Just got a Krell 400xi .... now what?

David Oistrakh+Krell cdp+Krell amp+Vienna Acoustic/Sonus Faber is potentially a stairway to (audio) heaven :)

So hard pressed for cash that I am contemplating transfer of the current 6003 from Topping to the Krell section. Yes, many are recommending the Krell CDp to be the perfect one. Its got to wait .... Same story on the speaker side too, but this has to be purchased ... no transfer possible.

The Topping would now be played by a Pioneer 220 DVDp .... am finding it to be pretty good.
 
Congrats Avidyarthy,do Krell get hot?

Contrary to what reports say in different Forums, I did not find the Krell getting even 'warm' during the 3 hour audition at medium volume levels. I believe it would definitely get at least 'warm' during Delhi summers. It is still pretty cool (not cold) in Delhi now .... amazed at the change in climate here!
 
avid,

congratulations !!

as ajay said.. now its a game of either outright purchase ( of the components that best match the Kerll ) or waiting for a good used CDP / Speakers to come up for sale.

Probably its a "punishment" for coming out of the "mediocre" NAD / Marantz type stuff to something in a different orbit. In this rarified atmosphere, there is lesser company but that has its own fun too - once you get the right components in place.

Another thing you should do is to start getting into similar networks of people who own this kind of very hifi stuff so you stand a chance to bag something if it comes along.

regards,
mpw
 
Contrary to what reports say in different Forums, I did not find the Krell getting even 'warm' during the 3 hour audition at medium volume levels. I believe it would definitely get at least 'warm' during Delhi summers. It is still pretty cool (not cold) in Delhi now .... amazed at the change in climate here!

avid, it did not get warm/ hot because it is not the same thing as the Krell FPB series... the FPB series are Pure Class A. This IMHO is not. So, you don't have to worry about it getting hot etc... the sound signature too is not the same as the FPB. this is a very different beast.
that is why I have refrained from making a speaker suggestion to you. i could have made a suggestion, had it been a FPB series amp, one which I know (and love) very well.

However, from my brief encounters with the amp that you have, I would suggest that you look at any of the PMC's. They are a great speaker without the usual mark up's associated with big badge names. Very good studio quality clean sound that goes well with Bryston etc ( Bryston is similar sounding to your amp).

Take a trip to Lakozy with your amp, and some cds. You might like what you hear.
 
Thanks Malvai .....

The PMCs you are referring to ..... are they the TL type? If yes, then I do have plans to consider (later on) the TL's I have witnessed during the last HiFiVision meet up at Mumbai. I was pretty impressed with their sound signature ..... @ Krypton Audio ... Mr. Hari Iyer.

I ain't one who runs after 'brands' till such time one gets available within my price expectations. Already informed you the exact damages for the Krell.
 
avid, it did not get warm/ hot because it is not the same thing as the Krell FPB series... the FPB series are Pure Class A. This IMHO is not. So, you don't have to worry about it getting hot etc... the sound signature too is not the same as the FPB. this is a very different beast.
sounding to your amp).

This is what I got out from one of the reviews on 400xi ...

"The audio circuits are symmetrical and differentially balanced. In keeping with Krell tradition, the circuit is class-A up to the output stage, and the output is DC-coupled to the speakers. The audio circuit board is flanked by two substantial internal heatsinks, and the amp's top and bottom plates are liberally vented to enable heat dissipation. My KAV-400xi got somewhat warmer than body temperature, but never so hot as to discourage catnaps on the part of a tired but relentlessly exploratory kitten".
 
However, from my brief encounters with the amp that you have, I would suggest that you look at any of the PMC's. They are a great speaker without the usual mark up's associated with big badge names. Very good studio quality clean sound that goes well with Bryston etc ( Bryston is similar sounding to your amp).

Take a trip to Lakozy with your amp, and some cds. You might like what you hear.

@Manav ji,
Are you meaning the PMC speakers of UK or PSB speaker from Canada? AFAIK, Lakozy deals with PSB speakers. There is no dealer of PMC at Delhi, but PMC is available from Mr. Khusru at Mumbai.
Regards
 
@Manav ji,
Are you meaning the PMC speakers of UK or PSB speaker from Canada? AFAIK, Lakozy deals with PSB speakers. There is no dealer of PMC at Delhi, but PMC is available from Mr. Khusru at Mumbai.
Regards
You're right... i was meaning PSB.... i sometimes get the names muddled... the PSB speakers are pretty bang for the buck with great sound...
 
@Avid,
How much was the krell??
Follow the basic rule and mate them with the speakers costing atleast as much. :D
40k speakers would be a mistake dont you think?
 
Hey Bro,

Congratulations ! I have heard this amp with a few speakers in the past.

First of all, it is a misplaced notion that McIntosh is a colored amp and the Krell 400xi is a very neutral amplifier. They are both in completely different price points and designed by folks with completely different mindsets. And they sound vastly different.

The Krell 400xi integrated has a certain sound to it which has nothing to do with the classic Krell amps of yesteryears.

Now the best way for you is to connect a few speakers and decide which sounds musical to you. From what I know, they sound better with speakers which are a bit on the warmer side. Look for speakers which convey a sense of body to the sounds. Avoid speakers which throw razor sharp images.
 
Congratulations on accquiring an awesome amp. When I bought mine, I had also auditioned the 400xi, like both.

Now on to the hunt for speakers, cd player, cables, power conditioner etc. etc :)
 
Congrats Avid,
Having browsed audio forums it is my personal belief that majority of audiophiles agree that easiest way to achieve a linear good sounding system is a digital source (preferably without volume control) fed in to well made solid state amplifier driving two way speakers. I understand well made audio stuff costs money and for people like us (specially me :)) getting everything right and auditioning without spending good amount of money is difficult. You have got ample powered SS amp (Which is the right way in my opinion) made by one of the best audio co.
Unless one is super rich it is difficult to get most linear sound with all components in one place, with proper room and with different quality recordings. I think it is inevitable that sound will be having its own signature. So you can try following things. You said it has lot of tight bass and has clinical and forward sound.
- I guess you can look for speakers drivers which are little more in size than average speakers drivers.
You can try various speaker cables which act like passive tone controls. If I remember right more resistance/length of wire the upper range of frequency response gets very marginally attenuated.
It will be only logical to presume that interconnects is not rocket science it just needs signal to travel easily with good shielding. So go for little less than moderately priced interconnects as it will have more difference in sound signature than hughely expensive one.
Though not the right way I was also wondering how would your amp sound with very wideband full range speakers.
Regards
 
Congratulation Avidyarthi. I know,how good you are feeling after acquiring this amp. It is a good brand, although I have not been able to hear any Krell amp so far. All good wishes for finding a good pairing speaker with it. Already few suggestions you have received from the members, who are aware of Krell amp. You can include Ascendo speaker also. Yesterday I could listen Ascendo C-6 with Bryston power amp and Manley pre at Bass & Treble and it was really good.
Regards
 
Though not the right way I was also wondering how would your amp sound with very wideband full range speakers.
Regards

I am very serious about considering the TL design speaker .... played at the Mumbai meet. Have to get in touch with Mr. Iyer for some suggestions ..... Finding it a bit tough to splurge big bucks (btw, don't have any ... :mad:) on 'big' brands.

Just am not able to 'forget' the enveloping clean sound characteristics of the TL speaker exhibited there.
 
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