sound

current draw

FYI- most krell products don't just need dedicated power they also need plenty of current 20-30 amps, this integrated should never be hooked to a power strip as that will modulate the power supply and create the unadjustable volume control situation, another quirk is that the ventilation is on the bottom and the product can become very hot will will also affect the general operation. but, the sound is excellent and if you know what to look out for it can be trouble-free

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The webmaster isn't accepting additonal reviews on the existing page, so how 'bout a new one? I bought this amp used for $1650 several months ago and dropped it in to my non-tweaky, non-audiphile system: Nakamichi MB-3s CD; Monster CD interlink, ca. 1987 (blush!); Snell K-II (S'phile "Class E" in 1996!) biwired with Monster XP (double blush!)and assisted by a Mirage BPS 150 subwoofer. The Krell replaced a 1979 Luxman LR-1120 receiver that had been continually serviced and was running at spec. (120 Wpch @ 8 Ohms). The Luxman was probably the best of the late 70s Japanese electronics (I know, that's not saying much.) The receiver's amp has an output relay whose contacts kept going bad every couple of years, so I decided to replace the amp.So what about the Krell? In this very non-audiophile system, the Krell made a huge (and unexpected) improvement. The Snells are very flat (+/- 2dB 70-20KHz) and efficient 90 dB @ 1 watt. When pushed to deliver a little volume by the Lux, they started sounding harsh. I thought they were just being overloaded. They weren't. The Krell drives them to much higher SPLs with no trace of harshness. Imaging is far better; the top end is cleaner and, what was really surprising, is that the bass through the subwoofer is much better controlled. This is a powered sub that is run by the preamp outputs from the Krell. Despite the fact that the Lux receiver had excellent specs, which according to contemporary reviews ("Audio"), it exceeded, the Krell sounds much better, even with these other mid-fi components. It has now been demonstrated to me that an amp can make a big difference, beyond what specs would suggest.
Nits with the Krell? It would be nice to have pre out/main in so that one could run the preamp separate from the power amp or use the high-pass filter in the subwoofer to keep LF out of the main speakers (which can't reproduce it anyway). The digital volume control seems to adjust in somewhat irregular steps. (I'm used to an old-fashioned potentiometer.) A stereo/mono switch, and the ability to run left or right inputs through both channels would be nice. Bottom line, if you can find one of these used, its a much better buy than spending the same dollars on Adcom, NAD or Rotel separates to get the same power output. (I've auditioned them.) A new one is, IMHO, a much better value than the ARC CA-50 (which I also auditoned) unless you just have to have that phono input and you're going to be happy with 45 wpch. Until I got this amp, I was definitely in the market for a new pair of speakers. Now, I'm not so sure. (Funds are not unlimited.)

This is one great product - outstanding bass slam coupled with fine detail and imaging. It seems that maybe the 150W (into 8ohms) rating might be perhaps a tad high, but so what? It still has enough power to drive my Martin-Logan Quests. I also have found the the "Theater pass-through" makes it easy to integrate into a HT set-up. Not the equivalent of one of their FPB models, but at the price, it is a steal.

The 300i is a great sounding piece at a good price. It smokes allany comparable gear (even the McCormack combo). I just couldn't spend
my money an anything else. Give it a listen, I think you'll
agree that it's hard to beat for the money.

No Doubt, 5 stars!

Well I think Krell makes an excellent amp, It surpasses most I know. When I crank it up with my Definitive BP2000's there is no distortion at all. I think if you have the $2,000 you should buy it, after all Im only 17 and I bought it myself. Its an excellent "toy".

The Krell 300i is one of the most praised and awarded amplifiers in the industry. It is truly awesome. Strong, powerful sound with power reserves that for the most part stay untouched in a reasonable sized room. Looks and build quality to die for. There are one or two integrateds that can even come close and a only a handful of separate Pre-amp/amp combinations that could equal or surpass this Krell, and they are 3-5 times more expensive. Definitely, a bargin when you consider the playing field at which this 300i bats.

I auditioned the Krell two weeks ago. I had in mind an Adcom pre-amp/Marantz amp combo for my system, but the salesperson talked me into auditioning the Krell. It was simply amazing. Great presence, clarity. Just the right amount of bass (I hate the American obsession with bass). When I heard the Chopin's second sonata, I thought I would cry. The piano was there, no question about it. I auditioned it with Baroque, opera (Carmen), symphonic, chamber music and jazz. Couldn't find a flaw in the sound. I bought it. It is paired with B&W CDM 7 and a Pioneer Elite 65 (another discovery!).

I am still enjoying every second of my KAV-300i even after 2 years now. I am so glad I didn't sell it a year ago trying to upgrade. What a JOKE!! There is nothing out there that can even come close to the VALUE and natural dynamic sound of this Krell. Imaging, transparency, soundstage, blah-blah-blah...are all there in multiple fold. NO KIDDING!!
I use the extra pre-out to bi-amp my system. Simply magnificent!! The amp is also tolerant to low impedance load and able to reproduce without compression assuming you have a VERY GOOD pair of speakers that uses Scan-Speak drivers and Hovland Musicap in the crossover.

Easily a 5 star product.

I've had the Krell-300i for about six months now, and the unit has handled everything that I've thrown at it without a pause. The $2300 price tag, in my view, was some of the best money I've spent in a long time. The minor faults I find in the unit are as follows:
The remote control: It does everything it's supposed to do, but still, I was expecting something..oh...a little less plastic-y.

The blue light on the face: Sure was pretty six months ago. Still is I suppose, but the damn thing sure is bright. Wish there was a dimmer unit.

My system:

Amplifier: Krell KAV 300i

Digital: Proceed CD player and DAC

Speakers: Martin Logan SL3
Apogee Centaur Minors
Precise 10

Summary: Buy one. At the price, little comes close.

This is a follow-up to my early, preliminary review of this amp, posted last August, just after I bought it. I broke the piggy bank and replaced everything else in the system, except the sub. New speakers: Joseph RM7si Signatures; new CD: Ultech UCD-100; new interconnects and speaker wires (DH Labs). And (don't laugh), a Radio Shack sound level meter used in connection with a Chesky/Stereo Review CD to properly adjust the subwoofer. (X-over set at @50 Hz; sub in same plane as main speakers)BIG improvement all around. This is a system that plays comfortably at indicated average levels of 90 - 95 dB in my listening room (loud enough, thank you) and is flat to 20 Hz at 90 dB (when the glass in the windows starts buzzing quite audibly). I'm sure there's better gear out there; but, to me, this hits the price/value sweet spot. The top end is delicate and detailed; midrange is exquisite; bass is authoritative and reasonably well controlled. (Reproduction of symphonic bass drum still has too much overhang; I'd like to try an REL sub). At this price, I don't see how you can go wrong with this amp. Yes, the remote is a little cheesy, I'd still like pre/main ins and outs, and the volume adjustment is a little "steppy." But these are nits. I'm upping the rating.