Best sounding Krell ?

I never stated nor implied it was a giant killer, and yes I can tell the difference sonically in a heartbeat when compared directly to the higher end electronics of my main system, but it is not that huge a leap downscale as you have indicated in the quote. But it ain't dead; certianly those words were a bit over the top.

And it is not merely a step above a receiver (I have owned several so-called high power units through the years) but instead provides some very real musical magic in terms of imaging, soundstage and naturalness of timbre. It is a fine piece of equipment, regardless of price point. Sure the KCT/400cx is clearly in another league, and I never implied otherwise, nor do I plan to ever part with that fine combo, but the 400xi is clearly cut from the same cloth and kudos to DanD for retaining the sonic attributes of his higher level gear at a relatively afforable price. Plus it is certainly a better integrated amp than the Musical Fidelity A5 that it replaces, and I say that at my own peril as I prepare to offer that unit for sale on the 'gon.

In a properly set up system the 400xi is a giant killer...period! Not with the stock PC or average cables or a mismatched front end, but with the SACD standard V3 and the tweaks I mentioned, it is far more engaging than almost anything alse I've owned. The 400xi is essentially the purest version of Danny Boys best efforts...simplify my friend and it will set you free. Component matching, room acoustics and extensive set up are required for best results, regardless of the gear! What I'm saying is that if you want a simple and purely musical sound without the added dollars and headaches involved with making various seperates work with each other, get the 400xi and build something wonderfull. Other than that, get a used KCT and a 400cx..it don't get any better in krell land!

I would vote the 400cx. I dont own this amp but I am seriously considering . I am shopping for a krell in this price range and have done extensive research and the 400cx is the amp that I am gravitating towards. I am thinking cast system eventual and this would start me down that road. This brings me to my question. I want to know if in a bi amp system (vertical bi-amp) WITH IDENTICAL AMPS COULD LEFT CHANNEL FROM EITHER AMP BE CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO THE BASS WOOFER OF AN APOGEE SPKR AND THE RIGHT CHANNEL FROM EITHER AMP CONNECTED TO MRTW BY WAY OF THE TRANSFORMER? This may sound like a no brainer, but I am not knowledgeable enough to know the answer. thanks

I would consult with Krell's technical division if you are seriously thinking about this idea. The Krell amps are push/pull - (neg/pos)...sending one channel to half of a speaker and the other channel to the other half would make no sense and be playing two different signals i.e..woofers playing right ch. info and mrtw's playing left ch. information! Makes no sense...maybe one amp for the bass/L/R and another for the mrtw sections L/R, but a 400cx will drive just about anything out there. Remember, Krell amps sound their best when being driven hard..even Jonathan Valin from absolute sound noticed this when reviewing the Krell KCT and 750mcx's.

I'd go back more than 10 years. I had a KSA 50s (50 w/ch, one pair of output devices)that was as good sounding a ss amp as I've ever heard. Probably among the least expensive krell amps as well.

Marty