DO NEW POWER AMPLIFIERS USE NEW TECHNOLOGY ? KRELL / JEFF ROWLAND

[@davidnargi8283]

Old Krell is great stuff I wish i had one of those!

[@TooBuz]

I just acquired a Mark Levinson No. 332. It really does sound phenomenal and I totally agree on the value of these 30 year old class A amps!

[@van94weightlossjourney]

The nerd in me loves these equipment dissections. Thanks for taking the time to open the Krell and Rowland up… And thank you to your back… those amps aren’t light😅

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You bet Van Cheers!

[@stephenfleschler9682]

After 50+ years of tube amps, I switched to a tube like sound without distortion in a Class A solid state, cool running, lightweight and cost effective Westminster Labs REI monoblocks. It is also highly innovative. It uses the shortest circuitry and fewest parts of high quality. Really powerful for small amps

[@prokofievchambers8603]

Krell is where my chronic audiophilia started. The mere word makes feel excited.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, I get it..

[@garykarczewski6678]

I own an hold Hafler DH200 which always sounded great. It is over 40 years old and needed some parts replacements which had those beer can sized capacitors. i had a great local tech replace the old parts with new being the same parts but new. He updated the inputs and speaker outs, and updated the power cord to a nice IEC connection with a new fuse link and power switch. Sounds great. Never getting rid of it. Considering the Jeff Rowland Amps in the new HT/Media room for my stereo side.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Legendary Amp. The best you've owned. Until you try a new more expensive real high end amp. You'll scramble to sell the Haf. But it comes at a cost and for the money that DH200 rebuilt can't be beat. Still selling for $400 to $500 unmodded?

[@garykarczewski6678]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Mine had a mod done in 1981. The service performed was per the mods. New mods were the IEC jack, new wires being there is lots of PTP wiring. New higher end inputs and speaker outs. Very happy. Looking at possibly the BENCHMARK - AHB2 Power Amplifier which has fantastic reviews and amazing measurements. Seems to be a great bang for buck consideration.

[@garykarczewski6678]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Thank you OCDM. I am keeping the DH200. Sounds great so why sell it? I am considering the Jeff Roland AMP 535 as well as the Benchmark AH2. Reviews are outstanding by owners of the AH2 plus Audio Science Reviews rated it #1 per its measurements. Not saying it is better than 535 as per sound but for cost and measurements it does far better per Amrim. FYI the JR 535 wasn't recommend by Amirm due to measurements compared to other amps he has tested.

[@blackgold7416]

Hi Mike, I totally loved this video you made regarding Amps. Really educational for someone starting their journey and that with a few right choices you can build a killer system for not much money. Thanks Mike 👌

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You bet ! Love the Dog pic !

[@sparkplug964]

Krell, one of the all time classic amps, and built to sustain nuclear war of some kind. If only I could pick the thing up without needing two people.

[@thepandemicchef4817]

I used a Jeff Rowland model 1 for almost 30 years. It finally has to be sent back to Jeff for service....incredible value and still great sound. I own his original Concentra and 102 amps as well. Been a fan of his unique designs, innovations and quality all my life. Other amps have come and gone. Rowland stays for life

[@twx4184]

I met Jeff when I worked for the Mod Squad in 1988 which turned into McCormack Audio after that company was dissolved.

[@thepandemicchef4817]

@@twx4184 I have a few of the micro range of components from McCormack

[@HelloYouTubeFan]

I have 3 Krell’s of this Era! They are AWESOME!! Heavy and built like a Tank!! I just sent 2 of them for a Re-Cap job.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Why did they need a re-cap job ??

[@HelloYouTubeFan]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Simply a preventative measure due to their Age!

[@DrBroncanuus]

brilliant, insightful vid into amp tech....one of your best...

[@lancekluemper3708]

That krell today would cost alot more to make than what it cost back in the day lol that's for sure Great video! 👍

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You got that right!

[@bikemike1118]

In the early 2000s I had the Krell MDA 500 mono blocks. They sounded really good but got THAT hot (class A) that literally after five minutes after switch ing on you couldn’t put your hand on top of it any more. You couldn’t use these amps in summertime as it would heat up the room to a degree uncomfortable. And I felt that this heat would dry out the capacitors sooner or later. So I sold them for more than I paid for and got into Nelson Pass‘s „territory“ (PASS X 600 monos) which don‘t run nearly as hot as the old Krell‘s and even sound much better. I still own and love them dearly!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

There ya go. Yes, old Krells enemy was heat for sure.

