Krell S-150m Monoblock Power Amplifier from avguide.com

[klipschfan]

Krell S-150m Monoblock Power Amplifier (TAS 205) | AVguide

[Masterlu]

Interesting design, and remarkably light at 17lbs each.

[klipschfan]

Inputs
1 balanced via XLR connector
1 single-ended via RCA connector
Outputs
1 pr. via WBT binding posts
Control input
1 12 VDC trigger input via 2-conductor 3.5 mm connector
Control output
1 12 VDC trigger output (30 mA maximum current) via 2-conductor 3.5 mm connector
Input impedance
20 kΩ (balanced or single-ended)
Frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.12 dB
0.3 Hz to 120 kHz +0, -3 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio
>109 dB, wideband, unweighted, referred to full power output
>119 dB, "A"-weighted
Gain
26.2 dB
Input sensitivity
Single-ended or balanced: 1.70 V RMS
Total harmonic distortion
<0.030% at 1 kHz, at 150 W, 8 Ω load
<0.20% at 20 kHz, at 150 W, 8 Ω load

Output power
150 W RMS per channel at 8 Ω
300 W RMS per channel at 4 Ω
Output voltage
99 V peak to peak
35 V RMS
Output current
17 A peak
Slew rate
50 V/μs
Output impedance
<0.070 Ω at 20 Hz
<0.080 Ω, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Damping factor
>115 at 20 Hz, referred to 8 Ω
>100, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referred to 8 Ω
Power consumption
Standby: 15 W
Idle: 30 W
Maximum: 550 W
Heat output
Standby: 50 BTU/hr
Idle: 100 BTU/hr
Maximum: 850 BTU/hr
Dimensions
3.40 in W x 5.66 in H x 21.90 in D
86 mm W x 144 mm H x 556 mm D
Weight
Unit only: 17 lb [7.7 kg]
As shipped: 21 lb [9.5 kg]

[jdandy]

Those 150 watt Krell S-150m monoblock amps remind me of the older Marantz monobox amplifiers, and just as homely. At $5000 for a stereo pair, I could be listening to a McIntosh MC252 that delivers 250 watts per channel, and looks gorgeous. I wouldn't care to look at Krell's two little silver boxes with blue light circles everyday.

The TAS reviewer, Steven Stone states, "When I began writing for TAS in 1983, if you wanted a state-of-the-art solid-state amplifier that could drive any speaker you purchased either a Krell or a Levinson." He must have missed auditioning a McIntosh amplifier. I didn't see any Krell or Levinson amps powering the Greatful Dead's Wall of Sound. Neither did he.

I am sure Krell will find some homes for the S-150m, just not mine.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I am sure Krell will find some homes for the S-150m, just not mine.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by jdandy

[B
I didn't see any Krell or Levinson amps powering the Greatful Dead's Wall of Sound. Neither did he.

Dan
I must have missed the part where Deadheads were concerned about sound quality.

Jim

[jdandy]

Jim.......I hear you, but even though the Greatful Dead were never great singers, they still managed to use equipment that faithfully reproduced what the did do, and reliably performed for them show after show. The comment was more an example that Krell and Levinson were NOT the only manufacturers building powerful, reliable, high-end amplifiers in 1983, despite the reviewer's point of view.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jim.......I hear you, but even though the Greatful Dead were never great singers, they still managed to use equipment that faithfully reproduced what the did do, and reliably performed for them show after show. The comment was more an example that Krell and Levinson were NOT the only manufacturers building powerful, reliable, high-end amplifiers in 1983, despite the reviewer's point of view.

Dan
I think sometimes we forget how fragmented Audio is as a hobby. There is a very large faction who still believe that McIntosh does not make "audiophile" grade products. It is just not esoteric enough and too mainstream.

The internet promulgates the haters out there. The thought is pervasive that if you are big and reasonably successful you cannot be making great gear. It is not just Mac but also Wilson and B&W who are dismissed.

I guess it is not just audio that suffers these generalizations. Rolex is for beginners. In parts of Europe Mercedes is great for Taxis and butchers and bankers. Real drivers look elsewhere.

Jim

[jdandy]

Jim.......Very good observations. The choices are almost endless for consumers of all interests.

Opinions, similar to desires, have no boundries.

[the deep]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I wouldn't care to look at Krell's two little silver boxes with blue light circles everyday.

when I first started getting into audio (mid 90s), krell monoblocks (fpb series) spoke to me. They looked substantial, just sitting there, the massive fins/heatsinks providing cues to their prowess. Imagine my disappointment when I finally had a home to put a stereo rig into and krell looks like cheap gear found at an upscale radio shack.