Krell KSA-100 MK2

[walpurgis]

Switch on last. Switch off first.

Yep. Anything that's going to make a 'crack' is avoided.

[Bigman80]

Thanks Andrew.

I don't profess to know anything about speakers matching amps etc, probably why I have such a scatter gun approach to things.

What it has done, is allow me to experience a fair bit of kit now and yes, the Krell was an itch that needed scratching.

Listening now [emoji1]


To be fair, driving monster speakers is usually an easy task for most amps. Driving something like Acoustic Energy AE1s is more like a difficult job for an amp.

Anyway, well done on getting the amp and satisfying the urge to own one.

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[Bigman80]

Report!!!

Contrary to popular opinion, the Krell has been on for around 3 hours now and I'm still sat here fully clothed, the ceiling is still steadily doing its thing, the carpet has no singe marks and I'm thoroughly enjoying the noise it's making.

One thing to note, the fans are very so slightly audible between tracks from my sitting position but it certainly isn't even close to the noise I've I've heard from buzzing Transformers on other kit.

The powerline adapters are no longer making noise through my speakers either.

So far so good.

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[hifi_dave]

Heat from a well designed Class-A is nowhere near as much as some like to pretend. I daresay the heat sinks in your Krell are pretty hot but they are well away from the very roomy casework and the fans assist cooling.

[Bigman80]

Heat from a well designed Class-A is nowhere near as much as some like to pretend. I daresay the heat sinks in your Krell are pretty hot but they are well away from the very roomy casework and the fans assist cooling.It's actually cooler than the Monarch SM-70. I suppose that's because it's not working as hard !

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[hifi_dave]

It works hard all the time because it's Class-A but the ample heatsinks, fan and roomy casework keep it relatively cool.

[Bigman80]

It works hard all the time because it's Class-A but the ample heatsinks, fan and roomy casework keep it relatively cool.I'm impressed so far, heat is no where near as excessive as feared.

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[mikeyb]

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis94fhb-monarchy-audio-se-100-deluxe-monobloc-amplifiers-solid-state

[Bigman80]

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis94fhb-monarchy-audio-se-100-deluxe-monobloc-amplifiers-solid-stateHaving a go on them Mikey?

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[walpurgis]

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis94fhb-monarchy-audio-se-100-deluxe-monobloc-amplifiers-solid-state

Nice, but wrong voltage and would probably cost about four hundred quid to ship over. :)

[struth]

Report!!!

Contrary to popular opinion, the Krell has been on for around 3 hours now and I'm still sat here fully clothed, the ceiling is still steadily doing its thing, the carpet has no singe marks and I'm thoroughly enjoying the noise it's making.

One thing to note, the fans are very so slightly audible between tracks from my sitting position but it certainly isn't even close to the noise I've I've heard from buzzing Transformers on other kit.

The powerline adapters are no longer making noise through my speakers either.

So far so good.

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My monos have fans. Ive always meant to slow them down a bit or fit quieter ones. Are your fans changeable

[Bigman80]

My monos have fans. Ive always meant to slow them down a bit or fit quieter ones. Are your fans changeableNot unless you want to take everything off the top of them. It could be done with some patience mind you.



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[sq225917]

struth you could stick a resistor in line with the fans to slow them down

[Bksabath]

struth you could stick a resistor in line with the fans to slow them down

may have one better
Thermistor pot and mossfet to make temperature controller can be done for £3.50

[Bksabath]

In theory Class A should get cooler the louder one play (I like to think) :D
I am making same PaPA amps whit forced cooling right now whit 280 W worth of idle current for each mono block

[struth]

Mine are pro Amps and have fans as the cases have no holes and were designed to sit in jukeboxes so fan noise wasn't a consideration. As I don't have mine on for long much I dare say I could cut the power cable. Even when left on they don't get warm

[Bigman80]