[@prokofievchambers8603]

WORD! I was in Bakersfield in shorts when I cranked up my KRELL KSA 250 playing through my lovely Thiels.

[@freeradical431]

In the early 90s when digital first came out, something changed in the amplifier industry. Amplifiers at the local hifi shop went from 30-40lb Pioneer to 6lb JVC, Kenwood, Sony etc. They would rate these amps at 100 watts x 5 channels (dolby 5.1 was all there was for a time) and maybe put out 20 watts a channel in reality. I remember taking one back and saying "it doesnt put out any bass!?" and he said "would you like to buy a subwoofer". Thats when I knew the market was rigged and I got out of it. Its been a comfort? relief? or something like that finding OCD, someone that recognizes real quality and isnt afraid to call bullshit on the mass produced crap. I remember seeing a Jeff Rowland amp in a mag 20-30 years ago and instantly thought, Now thats the real shit! Wishing I would own one, one day. When Mikey rolled out that 625.... I was hooked..... again lol.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks man... Start with a model 125 ! Only $3500 New or less if you know me.;-)

[@freeradical431]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Im building speakers for it right now, hope to get the 125 next year.

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

I had the ksa 150. Kbl. Gorgeous stuff

[@kentbreakie2952]

Great video. It was very informative.

[@syhi7971]

JR Amps are high end stuff. Lundahl is so good. Using them for my MC Cartridge. Quality!

[@vintageaudioreview]

The Krell was indeed built like a brick SHouse! Thanks for opening one up.

[@chrisulmer3925]

Hitting on my style again Mikey. I do love the bleeding edge but the best trailing edge of yesteryear for relative peanuts turns my crank all the same.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Gotta love it when the Peanuts crank gets turned ! ;-)

[@darkmatterfalls101]

nice ive got a pair the Krell mda 300 monos i love em

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Cool !

[@prokofievchambers8603]

Dear Mike That was wonderful and nostalgic. My first baddass amp was the Krell KSA 250. What a beast. Fast forward to now. Help me find a set of now discontinued Jeff Rowland 735 mono-blocks. Perhaps you have an old customer looking to make a change? Love you!

[@dragocelander6671]

Great video!

[@WXSTANG]

I see JR units are using a highly efficient PWM PSU, but that inherently is more noisy then the old huge transformers. The new IC's, like GaN, used to amplify are made to switch very effectively in the digital domain, so unlike old transistors, cannot linearly amplify analogue directly. It is this inherent trait of switching that makes noise, but then allows us to be VERY efficient, which is GREAT as well. This is why Class D amps are 90% efficient. You have to be badly inefficient to analogue amplify with Class A, or AB. The old tech, is actually better for pure analogue amplification because you could feed in a wider voltage 0-5V. If you took a GanFET, moved it into a class A amp, your input would be maxed at 0.9V in the same setup, making it useless, and touchy to interferences. There really is no better way to amplify direct analogue then to use a tube, or old transistors that perform like crap as a digital transistor. LOL

[@martybousum1010]

Fun. Educational too! Thanks!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TombstoneTube]

Love this videos

[@vuch9802]

That Krell amp isn't going to last long in your inventory! I have a feeling It's gonna be out the door soon Mikey! What a great value for a Tribe member!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

For sure !

[@prokofievchambers8603]

I now know that you are far beyond the Krell Mystic. But I am still having beautiful memories of how Krell crushed everything I was in to at the time. New comer, KSA 250 Used. oh yeah! Thiel CS7 .

[@trubadyr99]

Love this passion!!!

[@sdavidfreud]

Nice presentation Mikey! I agree with Mr. Flintstone - please give more detailed definitions of Class A, AB, D etc, and cover the strength and drawbacks of each. Then, for example, there are also differences between regular Class D and GAN Class D. You could even get more specific as to why you stay away from products made in certain countries.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Good idea.... will do...

