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I purchased a Krell FBP-600c amplifier new from Sound Advice in Florida May 2001. I had to ship it back to Krell service for repair in April 2005 because it totally failed. During that repair I accepted a Krell offer to upgrade the unit to 700cx specs. At that time I felt the failure was simply an anomaly and so I was confident the repair and upgrade would avert any further service issues. The Krell amp replaced a VTL-300 tube amp that caused me similar outages and expense for a number of years.
Now the Krell amp has failed again (right channel) a little over three years later! So once again my audio listening has been compromised due to the failure of a high end stereo amp. Not only that, but the freight shipping of this behemoth is costly and risky. Of course the amp is now out of warranty (5 years) so in addition to the shipping charges I'll also be paying for the repair.
It would be a gross understatement to say I’m exceedingly disappointed and frustrated at the failure rate of this amplifier considering the money I have spent on it. Bearing in mind this is the second major failure of this audio equipment in 7 years I’m now also very concerned about the long term reliability of this heavy, expensive class A amplifier, and certainly now less confident of keeping this equipment long term.
While I understand the Krell FPB-700cx is a much bigger, more complex, heat generating amp, I still own a Acurus 200X3 amp purchased in 1996 and a Yamaha M-45 amp purchased in 1987 that have never failed. I'm considering selling the Krell amp when it returns from service and buying another high powered amp (e.g., Muscial Fidelity kW750). But unfortuately there doesn't seem to be much information about audio equipment reliability.
Anyone have any similar experiences with their main power amp?
Len
Follow Ups:
I just sold my Krell hi fi system--lat-1 speakers, 700CX amp and Kps28c preamp with KCT CD player to a friend of a friend for $12K. Upon arrival of the shipment---1400miles later--it appears that one of the amps four binding posts had broken off. This must have happened in a previous move since no broken part was in the packing crate (original boxes were used for shipping). I must have hooked up the system years ago without the binding post which didn't affect the sound quality or system functionality (I didn't even realize it was missing--it must have been---it seems like the only explanation as to why no piece was discovered in the crate).
The purchaser now wants to reduce the amount owed to me by $2000 for the missing binding post. Does anyone know how much this costs to repair? Is it indeed just cosmetic like I think it is?
All comments are appreciated.
While my amp isn't anywhere as powerful as your Krell, my Classe" Ten amp has been giving me incredible music for over 13 years and I never, ever had a problem with it.
Bob
So you have a 3 year old 700cx manufactured by Krell from a chunk of broken metal you sent them and they talked you into this build.
Well if Krell has a 5-year warranty, I would contact Krell and discuss the warranty repair of this 3 year old 700cx.
The Krell people have always serviced my FPB-600 quickly and at little or no cost (other than 1 way shipping). They suspect that the failures were due to the strange volume control pots I was using (passive preamps). They told me to stop using the damn things. They were right. It worked flawlessly since 2001 until this morning (complete shutdown while playing). Circuit breaker in the house and on back of unit tripped. With power back on, no LED lights shine. Another trip back to Krell but I feel I got my money's worth.
I agree it is frustrating when our wonderful Krell equipment needs a fix, but all mechanical devices do at times. I have found the Krell service department to be fair, honest and understanding. This stuff is complicated, as are my German made cars, which also break sometimes. I have and have had much Krell gear over the years; the music Krell and Dynaudio paired together make, have brought much elaxation and joy into my life. I am confident Krell will treat you right. Best of luck.
Yikes! I have a Krell FBB-600c, not problems yet except it occasionally shuts itself down and I don't know why. Very sorry to hear about your troubles...
By the way, what did you think about the sound of the 700-cx upgrade versus the 600c?
.nt
Len
Good to know, I suspected as much.
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