Urgent Help Wanted. Krell Kav 400xi or Harman Kardon HK990?

[pabloko]

Help wanted as I am to decide between these two amplifiers. The speakers that they will drive are Usher Mini Dancer II.

Assuming I can get them both at about the same price, which would be the best solution?

Thanks in advance

 

[hifinutt]

have you had a chance to hear them ? the krell is very popular and probably easier to sell on with little loss [if you get at the right price] than the harmon

 

[pabloko]

I had the krell years ago and was quite happy with it but was wondering if hk990 being newer design and with dac included would be any better

 

[Jezzer]

Both amps are certainly capable of delivering plenty of current. I've had a Krell in the past and it easily drove my Dynaudios at the time. The HK is certainly a versatile amp but I doubt it will be as 'musical' as the Krell (and I've owned a number of HK amps).

 

[xyz4]

I owned a HK990 for ~2 years. Unfortunately not at the same time as owning the Usher Mini Dancer 2 DMDs. They're very musical through a pair of Mourdant Short Performance 6s. DAC is on par with a DacMagic (2009 version).

 

[pabloko]

I owned a HK990 for ~2 years. Unfortunately not at the same time as owning the Usher Mini Dancer 2 DMDs. They're very musical through a pair of Mourdant Short Performance 6s. DAC is on par with a DacMagic (2009 version).

Do you think it could match with the Ushers?

What is your opinion about the MD 2?

 

[xyz4]

Do you think it could match with the Ushers?What is your opinion about the MD 2?

The characteristics of the HK990 aren't too disimilar to the Hypex Ncore - neutral with a slight hint of warmth. So I suspect it could work well together. As for the speakers themselves, they're a great improvement over the Performance 6s. What was said about them in the hifi world review is correct, essentially. Very honest and rewarding. Just bare in mind their depth, they have some seriously deep cabinets.

- - - Updated - - -

Forgot to mention it took me a few days to sell my HK990. Infact, I just PM'd someone who said they were interested in the amp and it was done.

 

[pabloko]

My only concern about HK990 is if it can stand up to the task of efficiently and with audiophile quality drive the Ushers. Unfortunately I cannot audition them at my place