[@3dfx243]

Really enjoy your videos that involve gear from the 90s. As a millennial, I was one of the few that was into HiFi, and looking back I think that the 90's was the golden era for HiFi (lots of competition, growth and passion for innovation). One positive, I'm now able to buy my dream components from back then. 🙂 The only challenge is finding a skilled technician to service this gear.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

THX. Actually the 80s was the real heyday... Thats when they advertised stereo systems in Playboy, and guys used to use their stereos to impress the women.. along with their Corvettes, cigs and Johnny Walker Scotch. Dream gear needs no technician ;-)

[@3dfx243]

@@OCDHIFiGuy haha awesome. you got me there on your last point :) My first power amp was a classe audio CA-100, which I still hang on to. Back in the day classe offered life time warranty. The amp is still alive and kicking, and only ever needed relays replaced :P

[@freeradical431]

I feel just the opposite, quality took a huge dive, MDF became a thing. But then again I wasnt in the ultra high end market.

[@tordarbast]

It peaked in the late 70ties too early 80ties. Everyone was buying a hifi in the 70ties. Sure a lot of new stuff continued to be developed/marketed in the after decades which also was fun. I came in to the fancy hifi world with a Linn LP12 I bought new late 80ties. Im into vintage hifi now mostly. Enjoying a pair of JBL 4350 that replaced (still owned) a pair of Tannoy Buckingham Monitors, these two speaker systems made for the professional market was developed and marketed in the later half of the 70ties to the early 80ties. Regards amplifiers I kind of leaning on 90ties to 00ties solid state amps also tube amps which has a wider spread, lately I have bought cheaper chinese tube amps with 845 tube that really has a high price performance ratio(bought used on top of that), Line Magnetic 126 was so nice looking at a good price level so one of these was tried out, U-boat electronic appearances attracts me….

[@mostirreverent]

I’d love to see a video like this on the old Adcom GFA555 Mark one

[@kosiekoos9408]

My favourite OCD video. Im facing the oppertunity to buy a new Rega IO or a used Krell Kav 300i. Ive listened to demos via, shockingly YT, my ears want and love Krell. Inflation adjustment and accountant talk I dont care. Krell it is.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

There u go !

[@Dslats]

THE TRUTH ALWAYS COMES OUT.

[@absoluteaudio0028]

a fun honest review

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks !

[@Jabbaerwocky]

I still have a pair of the Krell MDA300 monobloks. 300W Class A space heaters. Original owner from 1990. $10 000 a pair MSRP back in the day. When I turn them on the utility meter spins like crazy and the room lights dim momentarily. Grip the ATC100s like a bastard with speed in the note attack and slam in the bass. Glorious even if a little bit grainy sounding. Image like a champ. Never runout of steam; they keep on giving. I had to upgrade my mains to 20amps. I contend that Krell haven't topped these today. The only amp I desired more were the even heftier Krell MDA500 monobloks. Two pairs of MDA300s for a biwired set-up would be my own private paradise. The only other amp at that time I lusted after were the Audio Research Classic 150s, Harry Pearson's favourite, other than his Jadis JA500s with the JP-1 preamp. Glorious days. Highend hifi has gone to shit nowadays. Look for gear made in the late 80s to early 90s. Get them recapped, if necessary. They are the best bang for the modern buck. The only thing that has changed about Highend hifi is the ginormous price tags and silly man-child industrial designs. I don't want my amp to look like a Lamborghini. Just make it solid and sturdy ike the Krell , ARC, Conrad-Johnson, Mark Levinson, Cello Performance, Jeff Rowland, Convergent Audio Tech of days of yore. PS The Krell KSA150 inyour video was about $6495, and the Krell KSA250 was $8495 in their day, if memory serves. My MDA300s were a monoblok version of the KSA150.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

The guy I got this amp from had 2 of them to bridge for monos but said he never needed more than one. I've been offered a pair of Krell Audio Standard amps... know what those are ?

[@esylsten]

I used to lust after the Krell KSA 100, a brilliant amp of the day, that and a Levinson 27.5.

[@SimonLloydGuitar]

Ive got a Naim System with dual monoblocks, but i'd love to get a 19" rack mount tank like this for fun. Maybe I'll have to save some money and build a muscle system for laughs. Krell, Classe and Bryston are amazing value.

[@Random-kq4pz]

I see 8 pin op-amps in the Rowland, are these in the signal path, or are they servo's for nulling the output offset? A Switching power supply is bold, but most people think linear supplies sound better. Maybe this Rowland is the ticket to great sound.

[@saltywalt57]

Is the Krell KSA150 the one that Krell intended specifically to drive the 1 Ohm Apogees?

[@robertthurston6858]

Piggy backing a small capacitor to the large capacitor . Any thoughts on this ?

