I have just had a similar experience with a Krell. Last week my family and I were on vacation in Singapore. I saw a used mint condition KSA-250 for sale at C.K. Audio, for $4,500 Singapore. After a lot of bartering we finally agreed on a sale price of ~$2,000 US ($3,900 Singapore)! Fortunately, because there a 5 people in my family and we were traveling relatively light, I was able to combine luggage allowance and ship the Krell home for free (I live in Paris), not bad I thought for a ~125lbs amp. Needless to say I was concerned about it getting damaged or lost. Fortunately everything went well and a very large Krell box arrived on time with my luggage and no damage. I set the Krell up as soon as I got home (It is extremely simple to adjust the input voltage on the KSA-250 from 100V-240V). First CD tried was Norah Jones (on a Pioneer Elite DV-38A DVD player with a pioneer Elite C-72 pre-amp and B&W 805N speakers). Talk about shock and surprise (I have still not stopped grinning). Bass is rock solid, stereo imagery and resolution is incredible (I previously used a Pioneer Elite M-91 power amp to drive the speakers). It really does sound like Norah Jones singing in a night club live, several people have made the same comment, including a few HiFi skeptics. In short, probably the best upgrade I have ever made. Especially when I think about the skepticism I had about amp upgrades in general, not any more though.
Next year, when I return to the USA, I will be looking for a second KSA-250 to bi-amp my B&W 801Ns that are currently in storage (simply too big for a Parisian apartment). I can't wait!
Marcus McHugh
Next year, when I return to the USA, I will be looking for a second KSA-250 to bi-amp my B&W 801Ns that are currently in storage (simply too big for a Parisian apartment). I can't wait!
Marcus McHugh