types? levinson, krell, proceed

[gnxsam]

what is the hype with names like mark levinson, proceed, krell, and the other big names- is the equipment that much better or is this snake oil too. i cant fathom spending 10,000 on a cd transport and dac, or monoblock amps, lol..but if i had the money, is the investment really worth the price...can human ears really hear the difference

sam

 

[jaxvon]

I would say no. Basically any of those products are status symbol products. A few of the crazy tube components might be audibly different, but those are few and far between. With some products, you are paying for perfection, if that's what you must have. Halcro's products are basically perfect from a measurement standpoint, but you're going to pay for that perfection. So yes, your intuition is correct: these products are not really worth the extra in money spent. For those who can afford them, I think a lot of them buy such products so there is no doubt that his or her system is anything less than what it could be.

 

[stratman]

My 2.0 system is a Krell KST amp, Krell KSL, pre, and Proceed PCD cd player. I'm not using it right now since I'm in the process of acquiring Martin-Logans and have no speaker connected at this time.

You buy Krell when: You're single and have money to burn, You like how the equipment looks and feels (eye candy) and in my case I've had this since '92 and the system is bullet proof, never a hiccup. There are tons (no pun intended, Krells are very heavy)of other equipment which may look pedestrian, cost less, and PERFORM AS GOOD. A 350Z is a great car, gets you from point a to point b, respectable performance, wouldn't you rather drive a Lambo?

 

[cstpeter]

While I think some names carry a status symbol, Krell in particular, the same brands can generally back it up with performance. This past weekend I heard a pair of Wilson Maxx's ($40,000) with Audio Research electronics ($30,000 or so)...and I couldn't believe my ears. The most beautiful sounding system I've ever heard. Sure, it was way overpriced, but it was friggin beautiful.

 

[stratman]

Mr. C,

You're correct sometimes it can become a "status" thingy, but you're also correct in stating that most of these companies can back up the claims with performance. I love my Krell stuff, even now. Have you ever seen the inside of a Krell amp? It's a thing of beauty, almost like a Ferrari's engine (ok, now I'm getting carried away) and they dissappear into background (low distortion floor). Are they over priced? yes. Again so are Rolexes, and any inexpensive quartz movement watch can beat it for accuracy.

 

[cstpeter]

Stratman, didn't mean to knock Krell. From what I've heard they made a fantastic product. Just pointing out that Krell is one brand name in particular that carries a high-end connotation (and rightfully so).

 

[Sleestack]

I just buy products that have aesthetics that appeal to me, uncompromising performance and the right connectivity/versatility. Sometimes that means I end up buying a $23K SACD player and sometimes it means I just buy $100 Cobalt cables. Either way if it provides me with exactly what I want, I always feel I go my money's worth.

 

[stratman]

I know you didn't, you actually pointed a true and sad comment. Some folks buy this stuff to show it off, sadly, and they really don't take the time to actually listen and enjoy it. In my line of work I deal with a clientele that has an over-abundance of money and time. And the majority of these homes have some high end equipment that is barely used (only at party times), but its eye candy to be shown off. Most can't appreciate the build that goes into some of these products, they're usually installed by some tech and/or left in a closet somewhere. Sad isn't it.

 

[cstpeter]

I wish I had Krell gear just waiting around in a closet. Sad indeed.

Sleestack, your signature is sick!

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

If I had the money I'd have McIntosh electronics. Even if it didn't sound any different than my mass-market stuff, love those blue gauges!

 

[Tomorrow]

If I had the money I'd have McIntosh electronics. Even if it didn't sound any different than my mass-market stuff, love those blue gauges!

Bingo. I'd pay double for anything with those cool blue guages. Put them on a vacuum cleaner and I'd turn into a housekeeper.