I am auditioning this integrated now, and I wouldn't characterize it as cold sounding at all. Typical modern day Krell if you ask me. Powerful, honest, big, and in regards to this particular piece a tremendous value.
It is however a typical solid state piece of equipment, and doesn't really have a dynamic personality as far as emotional depth and warmth. If I were going to knock it I would say slightly sterile, but a lot of SS could be described that way.
I personally think this thing is a nice piece, could easily be a $5000 integrated, and I think Krell knows this but....They strategically take a loss on this piece to own this segment (which they do) and to give the everyday apartment dweller a taste of their sound.
It is however a typical solid state piece of equipment, and doesn't really have a dynamic personality as far as emotional depth and warmth. If I were going to knock it I would say slightly sterile, but a lot of SS could be described that way.
I personally think this thing is a nice piece, could easily be a $5000 integrated, and I think Krell knows this but....They strategically take a loss on this piece to own this segment (which they do) and to give the everyday apartment dweller a taste of their sound.