[@robertthurston6858]

Hi, so what are the sound quality differences of the Jeff Rowland amp to the older Krell amp ?

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

I saw the tile of this video and the FIRST thing I thought was: OF COURSE NOT! I think,of all the commentators on the internet you are the most competent Sir.I really do but take care not to belabour an obvious point.

[@robertthurston6858]

Hi, what about the theory of high backing a small capacitor to the large capacitor that is supposed to release a quicker initial energy release for Better Sound that Paul of PS Audio discussed in one of his videos that amp engineer demonstrated to him at one time ?

[@robh9079]

Great vid. SMPS's seem to have come of age ahead of class D amp stages, being increasingly accepted by class AB diehard brands - Linn/Graham Slee

[@sparkplug5392]

yep Purifi amps are the new state of the art

[@uncleschwartz_2319]

Mike,what do you think of Sanders and Coda amplifiers for Magnepans speakers?

[@DesmosediciDav]

Great video Mikey I am a huge Krell lover from the day I have many,many Krell amps a FPB 750 MCX monos times two pairs FPB 450 MCX times two pairs FPB 700CX FPB 600C FPB300 C I have a few more but you get my point and they all have been taken care of by Krell I have the front end very similar to yours I have the Martin Logan statement Evo2’s speaker system which is quad amped if you want to know exactly the descriptions of my system comment on my response and I will let you know in more detailhave a great day😊

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Cool! I've been offered a pair of Krell Audio Standard monos. Know what those are ?

[@MrBonger88]

I’ve seen some class A amps ,including Krell , using a sliding bias. I noticed that they don’t have the huge fins. Any thoughts on these? Are they as good? Thanks

[@jlo8775]

Awesome vid! I love neo-vintage gear, my power amp (Levinson) and preamp (BAT) are 20+ yrs old. Superlative performance at a mere fraction of the cost of new.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Totally... great stuff from back then... !

[@giangvu7902]

But how does it sound?

[@jamestartaglia7686]

I knew this was coming...😁

[@paulsalongo4927]

Never did like the sound of Krell. In fact they are what sold me Rotel. The krell was hooked up to a maggie 3.6. The sound was flat. The soul of the music was missing. The speakers were then hooked up to a Rotel, and it was magical. Life and rhythm was restored.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Then buy Rotel... lol. No problem...

[@paulsalongo4927]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I bought the Rotel RB 1582 MKII several months ago. Paired with my Maggie 1.6. Excellent match.

[@paulsalongo4927]

Back on the krells. The salesman felt similarly and said he believes the krells use too much negative feedback. That he believes hurts the sound.

[@johnwilliams3075]

Thoughts on Parasound? I've owned some for decades, and the new ones still seem to be reasonably well built (without a lot of hype), especially the higher-end Halo items that John Curl contributes to.

[@Random-kq4pz]

Parasound is great bang for the buck!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I'd say yes, it's good bang for the buck. It's never been a brand I want personally however. I have a handful of companies that simply never vibed with me. Not that they are bad, just a vibe from thier rooms at the shows. PS Audio is another, Carey in another... not my Jam....

[@DC8Super72]

But how do they compare sound wise?

[@privateuser7726]

Mikey what are your thoughts on the technology in the Aavik amps ? .. tesla coils? & the I-580 has a solid copper inner chasis ? High end by oz won't be carrying borresen or aavik anymore , don't know who will. Lots of discounts on them right now.

[@imacat8476]

Do you think the jeff rolland stuff beats the best from the 80s and 90s? think of accuphase m100 or sansui b2301 and so on?

[@jespermaintz8993]

So.... When will we get some opinions on Pass Labs, as in... 2022?

[@maconpatton]

I have no desire to hear his views on Pass products. I doubt he could even source a SIT moreover bias it correctly.

[@brugj03]

Hi Mikey. Great comparison of these two, really shows what`s it all about. Innovation is key. I know because i have to. Besides, maybe you could do an episode about the so called british hifi. I mean the ridiculous overpriced low quality shoe box design speakers and technology out of the dark ages. Sold for high end prices with very aggressive marketing. It would be fun.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I would actually have fun taking a swipe at polite British hifi which I never did like...

[@brugj03]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I can imagine that. I don`t think they are really that polite for the price they are asking, so go ahead🙂

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@brugj03 lol. Yes, though overpricing HiFi is borderless even the C word is doing it now.. I refer to sonically "polite". Or what I may call lackluster. ;-)

[@brugj03]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Yeah, i hate that boomy wooly britt sound full of colouration. They keep repeating that it is neutral but hey what do i know.

