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Review 1 of 9
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Owned a KSA-150 back in 1994, but I do remember the sound of it well. In fact, I always write down my impressions of a piece of gear throughout the period that I own it in case other components change in or out, I have a better idea of which units do well together and which don't - and why. But I have wanted to post my observations here, since I don't think many of the reviews I'm seeing on the KSA-150 & '250 are all that accurate.
I've owned a lot of amps before and since the '150, and some definitely had better mids and highs, and comparable bass response, while others of course would fall flat in the presence of the Krell. The ease by which this amp can handle any speaker made is useful for those who need to drive difficult loads like certain Martin-Logan's, Apogee's, Maggie's, B&W's , Thiel's, etc. However, even with its big current capability, it can be pushed into hardness with "only" 150 wpc/8 ohms.
But for all of its positive attributes, I never could really feel completely satisfied with the '150. That's because from the midrange and up, it just seemed too aggressive and unsubtle. Not only because I've been a tube amp fan, but because I know other SS amps can display dynamics, control, bass response, and soundstage specificity like the Krell, but they can do so with greater finesse and attention to micro-dynamics and harmonics.
The KSA-150 is a good value on the used market for around the $2K point, as an anchor for the low end in a bi-amped system, or if you have very low impedance/low efficiency speakers. As a full-range, main amp - there are better choices sonically.
I give it 4.9 for bass response, 5.0 for low impedance handling, and 4.95 for build quality, 4.8 for macro-dynamics/power handling. 3.0 to 4.5 for everything else. Strengths:
~ Very good macro-dynamics.
~ Bass has excellent attack, crispness, and depth. Not quite as full or warm there as its peers, but great bass response nonetheless.
~ An arc-welder - can dump lots of current into extremely low impedances and tough phase angles.
~ 2 pairs of speaker posts, a plus for bi-wiring.
~ Krell build quality, natch. Weaknesses:
~ Mids and highs lack the refinement of some other amps in it's power/price range. Can be somewhat fatiquing after extended listening sessions.
~ Could be better at micro-dynamic shading and texture.
~ Edges of faceplate and heatsink fins can injure if careless while moving this heavyweight. Similar Products Used:
Partial list: original Adcom GFA-555 & '545, ARC Classic 120 monos, Audionics CC-2? (60wpc model), BAT VK-300X, B&K Sonata EX442 monos & ST140, Classe' DR-8, Golden Tube SE-40, Lazarus 200/200, Levinson No. 383, Marantz 2250B (receiver), Mesa Baron, Pass Labs X150, Sony TA-N55ES, Yamaha MX-1000U, others.
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