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The Krell KRC-3 is a high-end solid-state stereo preamplifier introduced in the mid-1990s, known for its neutral sound, robust single-chassis build and accurate remote volume control.
This pre-owned example is in good condition in black and grey, supplied with its remote. No manual or original packaging is included.
Designed to remain powered at all times, the KRC-3 runs warm and typically reaches its best sonic performance after a long warm-up. Owners often report that balanced XLR connections yield the cleanest, most dynamic results with compatible power amplifiers.
Visit our Lane Cove showroom to experience the composure and control of the KRC-3 Preamp.
Why Choose the Krell KRC-3 Preamplifier?
The KRC-3 remains a sought-after vintage line stage for listeners who value neutrality, bandwidth and the practicality of a fully featured single-chassis design.
• Exceptionally Low Distortion: THD below 0.009% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz keeps the signal clean.
• High Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 101 dB A-weighted for a quiet, stable background.
• Balanced Architecture: XLR input and output paths support the most dynamic, low-noise connections.
• Generous Input Count: Four RCA inputs plus one balanced input cover a complete source suite.
• Tape and Dual Main Outputs: Single-ended tape outs plus both XLR and RCA main outputs aid system flexibility.
Audition the Krell KRC-3 at our Lane Cove showroom to hear its neutral, wideband character with a matching power amplifier.
With gain of 6.5 dB on single-ended inputs and 12.36 dB on balanced inputs, the KRC-3 is well suited to a wide range of source and amplifier combinations.
Frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.05 dB, extending to 0.3 Hz–300 kHz at the –3 dB points, underlines the design’s bandwidth and stability.
Kept powered and given time to settle, the Krell KRC-3 delivers the kind of unforced, authoritative line-stage performance that made Krell a reference name in the 1990s.
For enthusiasts seeking vintage high-end control at a competitive price, it remains a highly capable centrepiece.
Technical Specifications
• Product Type: Pre-owned
• Type: Solid-state stereo line preamplifier
• Gain (Single-Ended): 6.5 dB
• Gain (Balanced): 12.36 dB
• Frequency Response: 0.3 Hz – 300 kHz (+0, –3 dB)
• Frequency Response (Audio Band): 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.05 dB)
• THD: 101 dB (A-weighted)
• Inputs: 1 × balanced XLR, 4 × single-ended RCA
• Main Outputs: Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA
• Tape Outputs: Single-ended RCA
• Volume Control: Remote-operated
• Operating Note: Designed for continuous power; best after extended warm-up
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 475 × 387.5 × 87.5 mm
• Weight: 8.6 kg
• Finish: Black and grey
• Year: 1995
• Included: Remote control
Learn more about the Krell KRC-3 on HiFi Engine here.
Let us show you the remarkable KRC-3 at Len Wallis Audio. Explore our second-hand hi-fi & AV collection here or contact our team to audition the Krell KRC-3 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 KRC-3 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 neutral high-end line-stage control with the Krell KRC-3 Preamplifier?
Call (02) 9427 6755
Email [email protected]
Or visit us at 64 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove, NSW, 2066
Unknown condition makes this one more of a value check than a slam-dunk, but at A$2,300 it sits above the A$2,015 75th percentile and looks ambitious versus the recent AUD market. Against a median of A$1,730 and a lower quartile of A$1,662, this asks a premium that only really works if the unit is exceptionally clean, freshly serviced, or comes with meaningful extras.
The KRC-3 is a well-regarded, no-nonsense preamp with the kind of musical, authoritative presentation Krell is known for, so the appeal is real if the rest of the system is up to it. A buyer should focus on switch reliability, remote status, and whether the unit has been serviced, because on an older high-end preamp those details matter more than cosmetics.
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.
See all Krell listings on RADAR.
