Blew up the Krell S-300i

Back to the service department again. The bi-wire pair of the AlphaCore MI1's proved to be too much a load for the amp and it shut down. It will not power back up so off to Krell it goes.

They will repair it under warranty unless it is something catastrophic. I was honest in how the failure happened and I am pleased that they are going to treat it as a warranty repair unless it is a real mess.

AlphaCore is sending me resistive links to use with the cables when the amp comes back. Both companies have been very helpful.

The Onkyo A-9555 is once again my integrated amp of choice or should I say only choice.

Has anyone else blown up any good amps lately?

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Originally Posted by ForeverAutumn

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It might be a little early to laugh about a man's equipment.:cryin: Luclily there was no smoke so no curtains were harmed in the conflagration.

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

Back to the service department again. The bi-wire pair of the AlphaCore MI1's proved to be too much a load for the amp and it shut down. It will not power back up so off to Krell it goes.

They will repair it under warranty unless it is something catastrophic. I was honest in how the failure happened and I am pleased that they are going to treat it as a warranty repair unless it is a real mess.

AlphaCore is sending me resistive links to use with the cables when the amp comes back. Both companies have been very helpful.

The Onkyo A-9555 is once again my integrated amp of choice or should I say only choice.

Has anyone else blown up any good amps lately?

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Surely this isn't what we expect of a Krell amp. I don't see that the bi-wire AlphaCores should be enough lower in impedance to bother a Krell.

Class D amps are generally quite tolerant of speaker (& cable) loads, so hopefully that applies to the Onkyo.

Hopefully the repair will be a snap, so to speak.

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Originally Posted by Feanor

Surely this isn't what we expect of a Krell amp. I don't see that the bi-wire AlphaCores should be enough lower in impedance to bother a Krell.

Class D amps are generally quite tolerant of speaker (& cable) loads, so hopefully that applies to the Onkyo.

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Dan D'Agostino was a big fan of AlphaCore and asked them to create the largest ribbon cables. I knew they could create problems with some amps but I did not expect it with a Krell. Of course I do know it was for his huge mono amps and the integrated amps are not built to that level. The S-300i is a beautiful in it's neutrality kind of amp.

I will not try the bi-wire cables until I have the resistive elements to eliminate this problem.

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Originally Posted by BadAssJazz

Hopefully the repair will be a snap, so to speak.

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Thanks, from a zap to a snap. What is interesting was that it was not on long enough for the case to even get warm.

John, I'm sorry you're having to suffer through the inconvenience. I'll be raising a glass in hopes of much luck in a speedy repair. I know the Onkyo is capable but far from preferred.

Cheers

You're really not selling Krell to me. The sound never sold me but I was under the impression they could drive anything - isn't that the whole point of them?

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Originally Posted by RGA

You're really not selling Krell to me. The sound never sold me but I was under the impression they could drive anything - isn't that the whole point of them?

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Thanks for being your warm self. I like the sound and will miss that amp. Have you heard the S-300i?

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Originally Posted by bobsticks

John, I'm sorry you're having to suffer through the inconvenience. I'll be raising a glass in hopes of much luck in a speedy repair. I know the Onkyo is capable but far from preferred.

Cheers

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Thanks bobsticks. I truly enjoy the S-300i and while the Onkyo is a good int. amp for it's cost it is not as focused or as neutral as the Krell. I miss the tight controlled bass from the Krell as opposed to the loose bass of the Onkyo.

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

Thanks bobsticks. I truly enjoy the S-300i and while the Onkyo is a good int. amp for it's cost it is not as focused or as neutral as the Krell. I miss the tight controlled bass from the Krell as opposed to the loose bass of the Onkyo.

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So many puns can be made from this one, but in respect for your failed amp, I'll just wish it a speedy recovery.

Hope you get your Krell friend back home soon.

Puns? Jokes? I don't see it.

