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Krell KSA 300S or FPB 300?

Hello all on a-gon,

I'm looking to get into some Krell amplification. Right now I'm considering the 2 amps above. I would like to get some of your expert opinions as to which ya'll prefer and which you would recommend. I would also like to hear why you prefer & recommend your choices.

I'll provide some of our associated equipment without getting overly detailed...

Amplifiers: Musical Fidelity KW500 (Selling) & Legacy-Audio Monoblocs
Speakers: Infinity Prelude MTS' & Legacy-Audio Focus
Digital: Esoteric DV-60 & Marantz BD8002
Analog: TNT IV with mucho upgrades
Phono: X-Ono
Preamp: Legacy-Audio NexStep. Preamp replacing the NexStep: Krell Audio/Video Standard from a super fine fellow a-goner. Greg, thank you again for the AWESOME Krell!

So there's the condensed version of our equipment.

As far as musical taste... my wife and I enjoy the following. In no particular order...

Rock
Blues
Big Band
We'll... actually we like just about all genres except OPERA!!!
We also like our music as low as background and all the way up to concert levels whilst enjoying Several-Frosty-Beverages.

Oh wise one's... please grace me with your honest opinions.

I hope that gives you's guy's enough info to make a choice/recommendation.
If any other information may help you with your recommends please let me know.

Thanks,

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joysjane
jsd52756's avatar
jsd52756
345 posts
 
I owned the KSA200S & now own a FPB300cx. I feel the opposite of the above opinions, but not by much. The FPB300 is definatly built better and being newer is the one I would recommend. I also believe the FPB version is a little bit "darker" sounding than the KSA was. A smidgeon more sound stage and backround I reckon. Either way, I believe you will enjoy the units.
Note: FED X dropped my KSA during transit coming back from Krell for service and scrapped it. I HIGHLY recommend shipping by Ocean Air which is what Krell recommends. That is why I ended up with the FPB as I had to buy a new one to replace the FedX screw up.
Enjoy, John
tkmetz
91 posts
 
I owned a KSA-200S and upgraded to a FPB300. I thought it was no contest in favor of the FPB. Compared to the FPB, the KSA sounded undymanic and sounded rolled off at the frequency extremes in my system. The FPB sounded so much more natural at every frequency. The bass of the FPB was just as tight, but much more nimble.

YMMV
brf
1,699 posts
 
IMHO, the Krell KSA "S" series amplifiers were one of Krell's worst efforts. I would take an older KSA150, KSA250 MDA srries etc. over any of the "s" series amplifiers. I also think that the FPB was much better that the "s" series.
perfect_sound
13 posts
 
I'm going to have to second Brf's response. Get an older Krell KSA non 'S' or an FPB.

Cheers!
joysjane's avatar
joysjane OP
87 posts
 
BRF & Perfect_sound...
What is it that you prefer the older KSA's over the S model? What's yall's take on that? Isn't the only difference that one offers balanced operation?
By the way all, I'm actually leaning toward the KSA as I like the tank like built of that amp.
Keep the opinions coming. It really helps to hear from those who have owned one, especially those who have owned both.
I really wish it was feasible to audition them back to back. The only way that would be possible, for me in Wyoming, would be to purchase them both, compare, and then sell the one that doesn't pass my mustard test.
Jsd... ouch!!!

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