I recently took a chance on a Krell Vanguard integrated and Connect Streamer Dac, both approx 6-7 yrs old. They were a steal, so it was curiosity more than anything. I'm stunned by the quality. The preamp circuitry in particular is about the best I've heard, and the streamer is a perfect match for the ESS Sabre chip it's built around.
I would choose the Krell over the $15K tube amps I've auditioned (like VTL--ooh, hum! Yay?). I find McIntosh underwhelming, Rogue often brittle and PS Audio excellent but also oddly bland. I'd put the Krell about on par with some of the Vinnie Rossi gear I've auditioned, which I love.
Anyway, I can't speak highly enough about my experience with Krell. People bash the company because some stupid private equity jerks bought the company and kicked Dan out. Ok, but it's not like Dan was building each component by hand, and it's an insult to the amazing and talented people there to keep trashing an iconic audio brand that still makes objectively excellent gear. Ymmv.
I would choose the Krell over the $15K tube amps I've auditioned (like VTL--ooh, hum! Yay?). I find McIntosh underwhelming, Rogue often brittle and PS Audio excellent but also oddly bland. I'd put the Krell about on par with some of the Vinnie Rossi gear I've auditioned, which I love.
Anyway, I can't speak highly enough about my experience with Krell. People bash the company because some stupid private equity jerks bought the company and kicked Dan out. Ok, but it's not like Dan was building each component by hand, and it's an insult to the amazing and talented people there to keep trashing an iconic audio brand that still makes objectively excellent gear. Ymmv.