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The Krell KAV-500 is a legendary multichannel powerhouse known for its massive dynamic headroom and current-mode circuitry, originally priced at US$4,500 for five channels. At US$1,526, this asking price is fair, sitting just US$13 above the median of US$1,513 from recent comparable listings and comfortably within the US$1,192–US$1,568 range. It is not a bargain but represents solid market value for a unit in this condition class.
This amplifier delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms and 200W into 4 ohms, with a bridged mode offering 400W for monoblock-like bass control. Its worth lies in Krell’s proprietary output transistors and a 2-kVA power supply that ensures compression-free reproduction even with difficult speakers. Unless the listing notes missing cards or cosmetic flaws, this is a straightforward buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking heavy-duty, audiophile-grade performance at a realistic used price.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Krell Industries, founded in 1980 in the United States by Dan D'Agostino and his wife Rondi, emerged from a passion for pushing audio engineering boundaries. Based initially in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and later settling in nearby Orange, the brand drew its name from the advanced alien race in the 1956 film Forbidden Planet, symbolizing limitless technological power. The company's debut at the 1981 Consumer Electronics Show with the KSA-100, a high-power Class A amplifier, sparked immediate demand and established Krell as a force in American hi-fi innovation.
Krell specializes in high-end amplification, with its power amplifiers—epitomized by flagships like the Master Reference Amplifier—earning legendary status for their raw dynamics and precision. The lineup extends to preamplifiers, surround sound processors, digital-to-analog converters, CD and Super Audio CD players, loudspeakers, and subwoofers, all engineered for uncompromised performance in music and home theater systems.
Positioned firmly at the pinnacle of the high-end audio market, Krell commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its cutting-edge circuitry, massive power supplies, and relentless pursuit of sonic excellence. A top-tier brand alongside legends like Levinson and Threshold, it appeals to buyers seeking reference-level gear that defines the genre, even amid recent ownership transitions following Rondi's passing in 2024.
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