Krell KAV 300i and 400i Integrated Amps - Any advice?

[themadlatvian]

Does anyone know anything about these two models of Krell integrateds? How they perform with reasonably difficult loads for example? And most of all are they as good as many claim them to be?

Any advice would be most welcome.

Thanks.

:^

 

[Brown Bottle]

Haven't heard either but the 400i always seems to be recommended by people after they have sold them on. Looks a lot of amp on paper.

Cheers BB

 

[Humpty was pushed]

Just buy one of each, I will then take off you the one you like least.....

Always liked Krells when I have heard them.

 

[muff]

I have heard the ki400 it sounds great even using hard to drive speakers lots of power and detail a fine buy.

 

[Diapason]

Conventional wisdom around these parts is that the 400 sounds a lot better than the 300 (smoother, more refined basically). I had the 400 for a while and with the right gear I like it, but I wouldn't be driving 2 ohm speakers with it. It doesn't have the subjectively "unburstable" sound IMO.

 

[themadlatvian]

Right, so views so far are that the 400i is significantly better, but both are good performers.

:^

 

[lee1975]

Not heard the 400 but the 300 was not nice at all and nothing like other krell power amps I have heard. It was harsh and messy sounding and I do like krell gear.

 

[themadlatvian]

Hmmm - so what would be a good alternative? Is there a Sugden integrated which would be better with similar or better drive capabilities? (Just a thought)

:^

 

[flaxton]

I have the 400 and cannot fault it. It is great with vinyl and cd.

 

[bluedroog]

I heard the 400 and it wasn't to my taste, plenty of power but just a bit cold and even harsh.

 

[ob1]

I had both (at the same time too!) and the 300i sounded darker, less spearkle up top but with thunder bass that will bring a big smile to any pop/dance music fan where the newer Krell KAV 400 xi sound more open, has considerbly more details, seemless from top to bottom, some may think it's on the clinical side of thing but with the right partners, it can do the musical thing as good just about anything around that price.

 

[TheMinimalCriminal]

I've heard the 300i. It's a steaming pile of shit. Absolutely killed every piece of music we played through it.

 

[Guest]

I've heard the 300i. It's a steaming pile of shit. Absolutely killed every piece of music we played through it.

A Krell amplifier trait. They make fabulous 'hifi' though for the cloth-eared who don't actually like music.

 

[themadlatvian]

What budget John? I am assuming about a grand? For that,not sure about how it would go with the Celestions,but a Unison Unico would be worth trying to get a listen.Very different presentation to both the Krells though.

Hi Stuart, yes your estimate of budget is pretty well spot on. It's the old conundrum - what I have is very good, but is it worth it to take the plunge and go for something 'more'. If there is someone who has a Unison, I would be grateful for the opportunity to hear it.*

:^

* PS - obviously if within reasonable reach, for the sake of both of us!

 

[MikeG]

If you're in the Oxford area any time soon and would like to try out a 400xi I might be able to oblige (and have one for sale ) - either way I think as this thread has shows - you've really got to listen or take a punt , random wammers' opinions are just that...

 

[themadlatvian]

If you're in the Oxford area any time soon and would like to try out a 400xi I might be able to oblige (and have one for sale ) - either way I think as this thread has shows - you've really got to listen or take a punt , random wammers' opinions are just that...

Thanks Mike - that is a kind offer.

 

[ob1]

A Krell amplifier trait. They make fabulous 'hifi' though for the cloth-eared who don't actually like music.

well we are talking about budget Krell here, I bet if you heard the Evo one in your room you wouldn't say that at all.

 

[JANDL100]

A Krell amplifier trait. They make fabulous 'hifi' though for the cloth-eared who don't actually like music.

Ah, that would be me, then. ;-)

Match them right, and to my ears they can make fabulous music. I use a Krell 250a power amp at the moment, and you would need an industrial strength crowbar to part me from it!

I'm with ob on this one :^ --->

I had both (at the same time too!) and the 300i sounded darker, less spearkle up top but with thunder bass that will bring a big smile to any pop/dance music fan where the newer Krell KAV 400 xi sound more open, has considerbly more details, seemless from top to bottom, some may think it's on the clinical side of thing but with the right partners, it can do the musical thing as good just about anything around that price.

I enjoyed them both, but they are quite different sounding.

Krell amps do need something to chew on, though - there's no point in giving them an easy / high efficiency speaker to drive :nup: they can indeed sound horrid then.

 

[George 47]

I am with OB1 on this and feel the 300 is a little more older fashioned sounding in being warm but a little loose with the bass but not as bad as a flabby SET with no top end. :nup:

The 400 is more modern sounding, more neutral, with more sparkle and cymbals sound like er....cymbals. No soft shhht in the background. The S300i is probably better still being more musical and cleaner although some prefer the 400 and of course it is made in China. Still seen them at not too much over the grand.

Pays your money makes your choice although I would think the 400 will be much better than anything Sony can do apart from 1/2 top top amps.