Dynamics, soundstage and life like imaging.

I just can't find any at this time.

I previously reviewed this product (see below) but now after having for some time WOW. It's everything that I hoped it to be in both HT and stereo. It has a dsp mode PARTY that is equiviant to 5 channel stereo that just knocks your socks off. The detailing and images that this unit produces is spectacular in every dimension. I had an opportunity to purchase this unit for $4000 dollars and It is worth every penny.

Similar Products Used:

Dynamics, soundstage and life like imaging.
Weaknesses: I just can't find any at this time.
Cal Lab 2500, Proceed AVP Yamaha dsp-A1, demo Lexicon Mc1,

Excellent Build Quality, Sounds Nearly Close To Perfect, Broadcast Grade Video Switching, Good Manual, Ease Of Navigation Through Menus, Closeout Price!

No Sub in Stereo Mode (See below), No Volume Knob, Weak Remote Transmission Through Glass in Audio Rack. Sound is close to Krell Pre-Amp, but missing ~5%.

Where to begin?

As with any Krell product, the box is built well - as it should be with a retail price of $6000. The only reason I moved from my Rotel RSP980 to the Krell HTS was the major price break I received - Krell is/was closing out the HTS, and I picked one up brand new for $4000. 35% off brand new Krell? Yea, baby! ;-)

Was it worth it? Absolutely. I was considering using a KRC-3 with the "theatre pass-through" but knew I would miss all the control that the HTS would give me - plus I'd have to grab a Rotel DTS decoder to compliment the Rotel DD decoder I already had.

Video: Video is top notch. I cannot notice any noise or problems with the picture comparing a direct connection to my TV vs. going through the Krell. I also believe Krell is in the midst of getting the Video ISF certified. They're serious about the video stuff!

Audio: Audio is superb. Once again, we are dealing with a Krell product. Before purchase, however, I was concerned - I knew that the Krell had to process everything in the digital domain before it would go to my KAV-250a/3, so I really wanted to bring it home and check it out for myself. No problems - I personally did not hear any degradation in the signal. Having the balanced in/outs is very nice. I would say the sound is about 95% of a regular Krell pre-amp. Not bad at all for a box with such complex circuitry! Play with the internal DAC's and your own - I have a C/J DAC and Transport, and as of right now, like the C/J sound better, but I've also had the C/J for a couple of years. As you all know, it's personal preference.

Home-Theatre: The decoding is awesome - it's the best I've heard. Sharp, fast, detailed - it's all there. Krell will be allowing current owners to upgrade to the next standard (7.1?), but I'll pass on that for now. DTS does sound better to my ears, but Dolby Digital is not far behind. Regardless, the decoding is top-notch - as it should be. You can set which mode you want the HTS to default to when you select a particular input (Theatre, Stereo, None, etc.) which is a nice touch. You can also configure which amplifiers to turn on (using the 12V triggers on the back panel) in certain modes which is also pretty neat.

Back Panel: Well designed, labeled well, sturdy. Be aware that the HTS is a big box - it's newer cousin is smaller, but also carries a bigger price tag. From what I was told, the new HTS includes a "analog pass-through" and a smaller remote. For $2.5k extra, no thanks! Especially with a smaller remote!

Manual: I really liked the manual. It explained things in a good manner and allowed me to get the HTS all setup in about 15-20 minutes, including calibration of the speaker levels.

Stuff I don't like: Well, many have mentioned the bad things here, and I'll mention any work-arounds I did. First, as others have said, the sub cannot work in Stereo mode. My work-around with this was to use the RCA out's on the Left/Right front channels. Since I use the Balanced (XLR) Outputs, the RCA's were available and the sub now utilizes them. Granted I use the sub's internal crossover, but that's fine with me. Also, the 2 second pause is annoying, but tolerable. When it's time for a new DVD Player, I'll just be sure to find one that doesn't interrupt the stream when paused or FF'd, etc. Remote is OK- admittedly, if it was a choice between better components in the unit and a non-universal remote vs. cheaper components and a universal remote, I'd take the better electronics :-) Heck, for the price you paid for this, go buy yourself a Phillips Pronto in a couple of months!

I'll report back after a few weeks of listening and playing and give another review.

I think the $6k retail price tag is steep, to be honest. I think the Krell is a great value at the $4k price I paid, however. I'd give 4 stars with a $6k price tag and 5 for the $4k price. Musically, I really can't find any major faults - for a Home Theatre piece this is VERY impressive. Nice work Krell!

Similar Products Used:

Rotel RSP980 (owned), Denon AVR-4800 (played with in store and listened to)

Quality, Support, Sound

expensive

I have had a few preamps, I could never find one that totally satified me, The classe ssp 25 is the closest I found to be good enough musicly, the Lex Mc1 was very overated and disapointing, I took a chance and bought the Krell and have finaly found the answer, in music and home theater both it is in a class buy itself, I am 53 years old and have been at this for 20 years, this preamp is simply the best I have heard, also the Krell customer support is excellent, if you are constantly trying to find that special preamp, give this a try.my system consist of Krell hts pre, ead powermaster 2000 amp, Aerial 8,cc3,sr3 speakers,MK mx 200 sub, and Harmonic truth balanced interconnects

Similar Products Used:

Lex mc1, classe ssp 25, ead ovation

State of the art, very solid construction, great support, very flexible source assignments.

the remote to this absolutely sucks as it will not work with anything except Krell components. VERY dissapointed Also only has 2 Toslink inputs, should have 3 minumum.

I really like this preamp, like any other krell product, it is incredible, but not perfect. I wondered about not having any bass/mid/treble control, but I found that it doesnt need it whatsoever. I like the flexibility of assigning any source to any input on the rear fascia, I like the mulitple 12vdc outputs, very flexible. I really like being able to set gain for each device, it has XLR for CD not to mention db25 for connecting to the KAV-1500 amp.

I dont like not having 3+ toslink inputs ( only has 2), and having a monitor to access the menu. I would also like a choice of font size and the capability of turning off the OSD altogether (I know, nit picky) it also doesnt have a port for a tuner or a phono stage.

Overall very good for HT.

Similar Products Used:

Sunfire TGI/II, Lexicon DC-2