This amp is a good value, but don't be mislead by Stereophiles recommendation. This amp is not even close to STATE-OF-THE-ART! Separates will always be better, the only advantage is value. I don't want anyone reading these reviews to get any false hopes.

I don't pretend to be able to describe what I am hearing in terms that others will be able to picture in their minds eye. I only know that my listening and discretion has evolved over the years, from listening to higher and higher end... and unfortunately buying the stuff.... I only say "unfortunately" because it costs my hard earned dollars. However, the enjoyment I receive each day from listening is worth the expense.
Recently I set out on a quest to add a system to my livingroom. The only piece that I owned (aside from my main system) was a Yamaha 5 disc changer (model 665, I believe)... I then bought a pair of Merlin TSM's from someone selling over the 'net. (great price)... next... I heard about the MSB Tech Link DAC... it cost 350.00 and was well reviewed by a few sources I trust... I took the plunge and bought it (without listening to it). I hooked it up to my Yamaha. Then borrowed a Bryston B-60. I listened to this setup for a few days... of pretty steady listening.... I was really happy with the Bryston (and the whole system for that matter) I agreed with most of the reviews.... I thought it was something special... Since the piece I borrowed was a loaner and Bryston had the B-60's on backorder, I decided to take the time to audition another piece or two (integrated amps). I decided to check out the Krell KAV300i. All I can say is, I am soooooooo glad the Bryston was on backorder. The difference between the Bryston and the Krell are subtle at first... until you do some serious A/B-ing. Then it's Krell all the way. First let me say that I bought a demo model of the KRELL at 30pts off. So, it made the price difference easier to swallow. So, that might have had something to do with my decision to buy the Krell , rather than wait for the Bryston to make it back to store shelves.

Back to the difference.... It just sounds like a vail has been lifted when I switched back to the Krell from the Bryston. The focus and body given to instruments are, like I said subtle at first... but, once you notice it, the difference is irresistable. The detail is there without being annoying. The silence is more silent.... does that make sense??? well, it is true, anyway. It took me a while to adjust to the vocals... I wasn't sure if what I heard was toward the DRY side or 'just right'... In fact, I don't need to decide! I am happy with it... And that is coming from someone who listens to mostly reference recordings of vocals.

If price is a concern, I wouldn't be unhappy with the Bryston.... but if you can swing a Krell.. go for it.... It is so much more than I can communicate.

krell amps can produce good sounds if thats what your after, but music should touch the soul. listen to plinius amps. there much, much better.

After listening to this for many hours, really wanting to fall in love with it, Irealized it wasn't worthy of my affection. The sound is clean, but to a point in
which the skeleton and muscle of the music remain, but gone are the skin, fat,
hair, etc. The music is presented so technically correct, it's hard to criticize this amp at first because you are constantly being astonished by one aspect or another(inner detail, speed, etc.). The easiest, most damning thing I can say is that it is not very musical. The bass articulation and control are clearly superior to anything in this price range I've heard, but the treble and midrange also have a slam to them which can get really annoying then, once your ears become accustomed to this sound, the presentation becomes utterly uninvolving. It's almost as if your ears begin to tune-out the sound. Its unforgiveable sin is to slap you in the face, pummel you in the head, and wear you down with its megaphone-like presentation until you no longer have the energy to do anything but stand in awe of its hypnotic blue light.
Associated equipment:
Thiel 1.5
Meridian 506
Audioquest Midnight +
Nordost Blue Heaven(SPEAKER)
Audioquest Quartz X 3

Im glad I bought this amp.NICE....now i can say i own a KRELL...
Good value..1500 used..
Also own a Krell CDP-250 1200 used...

WAYTAGO KRELL

This is a tough review to write. I wanted to like this amp, everyone else does. But it is too aggressive in the upper treble, and will rapidly cause you to either turn down the volume, swear your CD collection is the cause of your problems, or fake it. The bass is very good, detailed and fast, but that isn't enough when violins hurt your ears. The build quality is very good, the remote easy to use and comprehensive, but I returned it after one week. If you buy it, get it used, or with a return trial period. It may work if your speakers are dull, but with speakers with a flat top end you'll wish for tubes. Four stars plus for build quality, same for reputation, but no more than 3 for sound.

Given Michael's system, I can undertand why he would dislike this Krell. His speaker wire and speakers definitely lean toward brightness. Paired with a 300i, His overall system is probably unlistenable. However pair this amp with more neutral or laid back speakers and you get a winning combination. This Amp works particularly well with Sony's SSM7 speakers. Add a good Cd(NOT KRELL'S) and you get a good cheap system.

I have had my Krell for a little over 6 months. The amount of enjoyment that my friends and I get now that this amp is in my system is worth every bit of the price. It is obvious that critics of this amp are victims of poor system matching. I can listen to music now at high spl's for hours with NO problem. Great soundstage and dynamics on all types of music. No harshness what so ever. Perfect!
System:

Krell KAV 300-i
CAL CL-10 CD Player with Straightwire Serenade interconnect
Vandersteen 2Ce Signature Speakers bi-wired with Straightwire Encore II speaker cables

I'm just following up to my review I posted a month ago. Last week I had a chance to a direct A/B comparison between the KAV-300i and the Classe CAP-151. Initially I listened to the Classe driving top-of-the-line Dynaudio minimoniters and the source was the Classe CDP.3 CD player. I put on the remastered Getz/Gilberto CD--- the sound that came out was good, warm sounding and overall very enjoyable. Then, the dealer switched CAP-151 with the KAV-300i. Oh man was I in for a shock! Everything seemed to open up, and as one other reviewer said, it seemed like a veil had been lifted. The mids got stronger, midbass and lowbass got deeper and tighter, the high were clearer (but not shrilly), and there was definitely increased soundstage. It basically seemed like Stan Getz was actually in the room! The CAP-151 is a good amp but the KAV-300i, in my book, walks all over it. Well, there are many other amps to demo but the Krell is on the top of my short list! :) 6 stars if I could put it on......

One person summed up why this amplifier sells at all, "now I can say I own a Krell". I have worked in the high end audio industry for 25 years, and no higher crime has been purported on unsuspecting folks than the mute master KAV-300i. Hashy, dark, with restricted dynamics and a general all around unmusical presentation makes this boat anchor unlistenable, and without exception my colleagues agree. To be fair, most Krell products sound great, just not this one. Check out the Plinius, Electrocompaniet or even Bryston or Arcam for a budget integrated that sounds much better.