High power integrated suggestions please.

Northwoods,

I did in fact listen to the Krell 400xi discussed here, in my own systems and a friend's which I know well. Is it improved over the unfortunate house sound of Krell electronics? Yes, marginally. Is it absent the lack of musicality emblematic of Krell gear? No, unfortunately. I'm not being inflammatory, I'm being honest. Krell amplification and its sound, IMO, has been a primary contributor to the decline of audiophile credibilty to non-audiophiles for many years. When I saw the 400 and related components go into mass distribution, I was hoping for a better outcome, truly. I just cannot agree that it earns any sonic preference whatsoever over several other alternatives in the market.

Phil

Really, Stevecham, I've tried hard to like Krell amplification. One of my best friends was a dealer for many years and I gave him every chance to convince me with each new product. I can't think of any comparably-priced electronics that produce sound less akin to music, more stripped of tone, more dense with sonic distraction, than Krell -- even granting some product-to-product variances in the family sound. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that if Dan D' and Krell made the only amplifiers in existence, I wouldn't own a hifi. A Tivoli shelf system would be so much less distracting and my mind's ear could fill in the rest. Fortunately there is a vast array of alternatives, so I don't have to deny myself.

Phil

I've had the Krell 400xi in my system now for over 2 years, along with the SACD Standard (via balanced) powering a pair of B&W Nautilus 802s and the sound is simply amazing. It has performed flawless since the day I installed it. I purchased the system new and hooked it up back in May 2004 and haven't touched it since. I haven't heard an Amplifier over the past 2 years that I prefer to the 400xi. In this hobby, to say after 2 years that you are completely satisfied with your system and wouldn't change a thing is very rare and is saying alot.
My advice is simply to buy the Krell 400xi and you are done, out of the stores, classifieds and magazines and at Home listening to music...and enjoying life.

Just released is the new Calaf Integrated in the Forbidden City line from Consonance. 200 watts into 8 ohms 400 into 4 ohms with the first 40 watts Class A and a pair of 6922's in the preamp stage. Retail is around $3,300
and it comes in both black and silver chasis with either black or red faceplate. I've heard it and damn if it don't sound killer. I've dumped a lot more into my system then this piece costs and I don't know if I should be happy that someone has made it or pissed that I wasted so much $$$ already.

http://www.opera-consonance.com/products/forbiddencityseries.htm

You'll be hearing a lot about this piece.

I wonder people hate Krell because their sound quality or because they are not inexpensive.