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Krell vs Levinson vs Pass vs Rowland

I know there have been many threads about these amps, however none which addresses these 4 together. I would like to spend between $3-3,500 used and I have narrowed my search to the final 4:

Levinson 334
Krell FPB 200
Rowland Model 10 ???
Pass X250

Which amp has the greatest transparency, best imaging, and will throw the deepest, widest soundstage? I know all will have sufficient bass and satisfying highs, so I am not concerned with those attributes.

I know there will be other suggestions besides these 4 amps mentioned here, but I am really concerned with narrowing these 4 down to 1 first!! Please do not respond with suggestions for other amps. Thanks for any help with this!!
platsolos

Showing 1 response by jmeyers

jmeyers's avatar
jmeyers
106 posts
 
Obviously, your ultimate decision has to factor in the speakers this amp will be driving and the cables employed between amp and speakers. I have had the opportunity to compare both driving B&W Nautilus 802s, and it was no contest--the Mark Levinson sounded very closed down and lifeless, whereas the Krell 200C was a perfect match.

I now own the 200C, and I use it to drive Dunlavy SC-IVs with Transparent Audio MusicWave Plus cables. Generally, I am pleased with this combination, but not so much so that I am not replacing the Dunlavy's with Revel Studios next week---and I am NOT replacing my Krell.
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