In theory Class A should get cooler the louder one play (I like to think) :D
I am making same PaPA amps whit forced cooling right now whit 280 W worth of idle current for each mono blockI love the fan cooling. Liquid cooled? That's where the money is [emoji23]

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[Bksabath]

I love the fan cooling. Liquid cooled? That's where the money is [emoji23]

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yes liquid nitrogen and CLC filters where the C is made whit ultra capacitors, The new Graphene Ones and the L is superconducting tube serves to carry the Nitrogen around
of course one will have to use CVD diamond in place of the Kerafool WTF may as well get the sinks in CVD diamond deposited over the superconducting tube inductors

I am working on it :D

https://www.skeletontech.com/ultracapacitor-technology


https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/122763-graphene-supercapacitors-are-20-times-as-powerful-can-be-made-with-a-dvd-burner

http://www.e6.com/en/home/materials+and+products/single+crystal+synthetic+diamond/cvd+synthetic+diamond
https://suptech.com/what_is_conductus_n.php

[Bigman80]

[emoji50]
yes liquid nitrogen and CLC filters where the C is made whit ultra capacitors, The new Graphene Ones and the L is superconducting tube serves to carry the Nitrogen around
of course one will have to use CVD diamond in place of the Kerafool WTF may as well get the sinks in CVD diamond deposited over the superconducting tube inductors

I am working on it :D

https://www.skeletontech.com/ultracapacitor-technology


https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/122763-graphene-supercapacitors-are-20-times-as-powerful-can-be-made-with-a-dvd-burner

http://www.e6.com/en/home/materials+and+products/single+crystal+synthetic+diamond/cvd+synthetic+diamond
https://suptech.com/what_is_conductus_n.php

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[Bksabath]

Well maybe in 10 years time …
By then they should have found a way to negatively dope the CVD diamond , only positive doping had same results so far
In the mean time Silicon carbide transistors are at the top of my shopping list
https://hometheaterreview.com/first-watt-sit-2-stereo-amplifier-reviewed/

[alphaGT]

Well maybe in 10 years time …
By then they should have found a way to negatively dope the CVD diamond , only positive doping had same results so far
In the mean time Silicon carbide transistors are at the top of my shopping list
https://hometheaterreview.com/first-watt-sit-2-stereo-amplifier-reviewed/

“Positive Doping”, always makes my rig sound better!

Russell

[Floyddroid]

All starting to sound complicated.

[hornucopia]

Bit late, but
alternative....
Hafler DH 200, or 220, which can be easily recapped/upgraded, and sound lovely.

[Barry]

Bit late, but
alternative....
Hafler DH 200, or 220, which can be easily recapped/upgraded, and sound lovely.

Agreed. David Hafler (of Dynaco fame) knew what he was doing. A bit of a sleeper.

[Bigman80]

Agreed. David Hafler (of Dynaco fame) knew what he was doing. A bit of a sleeper.Ken Rockwell has an opinion on these. Sure I read that ages ago. Seem to be pretty good.

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[walpurgis]

I've had a couple of the Hafler power amps. Nice enough, but not nice enough for me to want to keep.

[Bigman80]

You had a Krell Geoff?



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[Barry]

I've had a couple of the Hafler power amps. Nice enough, but not nice enough for me to want to keep.

I would hesitate to put these up against a Krell 'as is', but with a complete recap with modern capacitors, the comparison could be interesting. As I said, they are a bit of a sleeper so at the moment can be picked up for a reasonable sum. But that could all change.

[walpurgis]

You had a Krell Geoff?

Nope. :)

[Bigman80]

The Krell has been here for just under a month so I thought I'd offer a bit of opinion on it.*

First off, I think it's absolutely pertinent to declare my admiration for this unit. My opinion is going to be completely biased and i make no apologies for that.*

Sound Quality,

There's absolutely no telling me that this unit isn't top class. I don't know if I can overstate how pleased and impressed I am with what it does. It has the ability to present the music in such a natural way. Organic and life-like. It's effortless nature is addictive. Bass is solid, more than solid, deliberate with a grip that wouldn't be out of place in a vice.*

The top end is silky smooth, like that of the best valve amps I've heard. Cymbals can be delicate to levels I haven't experienced here before.

