Krell S-150M Mono Blocks

I've switched my sights on the Krell S-150 Mono amp to the Krell S-275 Stereo amp here If anyone has any experience with this amp, I would appreciate some input.

I'm using a Class D amp currently (PS Audio GCC-250) and I plan on returning to A/B operation. Since my budget is $5,500 and I want as much power as I can afford, this Krell has peaked my interest. According to Steve Stone (TAS) the S-150 has extremely good highs and mid-range, as well as the renowned Krell bass control. The S-275 is based on identical circuitry…

Since I’m driving Krell speakers (Resolution IIs), I assume that Krell amps will be a good match. I’m certainly open to other SS amp choices, but I am interested in hearing about this particular amp. I would also invite opinions, or comparisons, about similarly priced SS amps (based on firsthand experience of course).

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Big holiday cheers…!

_Ben

Hello Ben...
I have had a few Krell's over the years and keep going back to the FPBc/cx's. Although the more recent units are still all great amps with some of the better build quality, there just seems to be something missing. Given the used prices on the older FPBcx's it sure makes solid sense to me. You do lose some convenience with their massive size/weight but I find a warmth, smoothness, cohesion and naturalness that seeems to be lacking in the newer lines. I do use a KAV 3250 as well for Ht but FPB 600c for reference and love it still.

Thanks Richard, I appreciate your input. I remember hearing great things about the FPB series...boy, they are massive!

The first thing I am going to do, is to take my Class-D amp to the dealer and compare it with the Krell (my dealer will have an S-275 in after the holidays). I have read that even the newer Class-D amps (which my GCC-250 is not...it is circa 2005, with an ICE-based design) give up some latitude in the upper frequencies and are said to be less open and airy (i.e.: three-dimensional)…even grainier than their solid state counterparts. If I do not hear more than a very subtle difference, I will gladly save my $5,500. If I hear the kind of difference that I did when comparing the new McIntosh MC-203 (SS) to the Krell Evo 402e, then I will definitely consider the purchase. In that comparison, the difference between the Krell and the Mac (not really a fair comparison considering the Krell costs more than three times what the Mac does) was literally night and day…the Krell providing so much more detail, clarity and openness in the upper frequencies, and noticeably better controlled bass. This very discernable difference was exciting to me.

I have no idea how my PS GCC-250 will fair in comparison with the smaller Krell (and even the Mac MC-203), but I am anxious to find out. In the mean time, I really appreciate input from my brethren A-Goners!!

Merry Christmas Richard…

_Ben

HI Richard,
I also have a Krell 3250 which I use to power the front channels in my 5.1 system. Since this system has dual self-powered subs, I really don't use the 3250's low end. But, I do like the amp a lot. My HT system uses B&W 805S and its varients. These are good speakers and seem to get along with the 3250 very well. I think the 3250 was a hell of a deal.

Sparky

Hi 2chnlben

I'm on almost exactly the same route as you. Having had a brief encounter with an S-275 at a dealer I intend to have a home demo. My speakers are Harbeth Super HL5s; driven by the S-275 at the dealers they sounded better than my home system where they are driven by Alner-Hamblin SA-400 monoblocks (class D tripath 1.25Kw each). Specifically I found the top significantly better in terms of air and transparency, while the bass was similar in quality and speed. I also intend to audition the Bel Canto 500ref monoblocks to see how much better current class D amps sound.
I'd be very keen to hear the results of your audition.

David