Oh Krell, my Krell

[JohnMichael]

I am going to talk with Krell first. I also need to check my purchase date. I do like the amp but I also like dependability. Maybe a Rogue Audio Sphinx may be in the future.

[JohnMichael]

Well the Krell was purchased in 8/2009 and the warranty is five years from sale or 6 years from manufacture. I am hoping Krell is kind. I do think the new Vanguard is made in this country. Maybe Chinese Krell did not work out.

[Jack in Wilmington]

I am going to talk with Krell first. I also need to check my purchase date. I do like the amp but I also like dependability. Maybe a Rogue Audio Sphinx may be in the future.

The new Yamaha series of integrated amps have been getting some good press. Love the big meters on the S2100 and S3000, but the S801 might be more in your budget.

[Feanor]

I am going to talk with Krell first. I also need to check my purchase date. I do like the amp but I also like dependability. Maybe a Rogue Audio Sphinx may be in the future.

Good luck dealing with Krell; seems they've treated you decently in the past.

The Rogue Sphinx has a good Stereophile classification. As you no doubt know, it is hybrid integrated with at tube front end and a Hypex based, class D power section.

I have nothing against class D amps having owned a couple of them, but amplifier guru, Abe Collins over at Audio Asylum, hated the Sphinx while at the same time he loves the Rogue Cronus Magnum II: See ... Products_CronusMagnum.htm

Abe Collins seems to like a slightly warmer sound that the typical Krell but I still put a lot of weight on his opinions. If you are willing to go all-tubes, the Cronus Magnum II might be a strong contender for you.

Speaking of Abe Collins and the Pass Labs INT-150 which was mentioned above, Abe found the INT-150 be lacking dynamics, (or let's say, "PRaT"). The INT-150 has a passive front end which might be why he didn't care for the INT-150 but loved the Pass X150.5 combined with a tube preamp, the Cary SPL-05. The INT-150 would cost you $4000+ used and wouldn't be worth much money to me anyway.

[JohnMichael]

I like the Krell so if it can be repaired for a minimal expense great. Of course my question is how long will it work this time. Luckily the Onkyo A-9555 is not a bad sounding budget amp. Class D so at least I am saving electricity.



Onkyo A-9555 integrated amplifier | Stereophile.com

[frenchmon]

Sorry JM....hope it all works out.


There is also this new amp as well.





Parasound's new Halo 2.1 integrated amplifier ($2500) is rated at 160Wpc into 8 ohms (240Wpc into 4 ohms, both channels driven), and utilizes the same basic John Curl circuit design found in Parasound's Halo power amps. In addition to its analog inputs, it offers USB, coax, and optical digital inputs for sampling rates up to 192kHz, 24-bit. There's also analog bass management included for use with a subwoofer, and variable high- and low-pass crossovers
Read more at RMAF 2014: Final Thoughts from Tom Norton | Stereophile.com

This is also a good one.....$3499 at MD


But if you want something a little more upscale and high end? something a little more sexy? Price: $3,990.00 At Music Direct, but cheaper direct from Japan through Ebay.

[JohnMichael]

I do like the Krell when it is working. It is too early to start thinking of another amp. Of course what I read on other sites there are some brands that have reliability issues. I just have to decide based on the cost of repairs to have it fixed or save it towards a new amp. It would be a shame to have a non functioning amp taking up space since it would have no value as a trade or to sell to someone.

[frenchmon]

You could repair and put on Audiogon at an incredible price with the understanding of it being repaired by Krell. But thats only if you where ready to move on from it.

[Mr Peabody]

I 2nd the Parasound, if you get to that stage. It's a crazy good value and Parasound was struggling to keep up with demand. KEF used this integrated to show their speakers at Axpona, including the Blades. I spoke with Richard Schram while there, he told me the integrated has the same preamp as a P5 which sells at $1500.00 where the integrated is only $2500.00 with bhilt in DAC and huge power.

I am sorry to hear about the Krell. Sorry for Krell too as I am a fan. I understand the Vanguard and some of Krell's newer gear is warmer, I'd like to hear some of the newer stuff.

[JohnMichael]

Just received word that since the amp has already been in twice for repair Krell will repair as if under warranty. I really like the sound of the amp and miss it even more now that I am listening to the Onkyo A-9555. I am happy because I really like the sound of the amp and did not want to buy another that I may not like as well.

Krell has always stood behind my purchase.

[Hyfi]

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