[@pennfootball71]

Look at the power choke system on the Schiit Tyr amp it’s neet

[@WhopperRektem]

I’ve thought about getting mark levinson 33x series amps for a thiel cs7 thoughts? They go down to 2 ohms at certain points

[@psikeyhackr6914]

I used to work for a hi-fi retailer, Pacific Stereo, as a tech. Never on a Krell but Bose had a monster like that and of course there was Phase Linear. But Infinity had the first digital power amp. It must have been $5,000 or more. I told the sales rep at the CES show that the price was ridiculous. He said that they would not be able to keep them in stock. But digital amps should be cheaper than analog since the 90s. I'm not in hi-fi professionally anymore. It is not as interesting as it was Listening to the music and listening to the sound of the music are two different states of mind.

[@samuelcain5426]

Remember the Big SAE A 1001 500 wpc !!! it had a massive transformer and 8 big caps

[@psikeyhackr6914]

@@samuelcain5426 I remember some SAE models but I don't think that I ever saw that one.

[@prokofievchambers8603]

Interesting! I too used to work for Pacific Stereo in San Luis Obispo as a salesman. The place was filled with low and mid fi. I learned a lot but it was the Audio ECSTACY store in the same town that got me really hot and bothered about audiophilia. Today, I’m looking for used Jeff Rowland 735s. I need counseling.

[@Jack96993]

Because it's at least 30 years old would it require new caps?

[@angelotig]

Yup

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its been recapped at Krell. I have the paperwork.

[@annebokma4637]

120 watt set? Try one of the 833 Amps? They get up there too. NAT is nice too, though. All way over budget for me sadly

[@fredflintstone8048]

Nice presentation. At some point you might want to explain the details of what makes a 'class A', 'class AB', 'class C', and 'class D' amp for those who don't know what those terms actually mean.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Done..

[@TombstoneTube]

Where do you sell these equipment?

[@trippmoore]

I completely agree with you, but I would push back slightly on one thing. An brand new amp that is of equivalent design could have smaller filter caps but they are still .44F. Material science has advanced like everything else in the last 30 years and so the caps made today are smaller with the same specs. Do they even make caps that big (physically) anymore? Maybe someone does but it would be for appearances if you are repairing an older amp like this. I don't know. Looks fucking cool though.

[@helthuismartin]

Were are the transistors made?????.Japan??? Toshiba????

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Possibly, or Motorola..

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

Old school rocks

[@twx4184]

good video, what's your feedback on the Jeff Rowland Capri S2 preamplifier

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Killer piece , especially on the used market. One listed right now for $2450 ... WELL Worth it ..... ;-)

[@77MovieFan]

I have the 625 S2 together with a Capri S2 SG which is the latest version. Put in a phonoHD card if you have a turntable and this piece is all you might need. At least it is enough of what I need, 2 bypass cinch would be perfect to put a chain like from playback designs and homecinema chain through it but hey, you can´t have it all. I put a Dynavox passiv switch infront of the Capri so everything in my livingroom will be handled by Rowland gear

[@77MovieFan]

oh and as far as it was explained to me, the Capri S2 SG is another step forward for the small Rowland, I guess this is why the price difference is that big between the normal S2 and the S2 SG, but maybe Mikey knows more about this

[@twx4184]

@@77MovieFan you have the Capri S2-SC preamplifier, not the SG...correct?

[@77MovieFan]

@@twx4184 sorry, i checked again, it is the Capri S2-SC

[@vinoheart]

WOW

[@LeonFleisherFan]

That's a great video (and one of your least rambling), and I agree wholeheartedly, except it's incorrect information to say the NATs are the only SET amps that deliver this kind of power. There are probably quite a few, maybe the greatest I could think of Amplifon from Poland: their SET42 use GM70, the SET140 mono blocks use 833 DHT tubes - I like the fact that the product "name" simply indicates the respective output wattage (needless to say, 833 will barely break a sweat putting out 140 Watts). Awesome products, all built in house machining on a CNC machine the guy designed and built himself, output transformers wound and encapsulated in house etc. & etc. Just saying, it's one thing to promote "your" products (that's fine), but another to claim they're the only ones at anything (with the exception of AGD, those are indeed unique, at least to my knowledge).

