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View Full Version : [For Sale] A Man's Amp - Krell KSA-250


schwarcw
05-28-2008, 12:43 AM
This amp has a committed buyer from a good Polkie here on the forum. However, should the deal fall through and it becomes available I will update this post.

This pure Class A amp is a 140 lb 250 wpc monster. It will drive anything you own. This amplifier is a one owner amplifier that was used by Dipole Dan to drive the Carver Platinum MK IV's. It comes with the original box, packing materials, owners manual, etc.

According to Stereophile (1991):

The mother lode of Krell amplifiers has arrived, and its name is the KSA-250. If the KSA-50 had the weight of a steamroller, this one has the impact of an atomic bomb. Krell amplifiers have always been known for their superb stability and bass control, but have been, in my opinion, somewhat short in the department of musical finesse. Of course the KSA-100 and -200 and the KMA-80 and -160 were superb amplifiers, but there were competitors who gave up very little in the bass region and offered much more harmonic and musical honesty. In this respect, the KSA-250 is a landmark product for Krell; unquestionably their most refined amplifier to date, and possibly the most successful blend of solid-state and vacuum-tube virtues to come down the pike. No, it doesn't do everything perfectly, but in terms of overall sonics, and especially price/performance ratio, it's a winner.

Technical highlights
The KSA-250 is, without a doubt, the most visually appealing amplifier that Krell has yet marketed. Though large and very heavy, the presentation is one of stoic grace rather than imposing high-tech visual intrusion. The amplifier body is finished in flat black, with heatsinks externally lining both sides from front to back. The rear panel is neatly laid out, with single-ended phono sockets and balanced female XLR connectors on either side. Additionally, there are two sets of five-way binding posts for loudspeaker cable connections, which makes speaker bi-wiring a breeze. The front panel is finished in an elegant brushed-gray finish with large, black, attractive, downward-facing handles. The feather-touch power switch is located in the center of the front panel, just above the ubiquitous Krell logo. A blue LED power tally light is positioned just above the switch. All in all, a very nicely designed package.

Internally, the KSA-250 is a study in simplicity as well as a technological tour de force. The 4.5kVA transformer, which by itself weighs 85 pounds (!), is located just behind the front panel, and is in turn followed by four 47,000µF capacitors covered by a printed circuit board. It is important to note that there is no wiring in the signal path, all connections being made via the pcb in the front end, and gold-plated copper-beryllium busbars in the output stage. There are 24 output devices per channel, all operating in class-A mode down to 3 ohms, where the amplifier reverts to class-AB (see Sidebar 3). The KSA-250 utilizes class-A circuitry throughout the audio and power-supply regulation stages, and can actually generate 320Wpc into 8 ohms. It is DC-coupled throughout, without any capacitors in the signal path, and is a fully modular design employing gas-tight pressure connections between all subassemblies, allowing quick and easy servicing in the field.

According to Dan D'Agostino—the driving force behind every Krell product—the deletion of wiring within the signal path yields several benefits, including lack of coloration, long-term stability over many years (no possible oxidation or other internal wiring degradation), and reduced interaction between the output stage and external speaker wiring. Additionally, according to Dan, modular design and wireless direct internal connections produce far greater sample-to-sample consistency than was previously attainable.


This amp is like no other that you can find without spending $5K or more. SALE PENDING

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p97/schwarcw/KrellandCarvers009.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p97/schwarcw/KrellandCarvers010.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p97/schwarcw/KrellandCarvers011.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p97/schwarcw/KrellandCarvers012.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p97/schwarcw/KrellandCarvers013.jpg

TroyD
05-28-2008, 05:03 AM
My pants just came clean off.

BDT

ben62670
05-28-2008, 05:20 AM
Why do I salivate more when I see an amp like that than I do hot chicks?
That toroidal is huge!!!

george daniel
05-28-2008, 06:46 AM
good grief man ;):D how deep does it sit? two feet??

mantis
05-28-2008, 07:41 AM
My pants just came clean off.

BDT

I think mine went with yours

amulford
05-28-2008, 10:10 AM
Mine didn't even get a chance... damn, now I gotta change my draws....

disneyjoe7
05-28-2008, 10:13 AM
Audio Porn baby.

analog97
05-28-2008, 10:38 AM
Drats......I never knew!!!! That's what I need. :(:(

AndyGwis
05-28-2008, 12:24 PM
Could this drive Lsi7s?

I need an amp to power my surrounds :)

unc2701
05-28-2008, 01:11 PM
Holy crap that was fast... what was the price?

ESAVINON
05-29-2008, 02:02 AM
Carl, what's your oppinion on this amplifier and the carver amazings?
Is this amp a common ground amplifier? How well will this amplifier drive the 1.2 tl?

Terrax
05-29-2008, 02:05 AM
Yeah, unless I missed it I didn't see a price.... I guess if ya have to ask, ya can't afford, and I'm sure I couldn't. Still kinda like to know what the ballpark was.

ESAVINON
05-29-2008, 02:07 AM
Yeah, unless I missed it I didn't see a price.... I guess if ya have to ask, ya can't afford, and I'm sure I couldn't. Still kinda like to know what the ballpark was.

It's a krell. You're not supposed to ask how much just how many zeros ;).

schwarcw
05-29-2008, 02:50 AM
Hi Ed!

It is common ground. It will give the 1.2TL's a deep, detailed soundstage. No caps in the signal path, the sound is absolutely black. The torridal transformer is about 50% larger than two JC-1 monoblocks. Deep, tight bass. Some users felt the later model Krells were a little bright or detailed. Not this map. It will make a pair of swimmining pool speakers sound like Wilsons.

Carl

BaggedLancer
05-29-2008, 05:57 AM
Better make sure you live on ground level with that piece! I could just see it coming crashing through a 2nd or 3rd floor apartment from the weight.....nice amp! :D