February 20, 2009

• Krell KAV-250cd, Part 8

  I still recall that, 20 years ago, in early '89, Guns N' Roses' G N' R Lies created some controversy.  But musically, we started to see how GNR got their Stones vibe from guitarist Izzy Stradlin, their art rock from Axl Rose.  I was in my school's library, listening to "Patience," and read how the Meter Readers "didn't believe" in sonic differences among cables. 

  I ripped off my headphones, and bellowed, "What the fuck are you smoking?!"  When I bought Monster Cable's IL-400 in 1986, it sounded slightly, but definitively, smoother, less grainy, and more detailed than the throwaway interconnects which came with equipment.  But when I got their more expensive IL-500 (or whatever it was called), it actually sounded worse than the IL-400.  The IL-500 was the most muddy interconnect I ever heard.  Don't tell me that there are no differences among cables.  Just STFU and listen.  And don't go hiding behind your "measurements."  These are the same losers whose only chance to get married is to call a mail order bride service, and go by the numbers.

  My first Krell product was 1994's KRC-2 preamp.  I primarily used it with Kimber PBJ and KCAG.  I didn't live with other Krell gear until, well, 2007.  By then, I used it primarily with Nordost Valhalla and Odin.
  
  Tessa asks, "But what about interconnects for the KAV-250cd?"

  Nordost Odin does tell us exactly what the KAV-250cd sounds like.  But that's unreal.  The old (and still in production) KCAG sounds rough and relentless.  My XLO Limited Edition sounds too stuffy, not transparent enough.  Somewhat surprisingly, XLO's original Signature series, if you can live with the slightly lean mids, is a fine match.  Tara Labs' airy and transparent ISM The One is a fabulous match.  But overall, the Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, even though it costs more than the KAV-250cd itself, brings out the best.
  
  "Okay then, let's fire it up," says Tessa.

  After GNR's blistering gutter punk, the laid-back, Stradlin-penned "Patience" was somewhat of a shock.  Stradlin was writing about the relationship between Rose and Erin Everly.  Well, you won't need much patience, if you use the KAV-250cd with a grain-free interconnect, such as the Platinum Eclipse.  The KAV-250cd possesses a direct, no-BS personality.  That same sense of control applies equally to fast songs and slow numbers.
  
  Some people do not have balanced preamplifiers.  The KAV-250cd is a fully balanced CD player.  But at least with the Platinum Eclipse interconnects, there is little or no difference between balanced and single-ended.  So if you do not have a balanced preamp, do not fret.  Plus, the KAV-250cd's single-ended output voltage is a very useful half that of the balanced.   
  

  • 4:34 am
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