Vocals have surprised me too, the tone is fantastic. Natural realism. Very transparent will very little colouration that I can tell or care to even listen for.*

The resolution is excellent too. The best amp I'd heard do detail and resolution was the Luxman-Luxkit Avance but the Krell not only matches it but surpasses it with depth of soundstage. The image is massive with the singer appearing to be 5ft high and dead centre. The soundstage has pinpoint precision but doesn't deconstruct the music. It's very musical.

There are very very few downsides to this amp for me. It does throw some heat out but I've had 4-5hour listening sessions and never melted so it can't be that bad. The sheer size too, it won't go in a rack and it's too big and heavy to hide.*

From an enjoyment and musical point of view, this amp is an absolute joy to listen to and I love it.*

This amp will be with me for some considerable time.*

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[walpurgis]

From an enjoyment and musical point of view, this amp is an absolute joy to listen to and I love it.*

This amp will be with me for some considerable time.

All good then. :thumbsup:

Better put it in your signature :).

[Bigman80]

All good then. [emoji106]

Better put it in your signature :).Yes mate, I'm absolutely delighted. Next move is for a Ortofon Winfield just to put the final piece of the puzzle together.

That is if I still have employment in a few weeks lol

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[Firebottle]

I have now heard this fabulous amp in Oli's system. Everything he says is true.
To sum up the experience of this amp in one word is - effortless.

[Darrenw]

I have now heard this fabulous amp in Oli's system. Everything he says is true.
To sum up the experience of this amp in one word is - effortless.

Great news you like it Oli, after all the negativity on this thread you could easily have been persuaded not to come and listen. Just proves the point that you should only trust your own ears and try stuff where you can in your own system

Missing the krell but the cj350 is a couple of hundred more watts and rather lovely so there is an upgrade path (although hard to find) if you ever get bored of looking at the krell on the floor

Looks much nicer now you have cleaned and polished it up btw - great job

Cheers
Darren

[Bigman80]

Great news you like it Oli, after all the negativity on this thread you could easily have been persuaded not to come and listen. Just proves the point that you should only trust your own ears and try stuff where you can in your own system

Missing the krell but the cj350 is a couple of hundred more watts and rather lovely so there is an upgrade path (although hard to find) if you ever get bored of looking at the krell on the floor

Looks much nicer now you have cleaned and polished it up btw - great job

Cheers
DarrenHi Darren!

Good to see you on AoS.

My only regret is not asking for a listen to your Conrad Johnson 350 when I was fetching the Krell. I have to say, your JBL speakers made a lasting impression too. Wonderful things.

In all honesty, I don't need any extra watts but if I do, I'll pop round for a listen to the CJ350!! Though, it's unlikely I'll survive the wife if I spent that kind of money [emoji23]

You're welcome to pop in and visit the Krell mate, just awaiting the feet to arrive from China and I need to build some long enough cables to site it in its long term home.

The negativity was a surprise. Krell seem to be well thought of in the States yet here the response was rather cold. I completely agree that the only way to know is to get something and give it a go at home. Yes, you may go through a lot of gear but once you get the right piece it's very rewarding.

BTW Darren has a system that sounds incredible but looks stunning. Plenty of valves and fine finished woodworking. It's well deserving of some pictures in "the gallery" hint hint [emoji6]




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[Jimbo]

Hi Oli,

I thought I wouldn't comment until you have had some time with the Krell and it is great it has worked out for you after a whirlwind of amplification evaluation.:) I think the sound you describe is all the best attributes of classic Class A which is why it is often acknowledged as the way to go with power amplification. I read all the negative posts on this thread and it is typical of folk wanting to spout armchair audiophile theories.

