Krell primer?


I was hoping some folks could give me a primer on Krell amps. I’m in perpetual upgrade planning mode and have seen a number of Krell amps coming through A-Gon. I thought I’d ask for opinions. It seems that the FPB and KSA lines, which I gather are at least ten years old, are relatively reasonable in price and seem well respected. Can anyone comment on their sound? How much heat do they throw? Are there any ongoing maintenance issues with the older amps? I understand Krell still services their older gear, much the way McIntosh does.

Any comments would be useful. Thanks!
grimace
Thanks for all the great information. Can anyone tell me what pre-amps they're using with their FPBs? Anyone using a tube pre? I want to build detail, but not brightness or harshness. For that matter, what cables?

Thanks!
for cables i use older mit comparable to the oracle line today. speaker cables are mit mh850 and interconnects are mit 350 proline reference. both can be had for pennies on the used market compared to their original value (and performance). i find these cables add a more natural flavor and tame some of the big krell's aggressiveness. i am actually in search of a preamp so i do not have any input on that match. i have been using my theta processor which has been adequate but not the best overall preamp mate.
I currently own and love my Krell FPB 300-C. I upgraded from the FPB 200. Obviously the C and CX versions are the newer/newest versions of the FPB Series. That being said, I never had a hick-up, concern or any issues with the FPB 200 (before upgrading). My FPB 300-C has performed equally as reliably. I have owned other Krell equipment as well (preamps) and only once had a problem with one much older preamp a while back.

I do make a point to contact Krell, sometimes even speaking with Dan D. directly. They are always happy to answer any questions and even make suggestions. My local Krell dealer is terrific (shout out to Larry at Paragon in Ann Harbor). Other than with one Preamp, my calls to Krell have always been unrelated to problems (as referenced above, never had problems with an amp of theirs).

For the sound? I love the FPB Series. I have also listened to the KAV Series and there is no comparison, FPB is MUCH better. Only thing I would say is that if you are buying an amp that is more than 15 years old, I would inquiry about what parts have already been replaced. It should be at least 15 years before any parts normally need to be replaced in a Krell amp.
I currently own a KSA 100MKII and 2 KSA 250 amplifiers which are in pristine condition (2nd owner).Preamp is a KRC-2. Only issue I've had was the baby 100 popped/shut down shortly after turn on 10yrs ago. Living in PA. made it possible to drive to Krell in Conn.,in which I received the full tour!! Kudos HAVE to go to DAN D. for having an extremely NICE and PROFFESIONAL staff!! A capacitor in the protective turn on circuit went bad,$128.00 repair. Went bad due to age/not run on a dedicated line. I STRONGLY URGE installing dedicated lines for your equiptment especially if considering a Krell amp. Yes they are older but I still love their sound. Electric bill isn't too bad for the price of happiness and they do run HOT but, built to stand the test of time!!! Good Luck !!!