Who doesn't enjoy a nice, controlled bass rather than loose, sloppy bass...? :D

I've spent a lot of money to get nice, controllable bass...:p

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Originally Posted by bobsticks

Puns? Jokes? I don't see it.

Who doesn't enjoy a nice, controlled _ass rather than loose, sloppy _ass...? :D

I've spent a lot of money to get nice, controllable _ass...:p

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Not sure what I was thinking.:devil:

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Originally Posted by GMichael

So many puns can be made from this one, but in respect for your failed amp, I'll just wish it a speedy recovery.

Hope you get your Krell friend back home soon.

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FA made me laugh and now I need some GM humor to get me through my time without the Krell. My amp might have been made in China but it is being slowly rebuilt in the USA.

I look forward to carrying it down a flight of stairs to the car. The same flight of stairs I fall down for my concussion. Of course the dog will be in his room so I should make it okay.

I am already tired of the Onkyo.

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Originally Posted by RGA

You're really not selling Krell to me. The sound never sold me but I was under the impression they could drive anything - isn't that the whole point of them?

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I was thinking the exact same thing RGA! Frankly the idea of Krell even making integrated amps seems to conflict with the reasoning a consumer would purchase a Krell in the first place. Historically when I hear Krell I think of big brutish amps driving grueling loads. I feel the same way about Martin Logan making speakers other than electrostats...maybe i like to pigeon-hole manufacturers too much.

Hope you get you get your gear back sooner than later JM.

I'm not trying to be mean JohnMichael but I have always felt that Krell was an amplifier that people buy based on name brand appeal more than any real merit for sound quality. Beating an Onkyo isn't exactly a feather in the cap.

I have read very unremarkable things, talked to dealers who have sold Krell all of whom were very luke-warm to cold to them, and I have never heard a system using a Krell that offered good sound - ever. I personally do not understand the appeal of anything I've ever heard from them and I've heard their top models so if they don't cut it I can't see an integrated improving on their top of the line mega priced separates.

The one thing though is despite my reservation on the sound that they looked to be built well so I basically lumped them in with Bryston. But I am not so sure after reading several forums that they're built all that well against Bryston and they cost a lot more money.

Of course it sucks that it broke and of course it's good that Krell is fixing it (but according to you that is a maybe right now). I guess I just don't see their appeal and your particular unit seems to be a bit of a lemon. If it were me and once fixed I'd be selling it before the next problem arises.

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Originally Posted by TheHills44060

I was thinking the exact same thing RGA! Frankly the idea of Krell even making integrated amps seems to conflict with the reasoning a consumer would purchase a Krell in the first place. Historically when I hear Krell I think of big brutish amps driving grueling loads. I feel the same way about Martin Logan making speakers other than electrostats...maybe i like to pigeon-hole manufacturers too much.

Hope you get you get your gear back sooner than later JM.

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Thanks I hope I get it back soon. I really love the sound of it. I somewhat agree about Krell and their huge mono amps but that is not why I bought the S-300i. I wanted an amp that could drive any speaker I could afford. Having lived with it since 8/2009 the sound has really grown on me. Or should I say the absence of sound. My previous amps were a little colored or had electronic artifacts that creates listener fatigue. The S-300i just does it all well for the price.

JM, sorry your baby crapped the bed and I hope it comes back fast.

Is it possible that they hosed something up when they had it back recently?

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Originally Posted by Hyfi

JM, sorry your baby crapped the bed and I hope it comes back fast.

Is it possible that they hosed something up when they had it back recently?

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I do not know but it sounded really good when it came home. It was weird because there was no sound in the left channel. Then it shut itself down.

I just lost the left front amp in my HK635 but it's not worth fixing.

It happens. The first time i connected speaker cables (bare wire) to my acurus power amp it not only blew out an amp channel it blew a tweeter in one of my speaks. Had to send both out for repair. Klipsch/acurus blamed me and i had to pay. Acoustic energy fixed the speaker under warranty. Good luck. Hope you're up and running again soon.

