KRELL IS BACK ON THE MAP WITH NEW K300I-XD INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Posted on 26th November, 2018
KRELL IS BACK ON THE MAP WITH NEW K300I-XD INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Finally, there's some good news coming out of Connecticut's Krell headquarters. Discerning audiophiles have embraced the iconic US brand in the world of high-end Hi-Fi since 1980 when Dan and wife, Rondi D'Agostino founded the company.

Since those early days, it's endured changes of ownership and direction, while Dan D'Agostino moved on leaving ex-wife Rondi at the helm.

More recently, a series of unfortunate events and circumstances may have created some doubt as to Krell's future, but we are now being reassured that Krell is back!

Industry veteran, Walter Schofield has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Across his career, Schofield has worked for SVS, Meridian, Linn, Mark Levinson, and more recently, Emotiva in the role of Vice President of Global Strategy.

Schofield told StereoNET:

We have a busy season ahead of us, but our most important job is to ensure that every product bearing the Krell logo is unquestionably reliable and delivers ultimate performance, now, and for years to come. It’s our main, laser-like focus, and our commitment to our dealers and customers.

Schofield has been quick to communicate with dealers and distributors around the world, acknowledging the mistakes made in the past, but also promising that the future is positive for the Krell brand. The message from Krell is that its business as usual, and "they will be silent no more". Very encouraging!

And to back up those claims, Krell has announced a brand new product that is expected to become available in Australia in early 2019.

Krell K300i-XD

The Krell K300i-XD is a 150w Class A Integrated Amplifier with DAC and streamer, packed with features and connectivity options.

Boasting a 770VA Transformer and 80,000 uF capacitance, Krell's Current Mode topology is used with fully differential circuitry that it says runs from the input stage through to the last output gain stage. This, according to Krell, "provides extremely linear and extended frequency response curve with smooth, effortless highs and extremely dynamic bass energy."

Available in two configurations, the 'Classic' and the 'Digital',  the latter version includes an ESS Sabre Pro DAC and network streaming audio renderer supporting all major file formats and up to 192kHz/24bit resolution from UPnP servers and NAS devices.

Latest trends have not been overlooked with the XD Digital version also compatible with MQA and Roon Ready, along with provision for popular streaming platforms including Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz and vTuner Radio.

Krell has also realised the importance of HDMI in most user's applications today and has delivered with HDMI 2.0 inputs and outputs, supporting 4K UHD and HDR to allow for integration into Home Cinema systems.  

A single USB port is available on the front panel with other USB ports on the rear, and there's also a Bluetooth aptX Receiver for streaming from your smartphone or tablet, while an internal web server offers a remote graphical user interface for control.

The K300i-XD features two pairs of balanced XLR inputs and three pairs of RCA inputs, digital inputs comprising coax, EIAJ optical, 2 x HDMI, and USB inputs.

StereoNET first wrote about the upcoming Krell K300i back in July this year. Since then, the reported price has increased not insignificantly. However, this reflects the company's renewed direction and commitment to quality and the ongoing Krell legacy. 

The initial K300i prototypes utilised Chinese sourced mainboards, whereas, under Schofield's direction the new release now uses only US factory sourced mainboards, a decision he says was a necessary move.

Further revisions and developments have also been realised. David Goodman, Director of Product Development at Krell since 1987, said:

We discovered that with modifications to the output stage, we could vastly improve sound quality, across the board, to all of our amplifiers.

The result is a deeper, darker, blacker background that provided significantly better macro and micro dynamics, more silence between the notes. Vocals and midrange took on an organic, yet more vibrant tone, enabling us to hear much more body, and even though our amps were great before, there was a very significant improvement.

Welcome back, Krell!

The Krell K300-XD will be available in Black or Silver. The Classic version is expected to sell in Australia for $10,995 RRP, while the Digital (XD) version is expected to sell for $11,995 RRP.

For more information visit Krell.

Gallery

Marc Rushton's avatar
Marc Rushton

StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After writing for print magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET in 1999.

Posted in: Hi-Fi | StereoLUX!

JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION

Want to share your opinion or get advice from other enthusiasts? Then head into the Message Forums where thousands of other enthusiasts are communicating on a daily basis.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP

applause awards

Each time StereoNET reviews a product, it is considered for an Applause Award. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both.

Applause Awards are personally issued by StereoNET’s global Editor-in-Chief, David Price – who has over three decades of experience reviewing hi-fi products at the highest level – after consulting with our senior editorial team. They are not automatically given with all reviews, nor can manufacturers purchase them.

The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. Some have edited popular English language hi-fi magazines, and others have been senior contributors to famous audio journals stretching back to the late 1970s. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.

We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality. Receiving such an award is the prerequisite to becoming eligible for our annual Product of the Year awards, awarded only to the finest designs in their respective categories. Buyers of hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones can be sure that a StereoNET Applause Award winner is worthy of your most serious attention.

Licensing Information

00013194