Krell KBL DUAL MONO Preamp Stack with KPA Phono Section - WOW!

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We've managed to assemble the holy grail of Krell Preamps from the 1990's across three different purchases after lots of looking!

We started with just a single stereo KBL, and immediately located the only KPA available online. A few years later we finally came across another KBL which almost completes our stack.

You see, there are switches inside the KBL allowing you to reconfigure it to a fully balanced mono preamp! Ganging two together gives you the best reference configuration possible. Yes, you do end up with two volume controls but Krell has provided helpful LED's to help match levels at a glance.

If we come across anther KPL (the phono stage), we (or the new owner) could acquire it to also have a fully balanced phone stage for a KILLER FOUR CHASSIS system.

Be sure to watch our video below detailing the setup and design.

Best of all, we have two power supplies so each KBL will have its own power source. So essentially you end up with a FIVE chassis system!

Complete this setup with a pair of Krell MDA-300 monoblocks that we just listed for an outstanding Krell system. We've included pictures in this listing with the amps, but they are obviously not included in this listing.

Back in the 1990's Stereophile gave the KBL a Class A rating in stereo configuration. Had they reviewed the Fully Balanced version we have here, it would have been off the charts. 

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 - KBL Preamplifier:
Solid-state, class-A, DC-coupled, line-level, stereo preamplifier
S/N ratio: 100 dB (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 9 dB)
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

Specifications - KPA Phono Preamplifier:
Signal to Noise Ratio:  85db "A" weighted
Phono Input Impedance:  Adjustable from 5 ohms to 47,000 ohms
RIAA Tracking:  Less than .1 dB deviation from 20Hz to 20kHz
Phono Overload:  300mV @ 1kHz
Gain:  36 dB or 66 dB

Click here for a PDF copy of the Krell KBL & KPA Owners' Manual 

Our Testing Process for Preamplifiers at SkyFi:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage Kef speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

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