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

[avidyarthy]

Bought a (used) Krell kav-400xi today. 4 year old, but operated for just 6 months after purchase (so, virtually new) from a North Delhi gentleman. This guy did not prefer the clinical, forward sounding characteristics of this amp, and had gone in for a massive Macintosh tube amp (using at least 6 nos. 2A3s) weighing close to 50 kgs! His preference is for 'coloured' sound which definitely sounded more musical, with more depth than the Krell.

This was evident from his current speakers .... JBL LX22, big bookshelves. Incidently, he is eyeing used Tannoy Gold, 12" concentric speakers from a seller in Mumbai.

The Krell, what I found is definitely forward sounding, with a lot of tight bass, and could go to greviously high loudness without getting any distortions. Yes, it is clinical and flat. Just picks up the source signals as it is and amplifies it to thunderous levels, without adding any flavours, except a lot of tight bass.

So, your expert assistance required to home in on to the right speakers for this relatively thin, yet huge, widthwise and depthwise 'aluminium battletank'. The fit and finish is par excellent .... with specs of 200W @ 8 ohms and 400W @ 4 ohms, don't think it would break a sweat for 'any' speakers available.

I shan't be able to go for any immediate purchases on 'new' speakers, since am broke :sad:. Maybe, have to wait for atleast 3-4 months, if new. So, can look at the 'used' route. But again, I am not in a hurry. Patience is the 'word'.

 

[sonosphere]

Hi,
Congrats on your purchase!
1. What kind of music do you generally listen to?
2. From your signature I observe you are also looking for CDP. What budget have you considered for this?
3. What budget for Spkrs?
Though I have no experience with 400xi, answers to above can help others to suggest.

Happy hunting!

Regds,

 

[navin advani]

This guy did not prefer the clinical, forward sounding characteristics of this amp, and had gone in for a massive Macintosh tube amp (using at least 6 nos. 2A3s) weighing close to 50 kgs!

The Krell, what I found is definitely forward sounding, with a lot of tight bass, and could go to greviously high loudness without getting any distortions. Yes, it is clinical and flat. Just picks up the source signals as it is and amplifies it to thunderous levels, without adding any flavours, except a lot of tight bass.

Top of my mind would be Sonus Faber Cremona or Vandersteen 3A. Neither is forward and both would enjoy the control Krell brings.

 

[srinisundar]

Congrats on your purchase.. I tried my level best to get an Krell, but could not. Lucky you.

Enjoy and good luck for your hunt on speakers.

 

[sonosphere]

I heard following combo during Pune HFV meet 2011 > Krell KAV 300i + CDP: Marantz SA7003 + Spkrs: ProAc Studio 140 fronts.

The above sounded really good. Not at all forward or dry as is generally believed with a Krell. OTOH i missed what is considered trade-mark of Krell... TIGHT deep bass. The bass was good but not the jaw-dropper type I heard earlier with another Krell integrated S300i + CDP: Arcam CD37 + Spkr: Amphion Argon 3L.

Search on this forum should get you many other examples of combinations.

Regds,

 

[avidyarthy]

Hi,
Congrats on your purchase!
1. What kind of music do you generally listen to?
2. From your signature I observe you are also looking for CDP. What budget have you considered for this?
3. What budget for Spkrs?
Though I have no experience with 400xi, answers to above can help others to suggest.

Happy hunting!

Regds,

Thanks ....
1. Indian / Western Classical, Bollywood, Country, Pop
2. Have'nt given it a thought as yet. Obviously, lesser the better. Can look at used too.
3. 40 K max ..... as of 2 months from April '12. Currently, broke.

Salivating at an offer in Quikr-Delhi for Klipsch La Scala. Never expected to find one in India! Asking for 60 K. Massive creatures, weighing close to 90 kg each. Paupers can't be choosers .... thats what I am now.

 

[ravi_d]

Congrats avidyarthy :clapping:

How about a comparison between the Krell and the beloved Topping just to see if it comes close to 95% of Krell's performance

 

[marsilians]

Congrats on your purchase. I owned Krell 300i many years ago and have to say that its an acquired taste. These sound very good with a very good source. Anything less you will be disappointed. They have excellent dynamics when setup well and you will enjoy the types of music you state except maybe bollywood.

Regarding speakers, not sure about your budget, but try some that are slightly laid back. Focal, Dynaudio Focus , Magnepan, ... Personally I dont think the Klipsch LaScala is a good match but you can check it with your ears and decide.

Also make sure to have good room treatment.

 

[iaudio]

Congrats Avidyarthy!

What about a pair of Dynaudio bookshelves around 40k to pair with your Krell?

 

[spirovious]

Congrats Avidyarthy,do Krell get hot?