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Originally Posted by dean_martin

It happens. The first time i connected speaker cables (bare wire) to my acurus power amp it not only blew out an amp channel it blew a tweeter in one of my speaks. Had to send both out for repair. Klipsch/acurus blamed me and i had to pay. Acoustic energy fixed the speaker under warranty. Good luck. Hope you're up and running again soon.

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Krell is stepping up. I just receives my return authorization number and their assurance it would be repaired under warranty.

Wow you are still trying to make me feel better, how sweet. I do like the amp and I have lived with it almost 3 years now. If there was anything I did not like about it I could not live with it listening to music several hours a day. I may have been attracted to the name but I do love the sound.

The amp was sent back for repair due to some noise in the right channel. The amp would still play but when I asked Krell they wanted me to send it in and they found a problem. The second time was my choice of cables. We will not know what happened until the amp has been serviced.

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Originally Posted by RGA

I'm not trying to be mean JohnMichael but I have always felt that Krell was an amplifier that people buy based on name brand appeal more than any real merit for sound quality. Beating an Onkyo isn't exactly a feather in the cap.

I have read very unremarkable things, talked to dealers who have sold Krell all of whom were very luke-warm to cold to them, and I have never heard a system using a Krell that offered good sound - ever. I personally do not understand the appeal of anything I've ever heard from them and I've heard their top models so if they don't cut it I can't see an integrated improving on their top of the line mega priced separates.

The one thing though is despite my reservation on the sound that they looked to be built well so I basically lumped them in with Bryston. But I am not so sure after reading several forums that they're built all that well against Bryston and they cost a lot more money.

Of course it sucks that it broke and of course it's good that Krell is fixing it (but according to you that is a maybe right now). I guess I just don't see their appeal and your particular unit seems to be a bit of a lemon. If it were me and once fixed I'd be selling it before the next problem arises.

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

Krell is stepping up. I just receives my return authorization number and their assurance it would be repaired under warranty.

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Hey JM are you going through a local dealer or did you contact Krell yourself?

Oh...JM, sorry about your gear man. I know it hurts man. Don't trip off RGA. It really does not matter what he thinks man, he is not a fan. The sad part is he RGA seems to care more about hurting your feelings rather than holding his thoughts at such a ruff time in your life. Some audio bud he is. For me music is like part of me...so is my gear. It would hurt to not be able to have my systems when I needed it.....Its my therapy after work or when I am stressed. Some people drink or eat when stressed or depress...I don't drink...I don't smoke...no drugs...don't chase skirts any more so the only vise I have is my rig and the music I play. Out side of my family and dog and house, it's the most important thing to me. And I'm sure it's has a place in side your heart as well. RGA...your tripping man.

Sorry John Michael - I thought you were the poster who had to return the Krell because their power cords could catch on fire so I thought you were sending this back a "lot."

It's good that they are repairing it under warranty and it will be up and running and making you happy for the foreseeable future.

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

Oh...JM, sorry about your gear man. I know it hurts man. Don't trip off RGA. It really does not matter what he thinks man, he is not a fan. The sad part is he RGA seems to care more about hurting your feelings rather than holding his thoughts at such a ruff time in your life. Some audio bud he is. For me music is like part of me...so is my gear. It would hurt to not be able to have my systems when I needed it.....Its my therapy after work or when I am stressed. Some people drink or eat when stressed or depress...I don't drink...I don't smoke...no drugs...don't chase skirts any more so the only vise I have is my rig and the music I play. Out side of my family and dog and house, it's the most important thing to me. And I'm sure it's has a place in side your heart as well. RGA...your tripping man.

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Frenchmon thanks for expressing how I am feeling. Music is also very important to me and for a few weeks I will not get to hear it at it's best. At least the best of the level of what I can afford. Living alone my dog is first followed by my Krell based stereo and third is my art collection.