The Krell amps were always up there back in the 80's along with Conrad Johnson and ARC although I ultimately preferred the big valve power amps then, today I am not so sure as I have heard some beautiful big powerful SS amps in particular those built by Sim Audio. Having huge reserves of effortless power makes for relaxing listening I feel but this is not always the case as I have also recently heard some amps that have all these qualities but sound too aggressive and fatiguing. So it is certainly a matter of choosing your weapon as it were.

When you have the Windfeld strapped in I will have to pop round and have a listen :lol:

[Bigman80]

Hi Oli,

I thought I wouldn't comment until you have had some time with the Krell and it is great it has worked out for you after a whirlwind of amplification evaluation.:) I think the sound you describe is all the best attributes of classic Class A which is why it is often acknowledged as the way to go with power amplification. I read all the negative posts on this thread and it is typical of folk wanting to spout armchair audiophile theories.

The Krell amps were always up there back in the 80's along with Conrad Johnson and ARC although I ultimately preferred the big valve power amps then, today I am not so sure as I have heard some beautiful big powerful SS amps in particular those built by Sim Audio. Having huge reserves of effortless power makes for relaxing listening I feel but this is not always the case as I have also recently heard some amps that have all these qualities but sound too aggressive and fatiguing. So it is certainly a matter of choosing your weapon as it were.

When you have the Windfeld strapped in I will have to pop round and have a listen [emoji38]Hi Jim,

I'll be the first to admit I've may have sometimes rushed to a judgement only to be found incorrect. Usually it's when something is good but then I start noticing problems.

With this, I was determined to wait until I had heard everything I was going to hear from it. Yesterday, it had Alan's Bel Canto DAC and Beresford Caiman through it too so I have given it all the tests it's going to get here. I'll make a note on the DACs in a day or two.

The truth is, the Krell is just ticks all of my boxes and as you said, I've chosen my weapon and it's here to stay.

It was a bit of a frantic amplifier assesment but sometimes you just "Know" when something lands. Like a boxer who lands that perfect hook, or the golfer who hits the sweet spot. You just know it's the one. The other amps are all completely capable and will make the new owners very happy. I say that with certainty because they are top quality but the Krell is a step out. It's the realism and natural presentation that does it. No amp ive had hits as hard, is as delicate or can produce nuance in the same way as the Krell or as well as.

You're welcome anytime mate. Just need some good news at work and for the Winfield to still be available [emoji6]


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[Jimbo]

As you know mate I trust your judgement on all things audio as I know you have golden ears so I don't doubt anything you have written. It was good to have a range of amps to do comparisons with as this helps determine where you want to go.

Realism is everything!

[Bigman80]

As you know mate I trust your judgement on all things audio as I know you have golden ears so I don't doubt anything you have written. It was good to have a range of amps to do comparisons with as this helps determine where you want to go.

Realism is everything!You don't need golden ears with this thing mate. It's very obvious how good it is.

On a side note I now have four new capacitors on the way to replace the 1000uf/16v bakelite(?) Caps Si suggested replacing. Alan had a quick look and noticed on with a domed top so they will be out soon.

It's also going to get a health check when thats done.

Alan can add "Krell" to the long list of gear he's taken apart [emoji1787]

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[walpurgis]

Alan can add "Krell" to the long list of gear he's taken apart [emoji1787]

I've taken a lot of gear apart..........but not necessarily got it back together! :D

[Bigman80]

I've taken a lot of gear apart..........but not necessarily got it back together! :D[emoji38]

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[Firebottle]

I've taken a lot of gear apart..........but not necessarily got it back together! :D

Ahh, that's the secret :D

[Pigmy Pony]

I've taken a lot of gear apart..........but not necessarily got it back together! :D

I heard that Geoff's electric toaster used to be a CD player until he 'repaired' it.

[Bigman80]

[emoji1787]
I heard that Geoff's electric toaster used to be a CD player until he 'repaired' it.

