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I seek opinions on this power amp. The reviews and commentary in Stereophile seem very positive but they were begun in 1991, which means this amp is now ca. 24 years old.I am running B&W Matrix 801 Series II with the B&W bass alignment filter.
I would especially like to hear from long term owners of this amp, or those with knowledge of it, regarding its long-term reliability, and whether Krell, as a company, would stand behind this product, service it and so on. (I am an Audio Research owner and am coming from the perspective of their excellent service even on quite old equipment.)
Thanks,
George
Edits: 01/14/15Follow Ups:
I own two of these amps in a biamp configuration and still think it is one of the finest amps available. I recapped both, including power supply (PS)capacitors, which is something Krell does not usually replace. The replacement PS caps I used are rated at 105 deg. as opposed to the stock 85. I supercharged one amp with a whopping 400,000uF of filter capacitance which is over double the stock value. Some extra mods were required to handle the greater inrush current at turn on but the sound was subtly improved.
I don't have a KSA-250 but do have a FBP-600c. I recently shipped it back to Krell for service (from Tasmania was more expensive than the service itself). Huge list of capacitors replaced, but the thing sounds absu=lutely fabulous and ready for many more years. The Krell factory route for service seems a very good deal for such machinery. I have the matching KCT preamp that goes next.
Thank you for this information. Reports, in response to this inquiry, indicate that I should be confident in the availability and reliability of service for Krell products.
I appreciate your writing!
George
When dealing with Krell factor in 300-400 for ins and freight on top of maintenance.
Regards..
I just read another KSA user's questions at another forum. His is a 100. He had Krell go through it and they even updated the output devices for a total of $500. It is good to know the current owners of Krell still offer service on the older amps.
In my opinion, one of the best sounding and reliable amps. that Krell ever made. It is rock solid into the most demanding loads. I bought mine 20 years ago and have powered Martin Logan Monoliths and currently Prodigys. I have never had a problem with it. About 6 years ago, I sent it back to Krell for recapping but that was only for preventive maintenance. There was no issue. I'm using a BAT VK-50SE preamp and it interfaces very well. You can see my system in the Gallery section.
I wonder if you recall what Krell charged you for this work? Even a ballpark estimate would be worthwhile.
Thank you for your perspective.
George
I think that it was $300 to $400.
rates usually are $125.00/Hr. plus parts.
If a thing's worth doing, it's worth doing well
(Proverb)
and it will make your B&W speakers sing and then some. However, depending on how much you're paying for it and due to its age, it's best to send it to Krell for refurbishing.
If a thing's worth doing, it's worth doing well
(Proverb)
Thank you for this reply.
I have written to Krell support with some additional questions, so we'll see what it their reply.
George
As a user of a Threshold CAS-1, the age of the amp wouldn't bother me, but you should check the ESR on the filter capacitors in the power supply, just to be safe (even though they probably are still good). You should check the ESR on all electrolytic capacitors, but I doubt there are any outside the power supply. I would expect everything else to be film, which don't go bad. IF it sounds good to you, it is good.
Dave
The KSA series of power amps were very powerful and had excellent build quality. An older amp will sound dated, keep this in mind if you plan to use it in a modern set-up.
2015 minus 1991 is 24, not 14 :)
I wouldn't do it..
This is like my post "when is it time to call it quits" that got mistakenly posted to the digital forum. It was regarding a smaller Krell amp the KST 100. It's not an assault on the very best of 2015 but it can sound good. If you can get it for the right price have Krell go through it and enjoy it. If you can spend the money look at a new amp. My amp is from the same time as a KSA 250, it's been very reliable. I changed the filter caps in the power supply, checked the values on the other caps and re-biased it, that's all in 25 years!! The filter caps seemed okay and the amp played fine but I thought it was time.
Mathematically challenged? I am guilty as charged.
Some old amps have excellent longevity. I have a 30+ year old Hafler DH-220 that still works perfectly and sounds great.
You said you "wouldn't do it", but didn't say why. Is it just because it is so old or are there other issues about its performance/longevity you have in mind that you are cautioning me against?
Thanks,
George
....but I would make sure the caps have been changed fairly recently, with documentation to proof it. If not, count on shipping it directly to Krell to have the caps replaced. The transformer, transistors and other parts age well, but the caps tend to need changed in about 15-20 years, especially with a hot running Class A amp such as this. It is a great sounding amp though, one of Krell's best efforts ever.
A 14 year old amp is going to have some wear issues. And the reviews will vary depending on usage and again, wear.
charles
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