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Leon, GM70 only puts out 30W. Lol. Show me ANY amplifier with a SINGLE output tube in pure class A TRIODE that can do anything over 50W, much LESS 120W, or the bigger NAT Magma New with 160W S.E.T. .... you think I'm full of shit huh Brother ? How about I bet you $100 NAT MAKES the MOST POWERFUL SINGLE TUBE S.E.T. IN THE WORLD ???

[@LeonFleisherFan]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Please read people’s replies before getting all worked up: Amplifon makes TWO DHT amps, the SET42 (42 Watts using GM70 output tubes, hence SET42) AND the SET140 (140 Watts using 833 output tubes, hence SET140), and I was referring to the SET140 monoblocks as an example of an amp that contradicts your claim that NAT is the only brand building SETs of this wattage, let alone stability and sound quality (when it comes to output transformer quality, my money is on Amplifon, even if NAT’s have good bandwidth). Needless to say, an 833 will barely break a sweat putting out 140 Watts. Besides, it might be worth making a habit checking data sheets before making further unwarranted claims: a GM70 will put out 43 Watts at 1’500 Volts. If you’re too lazy or unwilling to google data sheets, I can provide a link.

[@LeonFleisherFan]

@@OCDHIFiGuy As an aside, Leon Fleisher is (indeed was) the name of the late, legendary San Francisco born pianist and much admired teacher at Peabody in Baltimore.

[@LeonFleisherFan]

@@OCDHIFiGuy As to your third claim, it looks far from a certainty that the output power of the GM100 (max. 1kW) in the NAT Magma New is rated at 1% THD, so it may effectively be lower-powered than the 833 (max. 1.65kW) in the Amplifon SET140. Reminds me of the famous Kondo Ongaku rated 27 Watts when the data sheet for 211 clearly states a maximum of 19.7 Watts. What Kondo was referring to were 5% THD. Now one might say power ratings are irrelevant for tube amplifiers and that 5% THD can still sound great, and that's all true, but the fact remains that comparing apples to apples, as in your claim that NAT are the only ones building SET amps of comparable output wattage, one would need to adhere to the international standard of 1% THD.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@LeonFleisherFan I'm not here to cockfight you. You want to shootout the amps let's do it at the next HiFi show. I stand by NAT. I've never seen that Polish brand until now. I "Googled" the brand and can't find a manufacturer website nor a US Distributor. I've personally sold 4 pair of the Magma New Amplifiers by NAT, all still in the field working. Plus I've got my own pair of Magma M and Magneto monoblocks. So while there may be a design made somewhere else at one point, it's underrepresented, and the supply is questionable. I'd love to try them however. Care to put me in touch with Andrej ?

[@cptmainwaring]

I have just sold my Krell amps and want the JR625 s2. If only i had £10k!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

If only you could find one for sale !

[@cptmainwaring]

@@OCDHIFiGuy My local dealer has a used one but it has had a replacement main board which sort of makes me nervous

[@Random-kq4pz]

So how does the old Krell sound? That is the only thing that matters.

[@giorgioformicola5287]

Awfull. Lost my love for music until I changed to tubes....

[@annebokma4637]

And that's why I buy mostly second hand gear. Buy cheap, refurbish where needed, have something far below cost of the modern equivalent

[@linandy1]

A bunch of smaller capacitors have much less actual farad value than what they add up to due to clamping current phenomenon. Those big ass caps are the way to go for sure.

[@j.m.harris4202]

It requires a minimum of 45amps of power to Arc Weld with 3/32" 6010 welding rod! It's not recommended to weld with Krells, but certain models will get the job done! Don't ask me how I know! 🙊🙈🙉✌️

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Great tip! LOL

[@freeradical431]

I just hooked my speakers up to my Miller 225..............

[@j.m.harris4202]

@@freeradical431 Is the 60Hz hum coming through your Speakers clearly! Lol

[@freeradical431]

@@j.m.harris4202 busy putting out a fire....ill get back to ya, I need higher current speakers

[@gleamtarrest6310]

Ah Jibbiddy jabbiddy Ah ratt-AH-Tatt-Tatt... I'll take Charlie Weaver to Block.

[@stevesmyth4982]

Give me the Krell with its linear PSU and non - Darlington output devices any day. The data sheet for output devices used in the more modern amplifier doesn't show the ft for STD03P and STD03N, Darlingtons are known to have a poor performance at high frequencies and IMO as an amplifier builder, the designer took the easy route when he designed the output stage. There are also op amps used in the design, I only hope they're not in the audio path.

