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Why Is Krell Not Considered Hifi?

No one seems to think that Krell sounds hifi, but just hifi price. They say it sounds hifi in that context that it doesn't sound real. I have to admit their products do have a metallic like cast to their tone, but aside from that I think that they are very smooth and detailed, far from the best in detail, like a CJ Premier preamp but they do make decent stuff. And just from looking at their products it makes you believe they sound as they look. Obviously its not true, but Krell makes decent stuff that has a good rep and is easy to resell (as long as its a current model, which is hard cuz they have so many new models) but its no way the sound of a Rotel or NAD that many people say.
tbonephile
tml2
234 posts
 
I spent about a half hour at a audio show in a Krell room.I was not impressed at all.Heard Audio Analouge room way better,Audio Aero with Proac way way better.It left me wondering what the hype was about.Easily one of the lesser sounding rooms at TIER show In Toronto.
gs455
1 posts
 
Tbonephile, I have thought this way as well. After selling Krell in the late 80's into the early 90's I could not understand the stigma that they received.No one has a complete line-up that is great all the way through,and can honestly say that I've never heard a horrible Krell.They do need a lot more attention to "match" than some companies,but when matched and used with thier devlopement brand of speakers most of them sound very musical and dynamic.I do enjoy my current set up of KSP-7B and KSA-150 and as a trumpet player,they sound very ,very good tonally.
krell1's avatar
krell1
250 posts
 
No, it might not be everybody's cup of tea. I have been buying and selling audio for about 20 years, and have owned tube and solid state high end equipment. I bought my first Krell amp about 7 years ago and got hooked on the impact, dynamics and control that it offered. From then on I assembled a KRC-HR,300S,MD-10,Studio DAC,B&W 801's, and PAD cables. This system I believe has a balance that I am not willing to part with. I have listened to new Krell equipment (and B&W's), and I do not care for it plus mine is paid for. I have converted and attracted many non- audiophile friends to wanting what they never thought was possible. All manufactuerers use certain equipment in the "voicing" of their equipment, and that is the type of synergy that should be persued. I also have heard that C.J. and CAT pre amps are great with Krell amps. I also feel that I can play any type of music on my system and it will closely portray what was intended and not robbing the energy. But remember, in the end you have to live with the system of your choice
khrys
446 posts
 
Clearly, Doctor Morbius was tone deaf.
kthomas
911 posts
 
Who knows? Maybe because they're bigger and more successful than many other hi-end companies - they advertise more and undoubtedly get to charge a premium for their products based on name. None of this is a crime, of course, but probably engenders some resentment. I've been very pleased with the Krell equipment I have (KAV-250, KAV-500, KRC-3). I've also been very impressed with Krell the company - the few issues I've had with their equipment have been handled wonderfully, some of the best customer service I've ever received. Finally, the one high-end shop here in STL that's worth going to carries it - maybe that doesn't say anything about Krell, the company, but I'm always amazed at some of the high-end lines that allow their dealers to be unworkable. It may be random and we here in STL who like Krell are just lucky, but I know I've given feedback to other companies who don't seem to mind that there's no way in heck I"m going to visit their local dealers' showrooms.
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