Krell Krc-3 or Krell KCT?

I love Krell gear, and have owned both of these preamps (still have the KCT). These preamps are in completely different sonic leagues, IMO. The Krc-3 was OK, sometimes grainy or strident. The KCT passes along tons of detail, incredible micro and macro dynamics, and all without that strident character. You'll hear parts of your music you never knew existed. I have owned nice preamps from BAT and ML. I thought the ML 380S was as good as it could get....until I put that KCT in the system.
So, for my money, I think the extra $2K is well worth the huge sonic gains.
There is a downside. The KCT puts out significant heat.

I have owned both these and there is simply no contest, the KCT will simplt destroy a KRC3.

Such a nice power amp that you have definitely deserve a KCT, you can save some money and get better sound quality by hooking them up with cast connection.

Old post but putting my 2 cents in for future audiophiles  needing help. Had the K.C.T. it is fantastic. However,  look into the K.R.C. 2. Also fantastic.  Now, Kell designed  three preamps  that can run the phono stage without a power supply.  They use the one in the preamp. Saves you $1,000. The other preamp Is the K.B.L. much harder to find. The ones above are best in my opinion and have remotes. Best of luck future seekers of truth!!! I love my K.C.T. and still love my K.R.C.2.