[@topkho]

Why did they put the Gaan components inside a tube looking component? Is it just for cosmetic purposes?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

To get it away from the power supply. And to differentiate the brand.

[@michaela.5363]

Those filter caps are the size of beer cans

[@joelowens5211]

Way back in the early 90's I had the Threshold Class A stasis amp. It was a monster. Sounded awesome. Luckily the room was my basement very large like 20 by 30 feet long or something. That thing threw off serious heat! Now way you can put true class A in smaller rooms it is unbearable almost.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Great Nelson Pass gear from Threshold.. It split into Pass Labs and CODA. ;-)

[@joelowens5211]

@@OCDHIFiGuy The Threshold powered my Klipsch corner loaded horns with the 15's on the bottom. Had the Klipsch center channel also their flagship model. Had a Macintosh amp for that one. Had Lexicon surround sound processor and Nakamichi CD player. Definitive BP 10's for the back. Had B and K amp powering those. Had M & K ( Miller and Kriesel ) powered sub 12's in push pull configuration. Had the Pioneer laser disc player also. Listened to music and home theater.

[@jimdalto6254]

I enjoy my JRDG Continuum S2 enough that my much more expensive tube gear just sits and collects dust.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Killer piece ! I just got the Daemon ;-)

[@freeradical431]

Id like to see more about the Continuum, its integrated? right?

[@dimitriskaligeris5506]

ΤPA3255 is the sort term future. Next, are coming new IC that amplify direct digital signal from digital source, with a dac at output. This is the future, digital source, digital amplification, hi voltage and current conversion to analogue for speakers. If someone believes the opposite, is Romantic. And technology don't care for this. I say this, that own 10 A and Ab class amplifiers with transistors and tubes

[@hennievangalen3789]

From the days that most were build in the US.

[@veniceog]

Rowland amps are interesting, but its lie to say there’s any new technology in there. A different design approach maybe, but putting in a switching power supply instead of a linear one, and transformer balanced design is not new at all.

[@Novilicious]

OCD Mike, ur one of the few high end audio dealers or selling snake 🐍 oil and BS. You need to get your hands on some Perlisten and tell me if that’s BS or not. We need more things that are the real deal

[@dougg1075]

I want! The thirst THE THIRST!

[@kft590]

An amplifier as a concept is simple but Krell Amps are anything but simple, they use incredibly sophisticated circuitry. Tube Amps, and some of Nelson Pass's Amps are fairly simple but Krell Amps are not.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

What a bummer. Take a simple concept and complicate it... I'll take simple any day.

[@bubblehead5394]

Playback Designs, Play Back Designs, Play Backdesigns.

[@d.j.wiendels6572]

The efficiency is to low. A switch mode amp will get you more power from a typical wall outlet.

[@danielesbordone1871]

Carver used to design transformerless amps with a switching supply in the late 1970's , doesn't sound like new technology to me , maybe more refined but not new tech.

[@jumpsuite]

Well hears my in put yes my amps pull 12amp a pice when pushed they will kick the breaker.cant change the breaker it not mine but back to the point on the krell you need a power station to feed it like my amps ya they sound great but they heat up your room now you need air conditioner etc... Is it worth it he'll ya but they get old they need up grades so what really matters your option or the fact or dose it matter at all. One thing I will say is down low ie volume those heavy hitters don't lack a bit but so dose a digital amps do the same thing with a different sound and you don't have to be a body builder either.or should we buy Elon musk's new amp it's got a nuclear fusion ic chips made from space age ploymers and transformers from his space x ships that all where rejected from NASA. But what sounds good to you. The beast or the burden.peace.......and the fun begins..hifi ya

[@TheFibtastic]

This total BS. You absolutely find all of those things in contemporary gear that is a cost-for-cost parallel to something like this Krell. Why do all vintage people compare old top of the line to new gear that's a fraction of the adjusted for inflation cost?

[@inonothing09]

its digital chips inside a tube ... purely a gimmick with no engineering purpose ...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

How would you know ? U know nothing

[@slimjim1104]

Dude adcom b&k Aragon acurus and others used these big blue caps too but I'm sure companies like ATI outlaw and emotiva know what they are doing too with multiple smaller caps per board.

[@salvadorrodenas3071]

I think you are a bit biased too

[@nelsono4315]

great video!