Krell primer?


I was hoping some folks could give me a primer on Krell amps. I’m in perpetual upgrade planning mode and have seen a number of Krell amps coming through A-Gon. I thought I’d ask for opinions. It seems that the FPB and KSA lines, which I gather are at least ten years old, are relatively reasonable in price and seem well respected. Can anyone comment on their sound? How much heat do they throw? Are there any ongoing maintenance issues with the older amps? I understand Krell still services their older gear, much the way McIntosh does.

Any comments would be useful. Thanks!
grimace
I currently own and love my Krell FPB 300-C. I upgraded from the FPB 200. Obviously the C and CX versions are the newer/newest versions of the FPB Series. That being said, I never had a hick-up, concern or any issues with the FPB 200 (before upgrading). My FPB 300-C has performed equally as reliably. I have owned other Krell equipment as well (preamps) and only once had a problem with one much older preamp a while back.

I do make a point to contact Krell, sometimes even speaking with Dan D. directly. They are always happy to answer any questions and even make suggestions. My local Krell dealer is terrific (shout out to Larry at Paragon in Ann Harbor). Other than with one Preamp, my calls to Krell have always been unrelated to problems (as referenced above, never had problems with an amp of theirs).

For the sound? I love the FPB Series. I have also listened to the KAV Series and there is no comparison, FPB is MUCH better. Only thing I would say is that if you are buying an amp that is more than 15 years old, I would inquiry about what parts have already been replaced. It should be at least 15 years before any parts normally need to be replaced in a Krell amp.
I currently own a KSA 100MKII and 2 KSA 250 amplifiers which are in pristine condition (2nd owner).Preamp is a KRC-2. Only issue I've had was the baby 100 popped/shut down shortly after turn on 10yrs ago. Living in PA. made it possible to drive to Krell in Conn.,in which I received the full tour!! Kudos HAVE to go to DAN D. for having an extremely NICE and PROFFESIONAL staff!! A capacitor in the protective turn on circuit went bad,$128.00 repair. Went bad due to age/not run on a dedicated line. I STRONGLY URGE installing dedicated lines for your equiptment especially if considering a Krell amp. Yes they are older but I still love their sound. Electric bill isn't too bad for the price of happiness and they do run HOT but, built to stand the test of time!!! Good Luck !!!
I have had the FPB-450mcx amps for 3 yrs now and love them. the heat will grow as the volume is increased. One of the amps needed to be returned for repairs because it would over heat and shut down on it's own. It works perfect now.
I have a pair of KMA 400,s contacted Krell service. they quoted $1000 U.S for service.My problem is I,m in Australia and the freight scares me. Does anyone know of a trustworthy Australian tech that does old Krells up.