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[Bigman80]

Today's business

ROE capacitors being replaced with some rather nice Panasonic Capacitors. One of the ROE has domed so gonna change them all.

Obviously not ME but my Tame EE, Mr Firebottle. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181009/47824b4a4c3b2eea78925e3c03e86d8d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181009/1894b89b383df356a8479cd688d786ec.jpg

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[Yomanze]

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and there are many Krell owners on this thread, myself included in the past, so not just 'armchair audiophiles' or whatever...

In fairness, Oli was posting about the Krell KSA-100 MK1, which is a brute that draws around 800W from the wall IIRC. The MK2 uses a 'sliding bias' scheme, which means it only draws 100W from the wall in low power states, much more realistic. Also, his speakers are 95db, not 99db, which is a big difference.

What's important is that Oli is happy and has found an amp he loves, not whether people question matching issues, or 'overkill'. Ultimately you’ve just got to try for yourself, but it’d boring if everyone just said this and didn’t contribute.

[Bigman80]

It is a MK2 Yomanze. I forgot to get the title changed!!

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[Yomanze]

It is a MK2 Yomanze. I forgot to get the title changed!!

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That's wot I sed... :P :D

[Bigman80]

All finished!!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181009/8ec0fa3565230a51096e05c4c0c52ef0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181009/224c7eaf50eb96dfa17b2bbcacfae966.jpg

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[sq225917]

Nice caps the ROE's but those formica cases are crap. Olive Naim gear was literally stuffed with them.

[Bigman80]

Nice caps the ROE's but those formica cases are crap. Olive Naim gear was literally stuffed with them.I've used fairly cheap replacements Si, anything wrong with that? Should I have gone better?

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[Bigman80]

Restorative jobs now getting ticked off nicely!

The Krell has FEET!!!!!!

Got something rattling around the case though so presumably something has come adrift. I'll be inside later for a rummage around.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181011/77ba18daab6f114fd641c11574ab621d.jpg

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181011/2bc97653da482b32bae8fdc61e4cf732.jpg

[johnsteer]

Feet look good Oliver, i tried to get some for mine from Krell as mine look a bit crazed but they would not supply so decided to stick with old ones.Wouldn't mind sometime having a listen to your Krell and mine sometime to compare.

[RHW]

Just wanted to say that i've really enjoyed reading this thread Bigman80 and its great to see that you took the plunge in buying the amp and that it has been a big success. Im hopeful that the KSA 100 that I have just commited to will also be a pleasant experience like yours, although its not a mk 2. Im not actually sure what the difference is but I don't expect it will be much.

[Bigman80]

Feet look good Oliver, i tried to get some for mine from Krell as mine look a bit crazed but they would not supply so decided to stick with old ones.Wouldn't mind sometime having a listen to your Krell and mine sometime to compare.Hi John,

I'm pleased with how the feet turned out. Look like they belong there which is all I was after. I've note seen the original feet so I have no idea what they look like. Got to be honest, it's a pain to keep chucking it about [emoji23][emoji23]

Its just in need of a really good clean and it'll be done.

I am sure we can sort out a meet up, I know there's a MiBO 2019 in the works, in the Stoke area so maybe that could work?

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[Bigman80]

Hi Russell,

Thank you! It was a scary plunge. I spent over a £1k and didn't really have it spare. Luckily it all worked out!!

Post a link to your new Krell!!

I really hope it works out for you as well as it has here, if I can help in any way, just let me know. You're always welcome to bring it over and we can pop the lids and have a look at exactly what's different between the two. It does state somewhere here that the MK2 idles at less of a draw from the wall so there are some differences somewhere.

When do you get it?
Just wanted to say that i've really enjoyed reading this thread Bigman80 and its great to see that you took the plunge in buying the amp and that it has been a big success. Im hopeful that the KSA 100 that I have just commited to will also be a pleasant experience like yours, although its not a mk 2. Im not actually sure what the difference is but I don't expect it will be much.

