Is this a worthwhile Krell amp upgrade?

[AVphile]

Years ago, I replaced my existent speakers with Revel Ultima Studios and a center channel Ultima Voice. At the time I was using a Proceed 3-channel amplifier that I chose to replace as well. Revel had used Mark Levinson amplifiers in the process of developing the Ultima series, and so I tried that same combination at my dealers. While quite nice, those amps were clearly eclipsed -- in the ears of both my wife and me -- by similarly powerful Krell FPB amps. Therefore, I purchased a Krell FPB 200C stereo amplifier and a 250c mono (for the center channel).

Recently, Krell has begun to enjoy a resurgence of its reputation, particularly in the area of power amps. Over the years since I bought my FPBs (circa 2005), their amplifiers have been extensively redesigned, which has caused me to wonder whether I would be well-served to replace my two Krell amps with their Trio 300 XD.

Krell's closest dealer is several hundred miles from where I live, making an A/B comparison rather impractical. Consequently, I am soliciting the thoughts of my fellow audiophiles regarding the Trio 300 XD, particularly if you have been able to compare it sonically against Krell's FPB amplifiers. (Knowing the speaker system driven would be helpful, too.)

Thank you!

 

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum

 

[Mr Peabody]

Just my thoughts, I've not owned the Krell XD. You may already know XD is a more recent technology, or, topology. I first heard it in Devvialet where I enjoyed the sound quite a bit. However, if you are a FPB fan you may be better off looking at D'Agostino who was with Krell during the FPB years but gone by the time XD began to be used.

I heard a Krell amp at AXPONA, not positive if XD, it seemed to have the Krell sound but it wasn't as impressive to me as some other amps in that range I heard on that trip.

Although expensive the newer Levinson like the 534 sound great, IMO. Seem quicker and more musical than classic Levinson. The 532h is not like Krell or the more expensive Levinson. Some like Levinson in speed and musicality but not as high current.
My thought would be keep the FPB until able to listen to amps you feel bests the FPB. I think to do betterit is going to cost$

 

[Elberoth]

It all depends on your budget. IMO the Momentums (mono or stereo) would sound much more like your old Krell FBP than the new XD series.

If your budget does not allow the Momentums (new or used) I would seriously consider the FPB-cx series of amps - they are a substantial upgrade over the regular FPB. More transparent and open on top. Both FBP-300cx and 400cx are great designs.