Audio Research pre & Krell amps?


Anyone out there using one of the ARC preamps with your Krell amps? If so, which ones and what did you think of the results? Thanks.
tom_hankins

Showing 2 responses by dave_b

ARC preamps work well with krell amps..I've used an LS25MK2, Ref 2 and Ref 3 with several Krell amps such as the FPB600, 400cx and 350mcx's. Bottom line is however, that you will not maximise either technology by mixing tubes and solid state. Properly set up, both technologies can deliver amazingly musical performances. What the ARC linestages did do was to create a larger than life soundstage with great dynamics and excellent tonality at the expense of absolute transparency and immediacy (sense of aliveness). A krell KCT with a Krell amp will be more controlled and extended while still dynamic with alot more sense of presence. You will pick this up more on jazz recordings and live recordings which allow the ear to latch on to acoustic information that tells you there is nothing between you and the performance.
CAST is thinner sounding so don't be anxious for an amp upgrade. As I said, I've owned this stuff and the ref 3 will sound big and inflated but incredibly powerfull. The lack of transparency and detail was a problem for me. The KCT is tonaly the same, slightly less woody sounding but warm, dynamic and very alive sounding...much better than the older krc-HR!