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Krell 4k Foundation or Parasound jc2 Preamps

I can get my hands of a Krell 4k Foundation for $2000 here locally and want to ask you guys a few questions to see if this Preamp would be a good fit for me. I listen to mostly music on my system, however I have a huge collection of dvd/Blu-ray concert videos I like to watch from time to time. Do watch movies too, but music is what I usually use my system for. Sound is the most important consideration when I purchase (upgrade) new equipment for my system, not video. I am a huge Vinyl collector (thousands) and Cd collection is just as big. Listen to most 80s pop, movie soundtracks and Heavy Metal music, (I know not true audiophile content, but I have a lot of audiophile recordings in every genera). So I have had my eye on the Parasound JC2 and using its home theater bypass when I watch videos or listen to multi-channel SACD and DVD-AUDIO, but the Krell 4k Foundation has caught my eye in maybe being the right fix for great sound and being a true multi-channel preamp verses a 2 channel set up. I wished I had enough room in my house for a two setups (ht in one and 2 channel in another) but like most I do not. So my questions are:

How does the Krell 4k Foundation sound with analog playback such as a VPI Scout turntable with AT150sa MM cartridge?

Does the Krell really shine with CDs played through a decent transport? Like airy highs and good midrange with any harshness, low end has to be very dynamic.

Are there other older HT models out there that I am missing that put sound above all else in the $5000 and under price point?

What is the soundstage like with the Krell 4k Foundation?

Do you guys still get a lot of musical joy from your Krell 4k Foundation or wanting to find an upgrade?

Right now I am using a Denon AVR 4520CI strictly as a preamp (power section not in use since I use Halo Parasound amps for all my ampification needs) and a Denon DBT-3313UDCI transport. I got a feeling the Krell 4k Foundation will be an upgrade in sound, question is though, How much?

Any input would be greatly appreciated and I have read all the publication reviews out there, but like to hear from the customers that own the products I am interested in. Thank you.

128x128lizzardkingseattle
auxinput
1,538 posts
 

@erik_squires - just to clarify, he was talking about preamps only (Parasound JC2 was one of his options). He has stated that he already owns Parasound Halo amplifiers, lol.

@lizzardkingseattle - That Krell Foundation could very well be a steal. But you should realize that there have been at least a few versions of the Foundation processor:

Krell Foundation (version 1) - supports up to 1080p

Krell Foundation 4K - supports limited 4K on the original HDMI 1.4a connections.

Krell Foundation 4K UHD - supports current 4K technology using a new HDMI board that supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2.

If 4K video standards is important to you, then you might want to make sure of the exact version. There is no difference in audio in the different versions. They only have different HDMI video specifications. If you don’t care, then $2k for Foundation is really awesome!  You can always have Krell upgrade the HDMI board at any time (though it might cost a lot).

erik_squires
5,268 posts
 

- just to clarify, he was talking about preamps only (Parasound JC2 was one of his options). He has stated that he already owns Parasound Halo amplifiers, lol

@auxinput

See, this is why most of my advice is garbage and completely untrustworthy!
oem-wheels
151 posts
 
for $2000 try the Krell and see for yourself.. if you don't like it, sell it and you probably could make some money.. 
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