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Krell KPE Phono Stage – With Universal MM/MC Compatibility

Krell KPE Phono Stage – With Universal MM/MC Compatibility

USD$1,433 AUD$2,000
Location
AU
Seller
Len Wallis Audio
Source
Len Wallis Audio Dealer
Posted
1d ago
Last seen
2h ago

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Seller's Description

The Krell KPE is a high-performance FET-based phono preamplifier introduced in the 1990s to provide clean, low-noise signal handling for both MM and MC cartridges. This pre-owned unit is in great condition in black and comes with its DC-in interconnect cable. No manual or original packaging is included.

Aimed at audio connoisseurs seeking classic Krell vinyl performance at a competitive price, the KPE brings the cartridge signal up to line level with the quiet backgrounds and dynamic authority that made Krell phono stages highly regarded.

Visit our Lane Cove showroom to experience the analogue purity of the KPE preamplifier.

Why Choose the Krell KPE Phono Stage?

The KPE is a compact, specialist analogue component designed to extract maximum musical information from vinyl while remaining flexible enough for a wide range of cartridges.

• Low-Noise FET Circuitry: Paralleled transistors keep hiss and interference to a minimum.

• MM and MC Flexibility: Separate gain structures suit both high- and low-output cartridges.

• Fine Cartridge Matching: Multiple loading options optimise tracking and tonal balance.

• Reference-Grade RIAA Accuracy: Equalisation stays within tight limits across the audio band.

• Short Signal Path Advantage: Outboard box can sit beside the turntable for quieter, cleaner playback.

Audition the Krell KPE at our Lane Cove showroom to hear how this classic phono stage revitalises vinyl playback.

With gain options spanning MM and MC requirements and signal-to-noise figures that remain impressive by modern standards, the KPE handles delicate cartridge outputs with composure.

Complementary transistor stages provide the extra gain, equalisation and buffering needed to drive a line-level preamplifier cleanly.

Originally designed to partner Krell line stages via DC power, the Krell KPE remains a compelling standalone phono solution for listeners who value analogue purity, adjustable loading and the distinctive Krell combination of quiet backgrounds and dynamic drive.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Pre-owned

• Type: Outboard FET-based MM/MC phono preamplifier

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz (±0.1 dB RIAA)

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: –80 dB (Ref); –71 dB (Std MC); –89 dB (Std MM)

• Gain (Reference): 58–76 dB in 6 dB increments

• Gain (Standard MC): 64.5 dB

• Gain (Standard MM): 36.5 dB

• Input Impedance (Reference): 10 Ω–1 kΩ

• Input Impedance (Standard): 10 Ω–47 kΩ

• THD: Typically 0.1 % or lower, 20 Hz–20 kHz

• Crosstalk: Approx. –80 dB

• Circuit Topology: Paralleled FET input with complementary transistor gain stages

• Power: External DC from compatible Krell line stage or dedicated supply

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 180 × 61 × 305 mm

• Weight: 5.5 kg

• Finish: Black

• Included: DC-in interconnect cable

Learn more about the Krell KPE on HiFi Engine here.

Let us show you the remarkable KPE at Len Wallis Audio. Explore our second-hand hi-fi & AV collection here or contact our team to audition the KPE phono stage at our Lane Cove showroom or enquire online.

Len Wallis Audio Excellence Promise

Since 1978, Len Wallis Audio has been a trusted name in hi-fi, curating premium audio solutions from our Lane Cove showroom in Sydney. For over four decades, we’ve selected products that deliver outstanding performance and quality.

Our focus on innovation ensures every item meets audiophile standards. Whether upgrading or building a new system, our team helps you find the ideal audio solution for your needs.

Experience the KPE in person with an audition at our Lane Cove showroom. With expert guidance and a commitment to satisfaction, we make your audio journey seamless and rewarding.

Ready for classic Krell vinyl performance with the Krell KPE Phono Stage?

Call (02) 9427 6755

Email [email protected]

Or visit us at 64 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove, NSW, 2066

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About Krell

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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