I bought one. For the price its the best solid state amp I've heard. But always audition new audio gear in your own system before buying - or else you'll never quite know how a product will sound when you get it home.

Once again, Krell serves up amazing performance in a low price package. Bass is excellent!

I was looking for an under $3K pre-power amp combo and stumbled on the Krell Kav300i. I auditioned more than 10 integrated amps and pre/power combos in my home. Nothing came close to the Krell. It excells at everything but it's timing and rythem is what sold me on it. It plays music as well as any amp I've heard under $5K.

I think that this time, I am going to describe this one as brief as I can.
Over the last week or week-and-a-half, I have been seeing a lot of reviews of the Krell KAV-300i, so naturally, curiosity had to set in at some point. Last night, I finally had a chance to seriously listen to Krell KAV-300i integrated amplifier. I had to see what all the buzz was all about. After a hour-and-a-half of serious listening, I finally found out myself why my fellow listeners, audiophiles, and "Stereophile" rate this amplifier so highly.

Comparing the KAV-300i to my prospective preamp/power amp combination (the McCormack TLC-1 Preamplifier and the Power Drive DNA-0.5 Power Amplifier), the KAV-300i exhibits a top-end that is airy, extended, and sweet sounding without sounding too edgy, the midrange was all so neutral and transparent and just plain natural sounding, and the bass response was extended and tight and compared to the TLC-1/DNA-0.5 combination, more slam. When it comes to soundstage presentation, the KAV-300i has depth, resolution, and transparency in spades (I would go as far to say that it has a tad more dimensionality than the McCormacks). I would say that the KAV-300i has a tad more depth than the McCormacks, but it would be ranked ditto in the areas resolution and transparency. As far as flaws are concerned, the only flaws I could find is that on some recordings, the KAV-300i tends to make percussions sound slightly subdued, and in the upper midrange, the transients sounded rolled-off sometimes. Other than that, I would rate the Krell KAV-300i a first-rate amplifier. I would at the moment, rate it over the McCormacks (but only by a slight margin). The Krell has admittedly edged out the McCormacks in a couple of areas, but in complete fairness, it was also equalled by the McCormacks in others. Right now, the jury is still out in the sense that the McCormacks will be acquired in their standard versions now, only to be upgraded to deluxe versions later on. I then would like to listen to the Krell KAV-300i again, to see how these two amplification systems would compare to one another. I guess that in the end, it will come down to preference. I prefer to take the separates route and will purchase the McCormacks, but I will say that if your're looking for a high perfomance amplifier and want it in a very efficient space saving chassis, I would recommend highly that you audition the KAV-300i. Believe me, you won't be disappointed. I will conclude, only to say that the KAV-300i is one hot amplifier. If it were a such giving a product more stars than the ratings would suggest (i.e. six stars out of five), then I would give it to this Krell.

Five Stars!!! (without reservation).

Suggested retail price: Approximately $2,500.00.

I must say I was very impessed with this product. Bass is very good on my Boston VR-40s. I bought one. Good job Krell!

The Krell must be the bargain of the year!!! Two months ago, it retailed in Australia for $5000, now.. it sells for $3600!!! What happened?? I don't know, but the amp is a hell of a machine for the price.
I loved the bass quality of the amp, my Mission 753 needed a gutsy amp to drive it well, with 150 watts to spare, I felt as if my room was going to blow. Nonetheless, I cranked the volume up, and dreamed peacefully into the music. Imaging is superb, I could pick up every little detail that could possibly come out of my speakers. Tonal quality is sweet, bright at times. Bass is the best component of the amp, my Missions lacked bass when I partnered it with a Copland CS14, or the Mission Pre/Power combo. Even I tried the Myriad Integrated/Biamped, nothing could sound as good as this single integrated amp.
Overall, with this amp, you get a taste of Hi-end sound without the high-end price... Could be well named: "Bargain of the Year"<|>N

Clarity,Neutrality,Bass Response

None

This is an excellent amp for the price. It faithfully reproduces the source material you use. A well recorded CD will shine and vica versa for a badly recorded one. It reveals all aspects of the recording and is unforgiving of poor quality material. I listen to mostly classical solo piano and the notes are reproduced with absolute accuracy.

Associated equipment
Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rods
Arcam FMJ-23 CD Player
Synergistic Research Interconnects

Just an addendum about hi-fi shopping in the Big Apple. Dave at Sound by Singer was very cooperative in moving equipment in and out of the system for comparisons and really worked hard to get the sale. I was a demanding customer. On the other hand two other Hi End shops were the exact opposite. Audio-Video Salon and Lyric Hi-Fi were atrocious in service and attitude. The fellow at AV Salon claimed to have the most golden of golden ears and had the chutzpah to ask for a "consulting fee" of 100 dollars before I would be allowed into his audio inner sanctum. The salesman at Lyric could care less if I purchased or not. I told him up front I had a budget of 8000 dollars or so and he took me to a sound room to hear a set up system of classe and B&W-the classe stuff is as dead sounding as it gets. Knowing his product lines I knew he had a lot more systems he could put together for that price-but the guy was too lazy or maybe oxygen deprived from having his nose so high up in the stratosphere.Both these dealerships are located in the priciest neighboorhood of Manhattan so I guess the don't lower themselves for just anybody.Sound by Singer who is more than the equal of these other guys treated me like a valued customer and I will be a repeat customer for that reason.

Sorry for the long digression.

