Krell KBL Analog Solid State Preamp w/External Power Supply - Stereophile Class A

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In a Stereophile review it was said this preamp is not only Class A rated, but that it belongs at the TOP of Stereophile's Class A rating scale for high-end audiophile grade HiFi equipment.

Take a look at our photo showing the inside of this preamp to get a clear picture for how well designed and executed this preamplifier really is.

Please note this Krell preamp does not have a phono (turntable) capable input.  

Krell made a special matching "high-resolution phono cartridge preamplifier" called the KPA to connect your turntable to the KBL, but you can use just about any phono preamplifier you like with this Krell piece.  And if you'd like a suggestion (Or if you have a KPA you'd like to sell or trade towards gear on our store), please just drop us a note and we'll be happy to recommend something that suits your tastes.

This preamp is clean with no signs of abuse inside or out.  There are no significant scratches, just the occasional scuff from moving around.  This piece  was tested on our workbench and in our listening room without any hiccups.

The original 1990 KBL Brochure is linked here and contains all specifics on the special external power supply unit, as well as detailed info on the inputs and outputs within this preamplifier.

From a review written by Lewis Lipnick for Stereophile:

"The KBL is undoubtedly the finest preamp ever to come from Krell. It's priced in the same league as the No.26 ($4500 for the Krell vs $4850/$5450 for the Levinson unbalanced/balanced), is a "line-level only" component which can be combined with a matching phono stage (Krell KPA vs Levinson No.25), and offers balanced operation (as does the No.26 with its optional input card). It can also be mated with another KBL for dual-mono operation.

...I feel the KBL belongs at the top of Stereophile's Class A. As did Krell's KSA-250 power amp, I feel the KBL to redefine the term "neutrality." Dynamic and transparent, this preamp is faithful to the musical material, revealing a recording's best and worst aspects."

Specifications:
Solid-state, class-A, DC-coupled, line-level, stereo preamplifier
S/N ratio: 100dB (A-weighted)
Input impedance: 10k ohms
Output impedance: 0.5 ohms
Frequency range: 0.1Hz-250kHz
Voltage swing: 65V peak-peak (23V RMS)
Voltage gain: 3x (approximately 9dB)
Dimensions: 2.25" H by 19" W by 12" D (preamplifier) and 2.5" H by 9" W by 12" D (power supply)
Weight: 27 lbs
Year: 1990

Click here for a copy of the Owner's Manual

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.