I depend on music to keep me going. I recently had a client die and another is in the hospital with pneumonia. My late clients wife who I still provide care is very sick and most of my day was spent transporting her back and forth, cleaning her and the areas where she became ill. So music is what helps me relax and prepare for tomorrow.

I was able to buy the Krell due to an inheritance. Nice little windfall that allowed me to have some things that I could not justify at my income. Oh and my trip to Paris.

I feel for you JM! I truly understand how much a system can mean. I've been ill myself and I also live alone except for Lucy my cat.

As for RGA, he should be ashamed of himself. I'll bet that were it a piece of Audio Note gear that broke his attitude would be entirely different.

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

Frenchmon thanks for expressing how I am feeling. Music is also very important to me and for a few weeks I will not get to hear it at it's best. At least the best of the level of what I can afford. Living alone my dog is first followed by my Krell based stereo and third is my art collection.

I depend on music to keep me going. I recently had a client die and another is in the hospital with pneumonia. My late clients wife who I still provide care is very sick and most of my day was spent transporting her back and forth, cleaning her and the areas where she became ill. So music is what helps me relax and prepare for tomorrow.

I was able to buy the Krell due to an inheritance. Nice little windfall that allowed me to have some things that I could not justify at my income. Oh and my trip to Paris.

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Well man, hang in there. Now some people may read this and think we are loosers....weird cats that's sobbing over a stereo...but for me out side of my family its my crutch. I can go down in the 2 channel room and sit and be moved inside my soul by sound. Some may call me a looser, weird, stupid....I don't care any more. I am what I am. But I do feel there should be boundaries....and whats dear to a person whether its his God, dog, car, family or whatever, should be off limits. I thought RGA being as knowledgeable as he is and a fellow brother in the hobby would understand that side of it. Art K is also a little down over at the Audiokarma forum as well because of his Rega Apollo-R player, so its wide spread with audiophiles.... Some things and thoughts and opinions are better off not said.

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Originally Posted by JoeE SP9

I feel for you JM! I truly understand how much a system can mean. I've been ill myself and I also live alone except for Lucy my cat.

As for RGA, he should be ashamed of himself. I'll bet that were it a piece of Audio Note gear that broke his attitude would be entirely different.

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Ahh, I dont mean any ill towards RGA either, I suspect he is still a kid maybe in his late 20's or maybe late 30's....I could be wrong, but hey....we all grow up some times I hope.....or we die trying.

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Originally Posted by TheHills44060

Hey JM are you going through a local dealer or did you contact Krell yourself?

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I am dealing with Krell directly. They are very nice and you get the feeling that they truly want to take care of your product. Or do they hear the seperation anxiety in my voice?

JM, bummer that the Krell is in for repair again. Good for you that Krell is stepping up to fix the problem. I never knew wires could reek havoc on an amp though. I always thought as long as pos and neg wires did not touch then all would be okay. Anyway, good thing you have "back-up" with the Onkyo to help get you through.

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Originally Posted by LeRoy

JM, bummer that the Krell is in for repair again. Good for you that Krell is stepping up to fix the problem. I never knew wires could reek havoc on an amp though. I always thought as long as pos and neg wires did not touch then all would be okay. Anyway, good thing you have "back-up" with the Onkyo to help get you through.

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Yes I am glad I have the Onkyo. The way the cables are designed they create an interesting load for the amp. I had been using a single run of wires off and on for years and they sounded great with the Krell. Of course if single wire sounds so good I had to find out what bi-wire would sound like. It sounded like distortion and thermal shutdown.

When the Krell is returned I will try it with the bi-wires and the resistive network that is placed across the tweeter binding posts. Well after I receive the all clear from Krell and AlphaCore will I try the MI1 cables again.

The main difference between the Krell and any other int. amp I have owned is a lack of non musical sounds. The Onkyo, Cambridge Audio and Rotel all had enough of a sonic signature that they imparted a sound that would mask some of the finer details. CD's would sound similar to each other due to that coloration. The Krell let everything shine through.

