Krell KAV-300CD [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

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quad121
05-13-2007, 07:56 AM
I wonder if anyone has had any experience with the Krell KAV-300 CD P.? One of these is for sale at a local hi fi shop.

Regards,

quad

Mr Peabody
05-13-2007, 11:43 AM
The 300cd is a very good player. it has some time on it but still would be a great player by today's standards. It cost around $3k to $3.5k U.S. new. It's typical Krell with all balanced circuitry and XLR outs. You'd have to Google it to find some specs, I don't remember bit rate etc. If they have a good price on it and you only use Redbook CD, go for it.

quad121
05-14-2007, 09:03 AM
Thankyou mr Peabody. I was just thinking of an ALL Krell setup and see how it sounds.

Regards,

quad

bobsticks
05-14-2007, 03:02 PM
My dealer has had a few units in and I got to hear what I'm pretty sure was a 300. It was mated with a Classe pre and McIntosh monos into some Martin Logans. I remember being impresseed with the level of resolution despite feeling certain passages seemed "etched".
The best reviews of Krell products always happen in complete Krell set-ups. I have not been priveledged enough to hear this firsthand, but it seems to be the general consensus so maybe you're on the right track. Your speakers should let you know right away.

Mr Peabody
05-14-2007, 04:09 PM
Let me know if you get the 300, I'd like to hear your thoughts. Krell delivers the physical impact and transcients aspects of live music better than anything I've owned or heard.

Krell and Martin Logan are two of my favorite brands of equipment but I have to say they aren't the best match to compliment each other. The best systems I've heard with ML's were older ARC gear and some T+A. I'd love to hear a pair with my CJ.

quad121
05-19-2007, 10:34 AM
I've just put an order in for the KAV 300 CD player. I'm purchasing it second hand from an HiFi shop. Can't wait to try it.

Mr Peabody
05-19-2007, 12:54 PM
Good deal, be sure to let us know what you think. You list the Krell Studio DAC, have you tried it out?

quad121
05-19-2007, 08:55 PM
Hi Mr Peabody, I've tried it with the Marantz and it's very good. Ive connected the DAC to the Pre using XLR connects. It's got a very clear sharp sound showing the music as it is not how the player thinks it should be!
I'll plan to use the DAC to connect my computer to it.

Mr Peabody
05-20-2007, 12:29 PM
The DAC is what interprets (decodes) the digital. When adding the Krell DAC you essentually had a Krell CD player with a Marantz transport. Actually, if you didn't like the DAC, I wonder if you will be happy with the 300. I'm not familiar with the Studio and having the entire unit Krell will make some difference, so let me know how it goes. The 300cd, like all Krell players, keeps with the Krell objective sound, but it is a nice sounding unit. Krell don't hold anything back on the top end, but they are able to do it without being harsh. I never got listening fatigue from my all Krell system. If you aren't used to an extended high end though it may take some getting used to, if you can.

quad121
05-21-2007, 09:37 AM
I tried the Densen B400 XS and found it to be very good but when i compared it with the Marantz/Krell DAC i found that the Krell/Marantz had a better more realistic sound which i prefered.
What i'm hoping is that the 300 is another step forward.

quad121
05-24-2007, 10:34 PM
Finally received the Krell KAV 300 CD Player but it isn't working!
Insert the cd close the tray you can here the lens moving but i don't think the cd is spinning?
It doesn't read the disk and stops.

I'll have to return it.

quad121
05-25-2007, 11:18 PM
I decided to have it checked over by our nearest HiFi specialist. He found that the lens had became mis-aligned and needed to be re calibrated so i gave him the go ahead and now it works a treat!
Does any one know waht is involved in re-aligning/ re-calibrating the lens?

Mr Peabody
05-26-2007, 10:09 AM
I'm sorry to hear you have problems. I think all of us can relate as to what a pain and disappointment that can be. I'm not sure about the fix. You'd think the shop that sold it would have checked it out before letting it go. If it was good at the time it left, you wonder what kind of jolt it must have taken to cause this problem.

quad121
05-26-2007, 11:20 AM
Thanks mr Peabody, It's working fine now. It does stumble on some CDR disks. It takes a little longer to lock but still plays them.
It's a very good player and seems to blend in with the other Krell seperates i have.

Mr Peabody
05-26-2007, 05:59 PM
Ah..... that's the problem. I've had 2 Krell CD players and neither of them play CD-R's and the kav-280cd is new enough that it should. The 280cd will play CD-R's recorded on a stand alone player but it won't touch one burned on a computer. I wonder if this is a glitch in Krell players or if it is intentional. It wasn't a problem for me because I don't do much with CD-R's but I can see how this could be a deal breaker for some. I find most CD-R's I've heard inferior to the original.

quad121
05-26-2007, 10:04 PM
It does play them but just takes a little longer to read the disk. I also think that it depends on the Media you use. I've read that 'Taiyo Yuden' is a good make to try. and also record at a slow speed.