Best Krell amp for the $

[kelley]

So many different Krell amps out there. What is a good 2 channel amp that wont require a mortgage?

[pjdami]

The newest Krell KAV400xi is really nice and the most affordable current model Krell amp out there:

http://www.krellonline.com/html/m_KAV_p_KAV400xi.html

and a review:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0104/krellkav400xi.htm

I recently had the oppurtunity of demoing a Plinius 9200 and a Krell KAV400xi in my home. I preferred the Krell hands down and almost immediately. The Plinius, although a good amp, sounded too "polite" for me. Kind of dry and lean sounding compared to the Krell which had a lot more body, detail, drive, and attack.

I decided to purchase the Krell after the in home demo. You will have to still be careful what you mate it with though as it is very revealing. Sounds excellent on my LSi and Spendor speakers. Really wakes up the LSi line.

Retail is $2,500 but you can find them on Agon for less than $2,000.

Paul

[PolkWannabie]

Kelley,

What's the budget or dollar limit ?

[kelley]

Thanks for the replies. Budget wise I'd like to stay under $2000 used.

[PolkWannabie]

That's a tough dollar limit w/Krell's ...

The KAV's will for the most part be in range but unfortunately most of the older and IMHO clearly better KSA's will be out of range as will of course the newer FPB's.

If Krell is what you want in that price range, I'd keep my eyes open for a KMA/KSA/KST that falls under or near your limit ... I do not know much about the Krell integrated's

Here are a couple from Audiogon that are or were close ...

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1097351588

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1097174189

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1097551210

[rskarvan]

The KAV250A is a fine Krell amp that typically sells used for about $1600.

[SDA SRS 1.2]

Krell is REALLY a nice amp, but for the money the Sunfire is good, too. Runs alot cooler and sure makes my SDA's happy! :)