Oh Krell, my Krell

If I had to choose, I always loved the Luxman gear and that one is a beauty

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

My Krell is home and sounding good. So much more instrumental texture than with the Onkyo. Cheers to a long life.

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Great to hear the you're back in action, JM. And here's hoping it is indeed for the very long term.

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Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

The Merrill had more detail {than the CLD SDS-258} in laying bare what was in the track, it was musical, I just find Pass a very satisfying balance of all aspects to my taste.

I auditioned the Class D amp Harley had, not sure where your amp is in the line compared to his. The Class D doesn't compare to the Merrill, whether it's worth the many times more in price only the listener could say. Merrill has taken best of show at a couple of the audio shows.

I'm curious what these Red Dragon amps sound like, made in the U.S. and also reasonably priced.

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So it isn't really surprising that the Merrill beats the CLD. That is, given the price difference (for which you ought to get something), but also that the Merrill is a Hypex nCore amp. The nCores are emerging as the class D -- or perhaps the class anything -- to beat these days. And while you have explained the Veritas is actually better than you Pass Labs in some ways, e.g. resolution, I find that my Pass Labs beats my CLD in every way.

I've been somewhat following your AudioAsylum review of the Merrill Veritas. I'm always interested to here comments from Morricab; I have a lot of respect for his comments on account of the vast array of equipment he as be privileged to hear. I also respect that he has the most refined and technically plausible rationale for his preferences that I've ever heard from anyone. However his preferences remain just that.

I find it interesting how the same pair of speakers in the same position in the same room can have different amounts of bass. Driven by the Krell there is greater weight to the bass. The tension and snap of plucked acoustic bass strings is so much more lifelike. The Onkyo is like listening to a spinet piano where the Krell is like listening to a grand piano. The Onkyo is not bad but once you go Krell.

My other long term amp was a Rotel RA 970BX. I thought it was developing problems so I bought the Cambridge Audio 640A int. amp. I found out it was the cd player I owned that was losing a channel. While I was burning in the CA 640A I loaned the Rotel to a friend. Former friend hooked up three pairs of speakers to party and melted down the amp. Of all the receivers and amps the Rotel and the Krell are the ones I have enjoyed long term.

I don't know Morricab that well yet but he had some valid points on Class D. You're right though he loves his tubes. I haven't heard all tubes but at this point I haven't heard any I like better than my Pass. Except for maybe Octave Audio, if one could get the power needed at an obtainable price in that brand they really are amazing. Same I suppose I can say for solid state, anything I'd consider over the Pass is beyond my reach.

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Originally Posted by Feanor

So it isn't really surprising that the Merrill beats the CLD. That is, given the price difference (for which you ought to get something), but also that the Merrill is a Hypex nCore amp. The nCores are emerging as the class D -- or perhaps the class anything -- to beat these days. And while you have explained the Veritas is actually better than you Pass Labs in some ways, e.g. resolution, I find that my Pass Labs beats my CLD in every way.

I've been somewhat following your AudioAsylum review of the Merrill Veritas. I'm always interested to here comments from Morricab; I have a lot of respect for his comments on account of the vast array of equipment he as be privileged to hear. I also respect that he has the most refined and technically plausible rationale for his preferences that I've ever heard from anyone. However his preferences remain just that.

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Krell replaced an IC and the amp rail, left channel, when last in the shop. I have waited to report that the amp now sounds better than before. As much as I liked the amp it is now more extended and detailed in the highs. More open and airy could also be used to describe the sound. Bass is still powerful and midrange is also more open. I am not sure what upgraded the performance but I am pleased with the improvement. Did not know it could sound this good. From good to great.

Congrats! Enjoy!

Glad to hear you're back in action, JM.