KRELL Showcase Amplifier and Processor - Experience?

[smjc99]

Does anyone have any opinions on Krell Showcase Amplifer ( 125 times 5 ) and Showcase Processor ?

I think krell Amp's are very good at delivering tight Bass but was wondering how musical they are and if they are warm, bright or neutral sounding

Thanks

[Audiophiliac]

It really depends on your deifinition of "bright" or "neutral". I feel that Krell has always been more on the "neutral" side of things. Their claim to fame, so to speak, has been their natural, deep, "quick", and powerful bass abilities. I find them...."crisp" and "clear" and "precise". Of course, its hard to try and explain that in a way that others would understand.

Borrow one and listen.

[smjc99]

Thanks Audiophiliac

I meant bright implying fatigue sounding at high volumes especially when the recording is good to listen at moderate volumes

[worldys]

i ran my b&w nautilus home theater with an HTS 5.1 mkii and a showcase amp, was happy with the match, i thought the showcase processor wasn't as crisp or refined as the hts and since i didn't need a 7 channel processor, i went with the hts

i am now using a classe ssp75 and cav75, it doesn't have as much power but at low to moderate volumes, i think the classe gear is more nuanced

[misterdoggy]

The showcase amps are great entry level krell. what speakers are you running them with ?

I have krell amps, but found mixing them with mark levinson preamps a nice combo

[smjc99]

Me and my cousing audtioned Krell Amp's with the new Sonus Faber Grand Paino Domus speakers

Krell Showcase is 125 times 5 but I think they have high current and hoping it is plenty for 90DB SF Domus

[Aussie Geoff]

Hi,

I'm moving this to the Audio Hideout since it has nothing specific to do with B&W and you will get a widr range of opinions there...

Geoff

[grit]

I'd reconsider the Showcase amp... 125 x5 doesnt seem like it would be enough power to satisfy for a long period of time. For me, when I spend that sum of money on a showcase amp, I expect it to be around until there's something revolutionary in amps. I'd aim for 200+ watts.

[Aussie Geoff]

Grit,

I agree with you... Now the Krell Theatre Standard (a nice 200-250W a channel) that's a nice amp

Scarey the effects it can create...

Geoff

[smjc99]

Grit and Aussie,
if I get Krell theater Standard Amp can I match it with Krell Showcase Processor?


Not sure if I have to upgarde To theater processor, I rather not if Showcase processor is good enough.

[kurtholz]

i use a showcase processor with home theater standard amp with my B & W 802d's, also a KAV 3250 for rear surrounds and rear center,

incredible sound, you can't do better i think, though the arcam dv29 dvd/cd player di bring out a lot more in those formats, have a sony 9000 sacd coming, will let you know how that goes

good luck

Kurt

[Aussie Geoff]

SMJ,

The two work well together... The Theatre Standard Amp looks very serious and sounds... Well scary... One of my favourite HT amps...

Geoff

[grit]

Grit and Aussie,
if I get Krell theater Standard Amp can I match it with Krell Showcase Processor?


Not sure if I have to upgarde To theater processor, I rather not if Showcase processor is good enough.

Absolutely! No problem there whatsoever.

[JimmyNeutron]

I have the SHowcase and absolutely love it - best pre I've had the pleasure of owning. The difference between the Showcase and the 7.1 is two-fold. 1: the 7.1 and the Showcase are identical except for the analog section - it's quieter on the 7.1 (if the Shaocase is any indication then you just won't need anything any quieter). 2: the 7.1 is modular. There's a big price jump from the Showcase to the 7.1 just for a quieter analog section that most no one will use anyway.

[coxhaus]

I own the Krell Showcase 5 amp. It is a very nice little amp with lots of current. It will drive almost any small speaker. I use the Krell HTS 5.1 with it. It is the older processor but I bought used and saved a lot. It has almost everything you need for movies. I only use it for movies. I have a separate 2 channel system on the other end of my house. I first used the Krell system with B&W speakers and then switched to Revel speakers. I bought the following Revel speakers M20x4, B15x2, and C30 for center channel. I like the combination for movies but not 2 channel. The subs and system are tuned for movies not music. In my opinion you have to make to many compromises for both.