Danny. If you don't listen to vinyl, my advice to you is to forget about buying a preamp. There are several cd players (tubed and ss) that have volume controls and can drive your Krell amp direct via xlr input. Here is a list off the top of my head / Wadia - Cary - Shanling - and a few others.

As far as ic's, I would go with xlr ends and try to stay away from silver cables. As mentioned above Krell amps can sound a bit harsh and the SL 3 (Sl 3 is quite forward sounding? - correct me if I'm wrong) just adds to that, especially in the upper mids.

Have fun!

dogpile October 06, 2002 22:14

May I humbly agree with you and the other guys, the preamp should go first, but IMO it's a neck-and-neck race with the CD player.

Never mind balanced cables for now, get a good equipment match first. BTW, you will be amazed at the difference a source upgrade makes.

I would be curious to hear how a Bryston .5 worked with a Krell amp. Might tame it or just lose it.

tobias October 06, 2002 13:54

I would seriously consider a Conrad Johnson Premier 17 / 16 tubed pre-amp or Premier 18 if you want solid state.

czbbcl October 05, 2002 12:58

The preamp definitely needs to be replaced... Do you put 175/70/13 tires on a Ferrari (ok the comparison is extreme but...)?

There are a few good preamps for sale on Audiogon... Ask the resident experts for advice on what to match your Krell with...

Best Regards

Luc

lgregoir October 04, 2002 22:48

You might want to see about getting a Krell preamp. I personally like Krell preamplification better than their amplifiers.

KF

tok20000 October 04, 2002 20:12

I would definitely change the preamp. I've auditioned the H/K Sig 2.0 in my system and was not impressed. I love the ML speakers you have, I'm sure the Krell drives them easily. The Krell can be a little hard though. You might try a tubed preamp, like a BAT or VAC. If you want to stay SS, I would try a warming sounding one, like one from Classe, Rowland, or McCormack. I'm currently using a Classe CP-60 and I'm very happy with it.
As for cables, sorry, they are system dependant. I currently like the Tara Labs Decade and/or Master Gen II cables. I don't have a Krell amp though, so I can only recommend you try before you buy, if possible.

Have Fun,
John

jmcgrogan2 October 04, 2002 18:22

Danny, that is a good system I am looking at. Regarding balance setup, I've always found the balance setup better than single end, but it is also depend on how the mannufacturer built quality. Some of them are just connectors conversion which is not a true balance. I am sure some of the highly technical & expert on A'goN will jump in and help. :-)

6chac October 04, 2002 16:10