Krell Master Reference Amplifier

Thanks to Paul and everyone else for your helpful comments. I really appreciate it.

I currently have the Pipedreams so it is interesting that Paul mentioned the synergy btw the Plinius and the Pipedreams. I have not heard the Plinius but John Marks at Stereophile, an opinion I respect, swears by them.

I have listened to the Halcros and think that while the noisefloor is very low, it is too dry and analytical -- lacking soul in my book.

I currently have the Krell FPB 600 and am happy with the sound but was considering adding the Krell Master Reference to power the midrange tower and using the FPB600 to power the subs of the Pipedreams -- may be overkill. I have heard the Master Reference briefly once at one of these audio shows and was very very impressed. Paul, I was wondering if you have had a chance to listen to the Master Reference? Also, do you generally like the current Krell signature sound?

I have heard the Boulder at a friend's house and I am not sure whether it was his poor setup or the amp, I did not think that the sound was better than my setup with the Krell FPB 600 (he had the Wilson X1).

I have not heard the Goldmunds.

I generally like the sound of Rowlands but have not heard their new gear? Does anyone here have an opinion?

cchp

Response to SDR Consultant:

Thanks for your comments.

Interesting...I also play my music quite quite loud at times and have blown the Genesis II midranges twice and the B&W801 15 inch woofer also twice -- with the Krell FPB 600. Maybe it is the oscillation problem that you are referring to.

I have listened to Krells in the past and agree that the sound is fatiguing, certainly not "harsh" but can be non-emotional. However, I thought that the current Krell amps are quite musical and dare I say it "sweet" in the midrange. Superb details, great soundstaging, and very balanced from highs to lows. I have never found it to be fatiguing and have not heard a better amp except for the Rowlands (obviously I have not hear a large number of amps so my comparison is limited to Levinson, Classe, Halcro, and Pass). I love the enthralling sound of tubes (especially with female jazz vocals), especially the VACs and the Jadis, but am realistic that given how loud I play selected portions of my music, tubes would not be the answer.

I am currently using the Linn CD12 as my front end and the Levinson 32. I am extremely happy with the CD12 but feel that the Levinson 32 is to dry (may change once I decide on an amp). I suspect that my cabling would need updating as I am using Goertz silver cables.

The other amp out there that was recommended was the Gamut? Any opinions?

I will try to get a hold of the Plinius to see how it would sound with my system. Paul, have you heard the new Rowlands?

Cchp