[jimmyp58]

After countless hours of trying to pinpoint why my speakers that are connected to my 1095 hum like a freight train, I've decided to take the plunge and really upgrade my multi-channel amp.  I've narrowed my choice to either the Classe' CAV-500 or the Krell TAS.  I currently use a Bryston 14B SST to power my front/main speakers (Def Tech BP7000SC) and have no plans to replace this.  (Note --- I finally got two ht guys that carry Rotel admit there is an internal grounding plane flaw with the 1095 that causes the hum and not necessarily a ground loop problem with my system).

So folks, which one?  They both cost the same, both weigh > 100 lbs., same size, both highly reputable, etc.  The Classe' is 250W X 5 into 8 ohms whereas the Krell TAS is 200W X 5 into 8 ohms --- I don't know if this mere 50W difference means much.  My Rotel RMB-1095 is 200W X 5 into 8 ohms but I have heard from countless folks that you cannot compare their 200W rating with either the Classe' or Krell.  I have heard a lot about Krell --- almost all positive other than their pricetags but what about Classe'?  I know it comes from a reputable manufacturer but not a lot of folks carry this line (not that a lot of folks carry the Krell lines either).

Both of the HT reps have been very helpful (different dealers) and both are going to give me the same amount for trade-in of my 1095.

What's a guy with a few bucks to blow to do?  I am sure that I would not go wrong with either but I am hoping someone can advise based on experiences with both.

Thanks...

Jim

[flintstone]

If your going to keep your Bryston then I would think you could save some money by picking up a good 3 channel amp on Audiogon. You can also cut down on the level of power for the center and rears, it's a waste of money IMO.

I have a Krell KSA-250 on my fronts (2,000 watts@1 ohm) and a much smaller Krell KAV-500 3 channel amp (240 watts@4 ohm) on my center and rears. In your case..you even have subs, this is another reason you don't need as much power.

The difference in output between 150 watt amp and 300 watt amp is 3 db, as long as the 150 watt amp can supply all the current needed by these speakers (mine sure can), then your good to go and will hear no difference.

Dave

[jimmyp58]

Thanks for the reply Dave.  I do need a 5-channel amp so I can't get a 3-channel.  I see your point about the wattage difference so I won't worry too much about it.  I guess the question I have for you is, when you opted for your Krells, did you consider a Classe' setup?  If so, why did you opt for the Krell?

I suppose that instead of getting the Krell TAS, I could listen and consider the KAV Standard which would save me ~ $3,000 MSRP.  Did you audition the TAS before deciding on the setup you have?

Well, thanks again for the reply.

Jim

[flintstone]

Hi Jim

My system started as a two channel system  with the Krell KSA-250 in place. The Krell KAV-500 was the best match for me to go with, the blend is seemless with multichannel movies and hi-res music.

I started with high quality two channel system in one room and Med. quality hometheater system in another room. I now have gone to one (I think anyway) high quality multichannel Movie/Music system with a projector so as not to have to place my large RPTV between my speakers.

You may want to check out some of the used Aragon amps also, I would think these would blend well with your Bryston.

Dave

[zybar]

I would get a Sherbourn 5 Channel amp:

http://www.sherbourn.com/products/5_5210.php

I compared the Sherbourn amps to other much more expensive amps and found it more than held its own.

Best of luck.

GW

[michael w]

flintsone wrote
The difference in output between 150 watt amp and 300 watt amp is 3 db, as long as the 150 watt amp can supply all the current needed by these speakers (mine sure can), then your good to go and will hear no difference.

A gross oversimplification.

 

There can be plenty of audible differences between a 150w amp and a 300w one.

You need look no further than the Krell poweramps past and present for evidence...the KAS series, FPB's, FPB CX's.

Control, dynamics, transparency all improve as you up the power.


cheerio


PS...jimmy...get a home demo of both Classe and Krell, that's the only way to be sure which is best for you.

[flintstone]

No need to make it complicated michael, he has a Bryston amp for his mains. My advice in the context it was given holds true for all but the most demanding systems in very large rooms.

The power thing with amps is sometimes a lot of hype, if the amp can supply enough current to do the job and blend well with the other amps in use...then it will work great in (HIS) or other (MY) systems.

Agree that home Demo is best.

Regards, Dave

[jimmyp58]

Thanks for the responses fellas.  One other amp just entered the mix today, the Chord SPM 1900.  Anyone have familiarity with this amp?  It has less rated power than either the Classe' CAV-500 or Krell TAS but it really sounded wonderful in the studio.  I want to demo it in my own home though before I make a decision.

Thanks


Jim

[jimmyp58]

A final update.  I am moments away from making my selection to replace this amp.  Barring any unforeseen obstacles, I will place my pre-order tomorrow for the brand-spanking new Anthem, Statement P5 multi-channel amp.  Talk about a beaut!!!  325W X 5, 150 lbs, 2 power cords, needs two dedicated/isolated 20 amp circuits, has circuit breakers vs. fuses....awesome.  I am glad I held off for a few days on this.  Not that I would have regretted going with a Krell or Classe' but this amp, coupled with my Bryston 14B SST for my fronts, will give me an absolutely incredible soundstage.

Thanks again for all the replies!

Jim