Mcintosh MVP871 vs Krell SACD

Just a Denon? Denon makes some fine products as well as less expensive ones but Mac used to use the Esoteric transport.

i have a chance at a mac for the same price as upgrading the Krell.....SACD is the important format factor i am interested in with it.

I have read comments on Audio Review that indeed Mac is using Denon transports. One fellow removed the cover of an 871 and it showed the transport sporting the Denon name. However, the electronics were Mac's own. They are owned by the same company, D & M Holdings.

Your really asking about two different kinds of sound. I've owned two complete systems, one Mc one Krell. Both are great with the Mc more tuneful and Krell more complete. I found myself turning the volume down on the Krell and up on the Mc. All this depends on the rest of your system. Unless you need DVD you should consider the Mc 201 or 301 instead.