I just wanted to point out that the Krell HTS in that 1999
review is the original model rather than the 7.1 mentioned
above. The 7.1 is two generations later.
I regret that I can't comment on Classe, and can only
comment on Krell HT processorss in general rather than
the 7.1 specifically.
Synopsis: I will never buy another Krell HT processor
regardless of how good they sound.
I have the original Krell HTS and it was an accurate review.
Krell HT procs indeed sounds incredible, but the user
interface is always a real klunker. Krell makes the best
solid-state Class-A amps and analog preamps around, but
they don't know how to put practical features in a user-
friendly interface. In that respect, the above review still
applies to the latter Krell products like the 7.1, S1000, and
the sell-your-children-into-slavery-expensive Evo 707.
For example, Krell's current S1000 and Evo 707 models
don't support an on-screen-display (OSD) via an HDMI
output. So what you say? At these price/performance
levels, it's very probably that all amps and processors are
hidden from view in dedicated cabinets. This means you
can't see the volume level on-screen. Meanwhile, the mass-
produced Integra DTC-9.8 is 1/20th the price of the Evo
707 and offers more features (like the very obvious OSD
via HDMI output). Come on Krell, you can do better.
My biggest beef with the original HTS is that Krell never
fixed the most serious flaws. A $6,000 MSRP processor
should never randomly lose PCM sync after fast-forwarding
a DVD. Nothing gets the blood pumping like that frantic
scramble for the volume when 110dB white noise is
suddenly dumped to your speakers. It happens just often
enough that I'm a little gun-shy of the ol' fast-forward
button.
Instead of fixing such bugs, Krell's policy is to offer a very
lucrative trade-in for the latest replacement model. Big
surprise Krell, but I don't want to pay $3,000 for a new
model just to eliminate a serious flaw in the old model.
What guarantees do I have the new model won't misbehave
in exactly the same way?
My second biggest beef with Krell processors is that the
above policy regarding bug fixes and updates drives down
the re-sale value like crazy. I'd rather invest in Enron stock!
My $6,000 HT processor is now worth $500. Maybe. I don't
know of any high-end product that loses more value than a
Krell HT processor.
Certainly, such huge re-sale loss is partially due to the
present pace of technological changes in home theater. But
if Krell (and other brands including Classe) actually kept
their promises regarding product upgrades, then such
large investments in hardware wouldn't be a waste.
Instead, they expect you to buy a new model.
If anyone cares, I'll eventually replace my HTS with an
Integra DTC-9.8 or something equivalent. It has balanced
outputs for all channels and all the HDMI video scaling
features I'll ever need. And the cost is pretty reasonable
at around $1,500. I expect it sounds good enough for
home theater use.
