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I heard that they've started shipping, but is it any better than the old KAV-500? It seem to have the same exact price ($4500 for 5ch, $500 for each additional channel,) almost similar specs (5x125w vs 5x100w.) Basing it on the price and the way high end gear hyperinflates in price. It seems to be of inferior build and sound quality compared to the KAV-500.Plus they have the new KAV gear that is much more expensive than the Showcase units.
Follow Ups:
What do you base your conclusion that it is of inferior quality, if you've neither seen nor heard the product?Regards,
Just on the assumption that it is the exact same cost as the old KAV-500, and the KAV-500's price was 5 years or so ago.Plus if we follow the KAV line from before, it will lead us to the current KAV series, which is also more expensive than the Showcase (albeit at a higher power rating.)
But also, looking at the inside of both, the Showcase has a bigger transformer (1.4KW vs 1KW) but less supply capacitance (60,000uF vs ~80,000uF.) Also, it doesn't look like a it has a completely modular design, with what looks like 3 boards supplying 5 channels of amplification. Versus a 1 to 1 ration on the KAV-500.
I am just wondering if the Showcase is the equivalent of Madrigal spinning a new sub-brand Proceed from Mark Levinson or Altair from Krell. We all know what happened with the Altair line.BTW, why isn't the new line based on the same Krell naming convention like Morbius?
Showcase is a more "budget oriented" line of products, yes. THat has been the stated goal all along. As the "standard" line has increased in the cost, Krell wanted some products that fit into the lower price arena, and Showcase are those products.With respect to the amplifier specifics -- 3 boards would indicate the utilization of 3 stereo modules which would be "cheaper" than two stereos and a mono module from a manufacturing perspective.
The effect of the larger transformer and smaller capacitance remains to be seen. Krell has typically "overbuilt" so perhaps this is more in line with most others in the industry.
Time will tell what sonic compromises are made.
Regards,
Contacted Krell about it, they tell me the usual stuff, Showcase is vastly superior. I could assume it is so based on the Current mode technology that is implemented the Showcase units.But as the KSA to the KSAII to the FPB to the FPBc have resulted in substantial increase in price. For them to come out with something that is cheaper than an equivalent unit from 1994 leaves me at least in doubt about the build quality of such unit.
I guess we will see if the "budget" price results in "budget" sound. Just don't want the line to disappear after 2-3 years and have value of equipment go down to $0.
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