Krell CD-DSP cd player?????

Just my opinion (from a Krell lover):

I use to have the Krell Studio DtoA which also came with upgradable software. Unfortunately, Krell never made any software to upgrade it. I believe this is the case with the CD-DSP; at least it would only possibly be upgradable to a point in the distant past. I would also be concerned about availability of a transport should yours die. I was recently talking with Dan D'Agostino, I he told me that was one of his incurable problems -- some transports are no loner available. I would definitely contact Krell regarding the particular transport in this unit.

As I was told by a dealer friend, the newer digital products, dollar for dollar, exceed the older products by a long shot. With the release of SACD, I decided to try a new product. John Marks of JM Records, had written about the virtues of the Marantz SA-14 as both an SACD and CD player. I bought one, placed it atop a Nueance Platform, and it blew away my Krell (and I loved my Krell).

The Marantz SA-14 is now my source for my $60K system, and my only non-Krell electronics.

Take this info for what it is: Just my opinion
Richard

Don't beleive upgradable software is the only thing Krell really does not offer for those early 90 units. I had a Krell Studio $4K which claimed the same thing and HDCD was never even offered. I talked to them about it and thought it is a big scam, yes they have done upgrades and revisions to certain units but don't bet the farm on it. I am almost certain there is nothing available for the DSP in updating, but ask Steve @ Krell service (sleckrone@krellonline).

Be careful of old digital players. Lasers are notorious for scanning problems in machines which are 10+ years old. My Cal Lab Delta and a friend's Krell CD-1 had lasers which began having problems at this age. They are usually not repairable. This was the case with my friend's Krell.

I have to agree with Elinor. My 10-year old Micromega Duo transport (had same die-cast transport as MD-10, I believe) began having problems with reading CDs. Some chip in the laser assembly apparently went south, according to distributor. Luckily, they had a Duo 2.1 transport which had a new CD transport assembly installed recently, which I bought as a replacement. They couldn't get a replacement CD transport assembly for the old one. They said if they could, it would cost several thousand dollars in parts. The upside is, the new Duo 2.1 sounds even better (uses CDM-12 pro transport. You are better off trying to find a newer transport, although some of the older transports looked really cool, and sound great(when they work). Good luck.

I agree with all the replies posted here and Krell will tell you the same thing about any used or older CD player. Some of the older units may be able to be repaired but it is a risk. I am using a DT-10 transport which I found on AudiogoN for a low price and works flawlessly but the digital read out has two intermitent areas of the numerals not light up. This does not bother me and the replacement is more yellow-orange than red and I elected to not to do it.