Overall a good piece

Balance (who needs it?), volume control (very fussy)

I bought this unit on the basis of the review of Stereophile magazine. My thoughts were, "Hmmm, Class-A ergo this must have an equivalent Class A Pre-Amp and a Class-A Amplifier". Not exactly. It was this piece that seriously discredited Stereophile magazine in my eyes. The KAV-300i is an all-around good piece of equipment for $2,400 (or whatever the going price is). I would probably end up with some Sony ES gear or Pioneer Elite or something of that nature if faced with the decision again. I can't say for sure having not auditioned the Japanese equipment, but let's face it. . .economies of scale come into play at this price-point. There is nothing secret about how to make a good amp/pre-amp and at $2.4K Sony and Pioneer and Kenwood and Denon (et al) can make some GOOD stuff.

Let's say you were to buy a Stereophile Class-A Amp and a Preamp. Would the KAV-300i sound as good? NO WAY - not even close. So, the Class-A rating can be misleading. I would think a Class-C or Class-D would be more appropriate for this little guy. And, remember - Any level rating by Stereophile is going to be better than mass-market stuff.

It's difficult to rate the KAV-300i on a scale of 1-5. What I am suppose to compare it to? If I compare it to the Krell KSA-150S (150Wpc Amp) or the KRC (pre-amp) then I give it ONE star. If I compare it to the BestBuy $299 special, then it gets FIVE stars. If I compare it to other components at $2,400 - well, it is going rank "average" - and that's what I think I should compare it to is other preamp/amp combos (whether integrated or separates) that you can get for $2,400. The dynamics are "adaquate", the soundstage is "fair", and resolution and detail are whatever your source gives it.

The KAV-300i is NOT a spectacular piece of equipment that stands head-and-shoulders above all other contenders at it's price point. It is just as good or just as bad as most any amp/preamp you can get for $2,400.

If you're considering the KAV-300i as a "way around" having to spend $10,000 for high-end sound, then forget it. Ain't gonna happen. If you're considering the KAV-300i as a good sounding, solid piece of gear - then by all means go for it.

I'm giving a 2 star rating for Value as it is pretty pricy compared to some nice Rotel, Denon, Sony, etc. stuff. I'm giving 3 stars for overall rating because amongst it's peers it is respecatble.

Associated Equipment:
Dedicated Listening Room
Snell C-V Loudspeaker
B&W Nautilus 802 Loudspeaker
Krell MDA-300 Monoblocks
Krell KRC-3 Preamplifier
Krell KAV-250CD CD Player
B&W Nautlius 805 Loudspeaker

Similar Products Used:

NAD 2400THX (amp), NAD 7100X (Receiver), Denon (early 90s receiver), Krell MDA-300 MonoBlocks

Everybody likes to hate the BEST!
Fact: The Krell KAV-300i is one of the best buys in audio!

My experience as an audiophile tells me that sooner or later, the land of diminishing returns will cause many of KRELL's haters a lot of money in the long run!

The 300i is a wonderful unit that is powerful, dynamic, detailed, and transparent. It's treble is very detailed and airy. Instruments seem to have a presence in your listening room and voices take on a quality that give a since of a live performance. Nothing but air there, baby! The 300i's midrange is great too. Two words. Natural and Uncolored. From the pluck of a guitar string to the strike of a piano key, this unit will reveal what is on your source material. Low level detail and transparency are also words that come to mind when describing this fantastic integrated.

I wouldn't be doing the haters any justice if I didn't describe the Krell's real strength. This unit has what I call "boogie factor". You can call it pace, timing, kick, or slam. In other words, the 300i kicks butt. This is mainly due to the fact that the 300i's bass is top notch. One of the best! And the little one can even keep pace with it's bigger brothers in the Krell line. The 300i's bass is the best out of any amp in or even above it's price range! And believe me, I have listened to a ton of amps! Keep in mind that this unit is an integrated too!

The bass is very tuneful, musical, slamming or however you want to put it! The 300i has a quality that will have you finger popping and foot tapping all night long. The 300i's low end is what live instruments are all about. Transients are so important to musical impact and you get more than enough with the 300i. I personally believe that your speakers have not been driven properly until a Krell amp has been in your listening room.

Musical expression! To me, that's what music is all about. Music is not about euphonic colorations! You won't find them with the 300i. Go listen to "real" musicians play. Stand next to a saxaphone, a trumpet, a piano, or drum set and just LISTEN. You will find that the 300i will sound like what you heard! Don't take my word for it, LISTEN for yourself!

I won't get into the products that I own because I don't wan't anyone to feel like I am biased. I don't work for Krell and I don't own an all Krell system. I do know amplifiers and I know a thing or two about audio. Yet, Krell amps are literally the best your money can buy. There are a number of companies that do certain things very well. Conrad-Johnson, Audio Research, Mark Levinson, Wadia, Wilson Audio, Avalon, Pass Labs, and Classe' all come to mind. Yet these companies all seem to look at Krell as a reference standard. (Oops! - You didn't hear that from me...) Anyway, only you can decide for yourself. Listen! And while your at it, listen to the Krell KAV-300i. You won't regret it! A TRUE FIVE STAR RATING!! *****

(And to all of you Krell haters out there, go back and listen to your BOSE speakers!)

I couldn't agree more with the fellow that says you have to go listen to live musicians to appreciate the 300i. It is like having a concert in your living room. I've love it!