 

[jai1611]

Congrats Avidyarthy!

What about a pair of Dynaudio bookshelves around 40k to pair with your Krell?

Having tried that combo, I wouldnt recommend it. Dynes make the clinical nature of the amp a little too obvious

 

[srinisundar]

Congrats Avidyarthy,do Krell get hot?

Give some cold beer to Krell whenever it gets hot and it works well and the music will go to skull

Using an krell is an thrill and you will become chill

Enough AVidyarthy

 

[sonosphere]

....
3. 40 K max ..... as of 2 months from April '12. Currently, broke.

Considering 40k budget can't think of any new spkr (even used one) that can do justice to the krell...

But one must respect budget (especially in our hobby!) so considering your music-preference, I would suggest something from Ushers e.g used X-718 (it's lower-end brother V-601 is also a good "new" option in "< 40k" range. This spkr really blossoms with a source having bass-heft and top-end details)

regds,

 

[avidyarthy]

Top of my mind would be Sonus Faber Cremona or Vandersteen 3A. Neither is forward and both would enjoy the control Krell brings.

Thanks .... but can't afford as of now .... even 'used' not possible here by a mile!

 

[BLASTO]

I came accross a used B&W 603 S3 for 42k. Let me know how they fit your requirement.

I can't be bothered with whether they match the amps, 'cause I never heard a krell.

They sounded very good with rotel and 'I wont buy' kind with NAD.

 

[avidyarthy]

Congrats avidyarthy :clapping:

How about a comparison between the Krell and the beloved Topping just to see if it comes close to 95% of Krell's performance

Believe me, Topping asks for only one thing ... synergy with the speakers, thats it. Other than the 'slightly' less bass with any of the matching speakers, there is 'nothing' at fault. Not even saying 'in the price range'!

Some 'high and mighty' in the Forum have recently auditioned the combo at my place ..... they were in a shock! Were finding it difficult to digest as to how something costing 4K could belt out something so clean and clear.

Yes, the Topping would not bring a swing to the chandeliers, unlike the Krell. Thats what the Krell did when I touched 100 (out of the max 150 'marks') on the loudness LED, during audition at the seller's living room.

 

[BLASTO]

BTW, they are laid back. Much like the current 684/683s.

 

[avidyarthy]

I came accross a used B&W 603 S3 for 42k. Let me know how they fit your requirement.

I can't be bothered with whether they match the amps, 'cause I never heard a krell.

They sounded very good with rotel and 'I wont buy' kind with NAD.

Yes Blasto, this is a pretty good match. There is only one catch .... plan to install the speakers in an empty living room (sparsely populated with furniture ... plain walls and light curtains on windows) of approx. 350 sq ft. A B&W 604 S3 at 42K would have been ideal .... .... would have run to the bank for a loan to get that

 

[ravi_d]

@avidyarthy
Right. I'm with you on this. I have a Topping too in my home town

 

[ajay124]

avidyarthi

Congratulations! Welcome to the 'limited edition' two channel, solid state club

A couple of years ago I had shortlisted Krell, Musical Fidelity, Bryston and Sim Moon integrated amps. I even located a used 400xi which, if I remember correctly, was available for around 65K. I have not heard the amp but have come across several references to its thin, forward sounding nature. Frankly if I was in your place I would focus on the oodles of clean power which this amp will place at your disposal. Ultimately sound quality will depend on how it is mixed and matched with the source, speakers, cables, room size, placement. Perhaps the most important factor will be the quality of recordings which you play. So banish subjective adjectives like 'thin' and 'forward from your mind and start researching and auditioning! There are plenty of choices which you can consider. Budget usually gets stretched when something good becomes available therefore be prepared to spend a little more. Buying an inferior cdp/speakers would be a diservice to the Krell amp! Therefore invest patiently and wisely.

If I had to choose matching equipment for this amp then I would initially look for a used Krell cdp. Second choice would be a used 'North American' cdp from a relatively equal brand like Bryston or Moon. I would keep a budget of 50K +/- for the cdp. You could also consider the Arcam CD 37/CD192 or the Rega Apollo. A good used speaker at 'Indian' prices would require a budget of 100-150K. If you are lucky you may come across a bargain in the 70-100K range. For a room size of less than 250 sq feet I would prefer stand mounts or small towers. For a bigger room I would look for three way towers weighing at least 30Kg each! Some speakers brands that I would consider would be Vienna Acoustics, Sonus Faber, Vandersteen, Magnepan, Proac, Totem and Spendor. And perhaps something from the Dynaudio Focus range (but only after an audition). For cables I feel that the entry level Chord's are good enough and reasonably priced. Happy hunting!

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