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[RHW]

Hi Russell,

Thank you! It was a scary plunge. I spent over a £1k and didn't really have it spare. Luckily it all worked out!!

Post a link to your new Krell!!

I really hope it works out for you as well as it has here, if I can help in any way, just let me know. You're always welcome to bring it over and we can pop the lids and have a look at exactly what's different between the two. It does state somewhere here that the MK2 idles at less of a draw from the wall so there are some differences somewhere.

When do you get it?

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Hi yes I bought from a chap in Stoke on Trent and will collect it next weekend. I am really looking forward to trying it, my last Krell was a KSA 50 back in 1984! I have some Martin Logan ELS X and will feed it with a Meridian Sooloos system streaming Tidal. My current amp is a Bryston which I have owned since new, 20 years and it’s just out of its warranty next month! That would be great to meet up and compare amps. This one has had some caps replaced, I’m not sure if they were all changed. I’m going to get some granite slab cut to size for both amps, I need to find the dimensions but can’t find them on line, do you happen to know the overall width and depth? I’ll put a slab under each amp on sorbothane feet as the floor is made of timber. Just love a project, especially where Hifi is concerned��

[Bigman80]

I have a PDF version of the manual. If you want a copy, PM your email address and I'll send it over.

A meet up to compare amps is right up my street. I'm definitely up for that!

[Bigman80]

A few days back, Alan and I fitted some replacement Panasonic capacitors for the old ROE 1000uf/16v ones.

I've been listening and I'm 100% convinced that it's changed the sound. The HF definitely appear to be more apparent than previously. This got me thinking, those capacitors were just, cheap caps to replace some old ones. What difference would some really good capacitors make.

I had to find out. So, I've ordered some Capacitors that, according to research, are the closest things the Black Gate capacitors.

It's cost £36 for four and I have no idea if it's going to make a blind bit of difference. However, the Krell DESERVES the best so when they arrive, the Krell will be upgraded!!

Oh, what caps are they? Audio note Keisei.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181017/a52e9ac863e740bcf34955dbe54c3c1c.jpg

[RHW]

Great idea, wheee are you buying from ?

[Bigman80]

I'm not sure if it is yet lol. We'll have to see when it's done!

Only place I found them in the UK was Hificollective. I didn't look very hard so there may be other stockists.

Got yours yet?

Great idea, wheee are you buying from ?

[sq225917]

I tend to judge caps by the specs, those old roes will have been high on esr so if in the signal path acting like a filter. Its gets warm in there so I'd have gone for 105 degree caps, probably fm or fc from Panasonic. When I redid my 200 and 7b pre I used fc everywhere. Made no difference in the pre, big difference in the 200.

Are those caps I the new AN caps with the powdered graphite filler? If so they should like the BGs, they've been trying to make them for years.

[Bigman80]

I tend to judge caps by the specs, those old roes will have been high on esr so if in the signal path acting like a filter. Its gets warm in there so I'd have gone for 105 degree caps, probably fm or fc from Panasonic. When I redid my 200 and 7b pre I used fc everywhere. Made no difference in the pre, big difference in the 200.

Are those caps I the new AN caps with the powdered graphite filler? If so they should like the BGs, they've been trying to make them for years.They haven't managed to replicate the Black Gate. They are still working on it.

Here's the gumf

"The Audio Note[emoji769] KAISEI range have been developed over the past 4 years with the engineering team at Rubycon (of Black Gate fame). They are based on the same materials with the only difference being the paper used is not impregnated with graphite particles. Otherwise the KAISEI capacitors use the same special electrolyte.
These Black Gate replacements are incredibly close in performance to the highly regarded WKz range. There aren`t any other capacitors that come close. Audio Note`s higher Level Three products, the Silver and Silver Signature models will have the KAISEI electrolytic capacitors in the power supply.

