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Read the other reviews online. This processor in balanced analog, for use as a stereo preamp is very close to the performance of the legendary Krell KCT preamp. Since it is a "home theater" unit it is often overlooked for it's 2-channel performance which is amazing, especially at the low price. Now add in that the build in DAC is also very good and you can do home theater if you like, you have a real bargain of a unit. I find it hard to believe you could do any better for the going price for a high performance system on a budget. A real gem. These sold new for $8K. The used price is so ridiculously low for this level of performance in 2 channel mode. Throw in the extras and it is a no brainer.
Verified purchase: No
I have tried many 7.1 surround processors (including Classe, Lexicon, Parasound) and none beats Krell HTS 7.1 in terms of sonic performance. Its strength is its usability for surround processor and for stereo only preamplifier. Many surround processors out there are great in producing home-theatrical surround sound, but fall short on their stereo only performance. But not this Krell! It has a preamp function, which fully bypasses the digital processing. Hence its performance in stereo music application can challenge sub-$2500 stereo-only preamplifiers out there. It is worth its $8000 new price and at its used price nowadays it is a bargain.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
When I review a piece of audio equipment the purpose is to find out how well it sounds, and ease of operation. I have owned many Surround processors over the past 15 years. I will list a few notable ones. Aragon Stage One, and the Aragon Sound stage. Integra Research RDC-7 and the RDC-7.1. The Sunfire Theater Grand I and III. The Bryston Sp-1. The Lexicon MC-4, Lexicon MC-8, and Lexicon MC-12. And the Krell Show case. My current Surround processor is the Krell HTS-7.1. Let me just say it is somewhat clunky in the user interface. Global crossover settings for all speakers, unable to set different crossover setting for different speakers. Very small front panel display, remote volume control commands extremely fast. However, this beautiful sounding processor makes up for the clunky interface. Now let me try to describe the sound. Detailed, transparent, and robust. When playing it loud it maintains its composure effortlessly extracting detail, and subtitles from very complex music without congestion. It's a very clean, and clear sounding Processor. The bass is tight, and detailed, the midrange is smooth, and articulate while the treble is extended, but clean and never bright. “BRIGHT NEVER.” No listening fatigue ever no matter how loud the volume is set. The soundstage width, and depth are very good, 3-dimensional good focus. In addition to being best imaging Pre/Pro’s I have heard. This is by far the best Surround Sound Processor I have owned.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Getting rid of this was a mistake. I caught the upgrade bug. I had a counterpoint stereo pre-amp but wanted something with a built in DAC to use some digital sources and base management. Bought the HTS and loved it. Kept changing it out, jumping from emotiva to lexicon to sunfire. None of them sounded as refined as the Krell. My meridian comes pretty close, but their form factor drives me nuts and the meridian doesn't have balanced outputs. The jump in sound quality with the Krell is significant. (Although no-one can shake a stick at emotiva's remote.) I will buy another when the price is right.
Verified purchase: No