Krell KAV-250a Solid State Stereo Amplifier

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Super well made amplifier from Krell and the first of this model to come through our shop.

We were impressed by the heftiness, build quality, and attention to detail.

Cosmetically super clean and it's obvious the previous owner took great care of it.

We carefully went through this amplifier to insure optimal working condition, and performed a bias and deep test. Working just like it should and sounding great.

Please see the linked manual below or the last photo for full specifications:

Krell KAV-250a Solid State Stereo Amplifier - Manual

SkyFi Intake Testing:
• Tested clean to rated power on both channels.
• Reviewed and Set DC Offset and Bias.
• Bias set to 4.2mV so channels would match. One rail was biased at around 3.6mV previously.
• Balanced and Unbalanced tested - PASS
• Listening Test - PASS.

Note: Jumpers installed on both XLR inputs to enable RCA input by default. This can easily be changed to XLR input instead without special tools.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Summit Series Silver Streak Analog Interconnects (PAIR) - BALANCED XLR Connectors

Summit Series Silver Streak Analog Interconnects (PAIR) - RCA Ultraplate or WBT Connectors

Base Series PK10 Power Cord (10AWG/Gauge)

From a Sound & Vision Review written by Michael Tree:
Hard-core gear maker Krell makes a poweful argument with KAV-250a and KAV-250a/3.

Since their inception some 20 years ago, Krell has remained about as hard-core of an audiophile company as you're likely to find. Back in 1980, Krell shocked the hi-fi world with their enormous KSA-100. Since then, they have remained on the cutting edge of solid-state electronics. Just when you thought they couldn't push things any further, they would obliterate the competition with some unimaginably huge and powerful beast. The most recent example of this is the Master Reference series that they describe as being "mini-sized," but I think they must have been comparing the amps with a British car.

Highlights
• Wonderful flexibility between two-channel and multichannel uses
• Powerful, transparent sound
• Amazing build quality

I used these amplifiers extensively over several weeks and tried them in several configurations. Since I received the two-channel amp first, I hooked it up in my high-end music system. The speakers I use most frequently are a pair of Quad Electrostatics. On paper, using these with the Krell looks a bit like a marriage between Kate Moss and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Quads are famous for their purity and transparency, yet they lack punch at the bottom end and can only go moderately loud before they self-destruct. On the other hand, the Krell's traditional strengths are power, dynamics, and true disdain for anything wimpy. Yet the combination worked surprisingly well—the amp was remarkably transparent, and it was able to coax a more-powerful bottom end and better dynamics from the delicate Quads without causing distress.

At $7,500 for both amps, this package is undeniably expensive, yet it's one of Krell's most affordable setups. You expect excellence from Krell, but I was impressed that it can be found even in their more-affordable products. If you can swing the entry fee, this system will give you some of the best home theater performance available without compromising your two-channel stereo listening, which is truly a blessing for those dedicated to the so-called marriage of audio and video.

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:
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 signs of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally, we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If everything reads clean, we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier then remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will be also be tested.

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.