The same foil and paper and construction quality as will be found in the forthcoming Audio Note[emoji769] Black Gate replacements which should start coming through in the near future."

Not sure why they can't manage to replicate them But i would suggest after 4 years of trying they must be getting nearer.

I didn't find any information on the heat tolerance. The Panasonic caps I bought were 105c rated but that information doesn't appear to be available for the Kaisei.. I've presumed they must all be 105C....could be a costly presumsion.

[sq225917]

if in doubt they're 85's

[Bigman80]

if in doubt they're 85'sThat's should be sufficient. It doesn't get THAT hot in there. I may measure it if I can find a way.

[Yomanze]

I think the difficulty is getting the graphite impregnated paper right, which incidentally is what really makes a Black Gate a Black Gate.

[Bigman80]

I think the difficulty is getting the graphite impregnated paper right, which incidentally is what really makes a Black Gate a Black Gate.That does appear to be the bugbear. Hopefully they get it right.

[Bigman80]

85chttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/173ec0acaa5486ad93265aadbb6274e4.jpg

[Bigman80]

Today's little task was to remove the recently installed Panasonic caps and replace them with something of sufficient quality. Enter the AN Kaisei caps.

The initial impression upon a quick listen is that resolution has improved massively and the natural sound that had been slightly lost is back with a vengeance!!! I'll give them a week and then listen critically but I already know it's an improvement.

£36 for four. BARGAIN!!

A few pics:https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/0b6fce9777535b448bf294caa43aeee5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/dfd26b4e26e05d3e7fb6eefbc36e6a99.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/8e1d88c9e60f51d1a20e8ffa56dfd9ef.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/440b8fbbc351312445963c0372259915.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/c96f6ddb22cac6abd67f36ad493b3535.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/afe7c780bfbc6b59141c53db78bc0e1d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/8b75ea00a1a3951c6fe0bb5f11f54c46.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/948140db3633c388d635ae286e63e4ac.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181018/fba684c5f9baf33babb583a6149da758.jpg

[Ali Tait]

Is there a screw missing from one of those crimped terminals?

[Bigman80]

No mate, I took the pic just before I'd put it back.

Everything is present and correct.
Is there a screw missing from one of those crimped terminals?

[Ali Tait]

Good stuff.

[Jozua]

OLi


The AN Kaisei caps for the Krell Ksa is an option I love to try !! That is if i can source them !

I think it was divine intervention that stopped you from fitting Black Gates. I tried it and the midrange and tops were very nice with the BG NFX caps but you loose bass tightness.

Another safe option would have been Nichicon Fine Gold.

Take care.

Jozua

[Bigman80]

OLi


The AN Kaisei caps for the Krell Ksa is an option I love to try !! That is if i can source them !

I think it was divine intervention that stopped you from fitting Black Gates. I tried it and the midrange and tops were very nice with the BG NFX caps but you loose bass tightness.

Another safe option would have been Nichicon Fine Gold.

Take care.

JozuaHi Jozua,

Yes, the AN Kaisei have been a revelation.

I wanted black gate but obviously they aren't available for a price I was willing to pay.

I got them from Hificollective. I don't know if they ship to SA?

Could always have a look!

[sq225917]

Looking good. Time to strip it and clean every pcb and part, you'll be amazed at the crap that comes off.

[Bigman80]

Looking good. Time to strip it and clean every pcb and part, you'll be amazed at the crap that comes off.Cheers! [emoji4]

I haven't got the confidence to do that just yet mate. If I did, I'd probably put some fancy fans in while I was at it.

[Firebottle]

What something like this:

https://www.delmarfans.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/5/f502-bcw_l_1.jpg

[Bigman80]

What something like this:

https://www.delmarfans.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/5/f502-bcw_l_1.jpg

Sweet Christmas, they are vulgar lol

[Jozua]

Cheers! [emoji4]

I haven't got the confidence to do that just yet mate. If I did, I'd probably put some fancy fans in while I was at it.

