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Description: Line-level preamplifier. Gain: 10dB (x3). Frequency range: 0.5Hz–550kHz. S/N ratio: 95dB A-weighted. Input impedance: 48.5k ohms. Output impedance: 11 ohms. Maximum output voltage: 9.5V RMS, 28V p–p.Dimensions: 18" W by 21/4" H by 13.75" D.
Compared with the obvious alternative of waiting for a median deal, this is a strong buy: at US$875, it lands well below your US$1,067 25th percentile and far under the US$1,649 median for recent comparable listings. For a well-kept sample, that usually means you’re getting in at bargain territory rather than merely “good value.”
The Krell KSL is worth chasing because this line is respected for serious, high-end analog control, with the kind of transparency and drive that keeps a system sounding composed rather than polite. At this price, the main upside is simply owning a coveted Krell preamp without paying typical market money; if it’s complete and functioning cleanly, it should be an easy yes for someone building a revealing, no-nonsense system.
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.
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