Since I am unable to listen to my S-300i I am reading it's many reviews. The one common thread is my amp is richer in the midrange than previous Krell int. amps. Rich as far as Krell's sound and solid state. No one claims it is tube like.

I bought some packing tape to seal the inner and outer boxes. I always keep the original packing during the warranty period. Since I am shipping it by UPS I want the boxes to be secure and I buy the insurance to cover the replacement cost.

Then I will just patiently wait on it's welcomed return.

The Onkyo A-9555 is sounding better with a speaker cable change. It does not have 5 way binding posts so I could not use the AntiCables. The spades will just not work only bare wire and bananas. I had been using some older stranded bi-wire cables but the sound was fuzzy. Even though a solder joint on one banana of the AQ Slates failed I decided to use them any way. 7 of the bananas are in use the one bare wire was tightened down by the binding posts.

The sound is more focused. The stranded cables made everything sound warm and wooly. I am feeling better about the Onkyo but it is still not the S-300i. Oh well it is more listenable in the mean time.

Wow. It's not like RGA said something offensive about JM's wife or kids. He took a shot at Krell. JM's Krell is getting fixed, under warranty I might add, and will arrive safe and sound after that. JM still has a system to listen to. Let's not overreact here. I've had troubles with audio gear before and while we all love the hobby, I think we can all recognize at the end of the day it's not one of the important things. Audio gear are things and things can be replaced. Sure RGA could have been a little more polite but to take offense at what he said is being super-sensitive, IMO.

Anyways JM, hope the Krell gets fixed and gives you years of trouble free enjoyment going forward.

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Originally Posted by YBArcam

Wow. It's not like RGA said something offensive about JM's wife or kids. He took a shot at Krell. JM's Krell is getting fixed, under warranty I might add, and will arrive safe and sound after that. JM still has a system to listen to. Let's not overreact here. I've had troubles with audio gear before and while we all love the hobby, I think we can all recognize at the end of the day it's not one of the important things. Audio gear are things and things can be replaced. Sure RGA could have been a little more polite but to take offense at what he said is being super-sensitive, IMO.

Anyways JM, hope the Krell gets fixed and gives you years of trouble free enjoyment going forward.

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RGA had no intention of offending JM personally. It's just that he has very strong opinions about Krell equipment and similar s/s designs.

RGA is an adherent of the theory that anything with feedback is causes bad sound due to high-order harmonic distortion. Unfortunately if you want to avoid feedback altogether you are constrained to Single Ended Triode (SET) designs and the extremely low power they produce. For an interesting discussion initiated by well-known audiophile pundit, see HERE.

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Originally Posted by YBArcam

Wow. It's not like RGA said something offensive about JM's wife or kids. He took a shot at Krell. JM's Krell is getting fixed, under warranty I might add, and will arrive safe and sound after that. JM still has a system to listen to. Let's not overreact here. I've had troubles with audio gear before and while we all love the hobby, I think we can all recognize at the end of the day it's not one of the important things. Audio gear are things and things can be replaced. Sure RGA could have been a little more polite but to take offense at what he said is being super-sensitive, IMO.

Anyways JM, hope the Krell gets fixed and gives you years of trouble free enjoyment going forward.

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I think it is considered poor form by some members. If your favorite car is an AMC Pacer and you total it do you want someone to empathize with you or tell you it was crap. I know his likes and dislikes and I am just glad it did not turn into yet another Audio Note commercial.

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

I think it is considered poor form by some members. If your favorite car is an AMC Pacer and you total it do you want someone to empathize with you or tell you it was crap. I know his likes and dislikes and I am just glad it did not turn into yet another Audio Note commercial.

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I don't think I'm going out on a limb here, but if your favorite car is an AMC Pacer, your "stereo" probably centers around the AM radio in that Pacer.