Krell FPB vs Plinius SA-103 vs Pass Labs XA60.5

Sometimes it is just the recording that is at fault.

I agree with Unsound. I have owned a 400cx for ten years now and 1) it is not bright and 2) it handles complex passages just fine with excellent detail and three-dimensional resolution.

I agree with Stevecham. I had a 400cx for a few years and did not find it bright or congested at all. The 400cx had total grip and control. Much prefered it to the Pass XA series amps that I heard, but that's my opinion. I recommend listening to Pass and Plinius before switching away fom Krell.

Solentgreen, what cables are you using? I had 3 Krell amps, KSA100S, FPB300 and FPB600 and found MIT ICs and SCs worked best. Some cables such as Nordost can make them sound thin and harsh. I don't like Krell pres and have always mate them with tube pre.

What tubes are you rolling in the MW 5400ES? I had a MW Transporter and you can improve congestion by rolling TS NOS 5u4gb and BT CV-181 ... my favorites.

I'm sure you know PCs can help the congestion problem too.

Thanks guys for all the comments & advise.
Chuck, I will look into the Spectron, which I think is a class D amp? I have to say my first audition of a class D amp (a Linn) was not so favourable; the sound was clean & clear but a bit sterile. But then the Spectron may be different.
Thinking about it, Unsound's idea that the congestion may be in the recording is probably correct, as not all CDs had this problem. It’s a nice surprise in a way to see so much support for the Krell option; after all I really enjoyed my time (almost 8 years) with the FPB300c; it’s a safe known option and the 400cx should better the 300c.
Knghifi, my signal cables are Pure Note Vanguard from player to pre-amp; Pure Note Alluvion balanced from pre to power amp, and VH Audio Chela speaker cables. Power cords are a Virtual Dynamics Master from the wall to a Hydra 8 conditioner. Then a Lessloss DFPC to the Modwright player; a Black Sand Silver Reference Mk V to the Modwright power supply and another one supplying the Calypso pre-amp; and a separate Virtual Dynamics Master from the wall to a separate Hydra 2 conditioner used solely for the FPB300c. None of these cables are to my knowledge bright or thin. I also extensively use Herbies supports for all components and speakers.
As for tubes, I am using Sylvania 6SN7 GTB valves in the Modwright 5400ES, and a Create Audio 5AR4 rectifier tube in the power supply.
At this point, I really should emphasize that the issues I raised re congestion and brightness are very minor and in the main are only from certain CDs. As Unsound said, more than not, its an issue with the recording rather than the system that we are talking about here. Remember prior to the FPB300c going up in smoke, I was very happy with the system and had no intention nor inclination to upgrade. Its just that I am forced into replacing the 300c as it was just not the same after repairs.
It will be great to get some advise from Plinius and Pass Labs users though before I decide; any of you guys out there? Especially those who might have done comparisons with the other and also Krell FPB power amps? Many thanks.