Replacing the fans is critical - but finding the right speed PAPST fan's is tricky. When they die, they die fast and you will only know about it when it is too late. I would replace the main caps as well- by now they well past their safe lifespan.

[Bigman80]

Replacing the fans is critical - but finding the right speed PAPST fan's is tricky. When they die, they die fast and you will only know about it when it is too late. I would replace the main caps as well- by now they well past their safe lifespan.

Well, that's what i thought too, trouble is the other caps i replaced, that one would 'expect' to be out of spec by now, were still perfect!! Build quality on this is utterly ridiculous so i am not too worried at the minute.

I have also been instructed that it would be obvious if the main 40000uf capacitors needed changing. It isn't obvious so i will leave them as long as possible.

[diceman]

Nice read ;-)
I bought a Krell KSA-50 Mk1 around 10 years ago and it's still here despite it trying to BBQ 2 pairs of speakers when the OP transistors went short-circuit!

With the right speakers it really is a top class amp but with the wrong speakers it can sound quite lethargic and boring. Strangely I found it didn't suit Apogees well! Works wonders with NS1000M where the lack of harshness & grain is really noticeable.

I had mine repaired and a minor refurb by Henry Dulat? who fitted some Elna caps in the position you have the ANs, big improvement.

[Bigman80]

Nice read ;-)
I bought a Krell KSA-50 Mk1 around 10 years ago and it's still here despite it trying to BBQ 2 pairs of speakers when the OP transistors went short-circuit!

With the right speakers it really is a top class amp but with the wrong speakers it can sound quite lethargic and boring. Strangely I found it didn't suit Apogees well! Works wonders with NS1000M where the lack of harshness & grain is really noticeable.

I had mine repaired and a minor refurb by Henry Dulat? who fitted some Elna caps in the position you have the ANs, big improvement.Cheers!

Yes, the cap replacement was not a subtle improvement in the end. It made a very significant difference. I was chatting with Jozua yesterday and he suggested a replacement of the OP caps too so I think I need to consider that too

The next upgrade for me will be replacing the wiring in the signal path. I don't know what they used but it doesn't inspire me with confidence. Also, I like cables [emoji23][emoji23]

[alphaGT]

I haven’t been on in a while, and have enjoyed reading up on this thread. Your review of the sound and why you love it so much, I have to concur with everything you’ve said, about my Krell. Mine is I’m sure some difference, it’s a 300, but has that sliding bias design. So, it starts as a 100 watt amp, and only has 3 plateaus, so I’ve really got to be cranking to shift into 2nd! I’ve monitored it with my laser thermometer pistol, and mine runs 90 to 105 degrees F. So that’s not half of 105 C is it?

I’ve been around stereo since I was 13, and had 5 or 6 full systems in my days. And once I put the Krell in, it’s like all the other amps I’ve ever used were just toys. It is truly a high end piece of equipment. I was hesitant to spend so much on a used, and possibly 15 year old amp. I agonized over the purchase for weeks! But, I finally talked myself into pulling the trigger and spending the money. And now, the money seems so very unimportant. I have rarely been as pleased with any purchase.

So it’s nice to read that someone else feels the same way, it’s not just hype, these amps really are something special.

Russell

[Jozua]

I had the Ksa200s at one stage. Very clean and somewhat clinical to my ears. The KSA300s was the best of the sliding bias series.

With the bias led's one could see how even soft music sometimes causes a massive spikes in the bias indicators.

It made me wonder how the typical low powered amplifiers cope under dynamic load ?

[alphaGT]

My amp is the FPB-300, which I believe stands for, “Fecking Peanut Butter”, but I’m not sure.

Russell

[Bigman80]

My amp is the FPB-300, which I believe stands for, “Fecking Peanut Butter”, but I’m not sure.

Russell[emoji23][emoji23]