor, not the same. Became a big fan of Krell's bass control and prowess.

[tdelahanty]

Originally Posted by Zoran

Did you see, folks..??

One single 750VA transformer, only 39 kilos for the flagship 575W monoblock. Is this some cruel joke...?? I simply cannot cannot believe...

Levinson's recent, modest amplifiers seem to have gone in the same direction. Read the specs to see if they double their power at 4 ohms, if not that is why they are not as heavy. Returning to the sliding bias subject, all amps employing this method of bias move (slide) toward class B operation to double output at 4 ohms. Big transformer or not big power at 4 ohms generates tremendous heat and stress on the output devices. In a way, this is cheating (advertising ploy) compared to a fixed bias pure class A design.

I think modern output transistors which are more linear and have much better small signal characteristics are more important than bias scheme in today's amplifiers.

[Mikeoz]

It would appear that Krell are aiming to increase market share by moving down market ? Glad I picked up a newly new 302e as the new range is a complete turn off for me in terms of both looks and performance. Time will tell if this was the right move but frankly I doubt it.

[POL80]

I understand your point.
Krell know what they are doing.
I'm sure that the new amps at least will sound equal to the Evolution series.
If not krell will quickly be out of bisnes.

[Zoran]

Hmm.. It could be possible that SH Krells from previous generations (including the recently discontinued Evo and Evo-e series) might become very demanded items on market. I am doubtful that traditional Krell owners&fans will pursue the new line (looks cheap, with much less impressive specs&weight than older Krells), so I'd predict a Krell SH market flourish pretty soon.

[Masterlu]

POL80... Welcome!