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Krell Full Power Balanced 600 Stereo Power Amplifier; FPB600
Product: Krell Full Power Balanced 600 Stereo Power Amplifier; FPB600
Product SKU: 19646
Serial Number: 7896070022
Voltage: 115V
Cosmetic Description: 8/10 Excellent condition with minimal visible cosmetic wear including some nicks on the top surface and heatsink fins. The bottom-right corner of the faceplate has a small scuff as well. These blemishes are not readily visible and do not detract from the overall wonderful appearance.
What is Included: Amplifier, Power cable, Factory packaging
Functional Notes: Operational condition of this item is excellent, fully tested and no issues found.
Age: Circa 1997
# of Owners: 1
Tobacco Exposure: No
Service History: None
MSRP: $12,000
Other Notes: I suspect that even the Krell team was surprised when the Full Power Balanced 600 began to take shape. On paper, it was simply a power-doubled FPB 300 delivered at a moderate and appropriate hike in price. In practice, the FPB 600 has gone much further. Great as the '300 undoubtedly is, the '600 holds all the aces, with a potential to severely embarrass a wide sampling of top-brand power-amplifier references. I'm quite certain that it redefines the art. It will certainly dictate a vigorous shakeup of the current stack of Class A power amplifiers in Stereophile's "Recommended Components." Since a Class A rating means "the best we know," I feel that, in the light of this design achievement, the rest will have to be re-classed (footnote 2).
The FPB 600 advances substantially on the FPB 300 in particular, and on the art of the power amp in general. In fact, I suspect that the Krell designers are now acutely embarrassed at the audible shortfall in matching preamplifier performance. With no disrespect intended to the KRC-HR (Stereophile, October 1996, Vol.19 No.10), just use one in conjunction with the KPS-20i/l and the FPB 600. Then bypass the KRC-HR by simply linking the existing balanced cables input to output, with no other changes whatsoever—and hear the system take off. Such is the '600's transparency that care in system alignment, choice of cable, and quality of connectors all offer substantial payoffs.
The FPB 600's sound quality was at the leading edge. The Wilson X-1 Grand SLAMM proved as nearly perfect a match as one could wish for. The overall quality and dynamic range available from this combination was both stunning and breathtaking.
Add into the equation its huge, uncompromised peak loudness, the incomparable power delivery confirmed in its excellent laboratory results, and the Krell FPB 600 is something quite special among power amplifiers. And, lest I forget: at the price, and taking everything into account, this big Krell is actually good value for money.
I confidently dub the Full Power Balanced 600 the "Grand Slam" of power amplifiers.
Reviews: Stereophile
Shipping: Shipping within the Continental USA is approximately $299- This includes securing to a pallet with adequate protection and shipping via FedEx Freight to a residential address anywhere in the Continental USA. This rate can be reduced by $60 if a commercial delivery address available or if item can be picked up at nearest FedEx Freight depot. FedEx Freight charges a residential delivery fee otherwise which is included in our flat rate charge.