Rare beast from the east: DIY clone of Krell KSA100MK2 First Look video!

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  • Опубліковано 3 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 116

  • @D1N02
    @D1N02 12 днів тому +1

    This video might give you some insights, it seems legit despite being AI narrated. ua-cam.com/video/msXqaS4x9Qg/v-deo.html

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +2

      Thats actually excellent stuff, almost makes my future review pointless :D
      THANKS!
      I will try to pin your comment up!

    • @carlitomelon4610
      @carlitomelon4610 9 днів тому

      @@k4syx do it anyway!
      Lets see if it drives those Apogee Scintillas ;-)

    • @moisesERP
      @moisesERP 16 годин тому

      @@k4syx I will be waiting for your review and comments. I would love to know how it performs and may be compare it with the D5pro that you so much liked.

  • @jonnyberggren4598
    @jonnyberggren4598 12 днів тому +39

    Btw for all those out there complaining about clones.
    I've've said it before, and I say it again. Even if this one can't compare to the original. Specs or sound. I bet there's not much, if any, that can compare in this price range.
    If you have the money, buy the original. And for all of us not so fortunate economicalwize. Are we very happy that we can get something so well built and well sounding like this for 1000 bucks.
    That goes with all the well-built clones. Gettin tired about those who complain. Just go buy the original then.
    Just saying.....

    • @MarkHulbert-j3r
      @MarkHulbert-j3r 12 днів тому +8

      Exactly! Look for value price ratio. Don't get so obsessed about authenticity - relax and enjoy the music! Haven't had so much fun in 40 years of hifi. Thanks China!

    • @pkal244
      @pkal244 12 днів тому +4

      Have you seen the measurements from the dartZeel 108 clone? Everything pretty much matches exactly with the originally marketed specs, down to the THD and power output per ohm.
      I'm curious how close this Krell clone matches up to the original KSA100 as the internals look VERY different than the original.

    • @pandstar
      @pandstar 12 днів тому +3

      Well said.
      I happen to have a FM Acoustics 255 clone preamp I bought about 3 years ago for about $350 including shipping, and I can't say how it compares the original, but I have compared it to about half a dozen other preamps currently on the market, the least expensive was a $1100.00 Schitt Freya. There was also a Musical Fidelity, a Nuprime, and a couple of others, all at least $2000, the most expensive about $2500.
      And my FM Acoustics clone bested them all. Especially with regards to soundstage size, and imaging.
      So, I can't say how good it sounded compared to the original, but I can say it sounded as good as preamps at several times the $$$.

    • @Anatoly_Panchenko
      @Anatoly_Panchenko 12 днів тому +1

      If you looking for price performance ratio, take a look at Honey Badger amp. Quite few amps like Bryston, Classe, Benchmark AHB2 could be compared to it. Cost of the project $900-1500
      Next design called Wolverine, could to challenge conventional measurement equipment with it’s PPM level of SINAD. 240w at 8ohm per channel output.
      Assembled and tested boards costs depending on build around $1000. The project isn’t cheap, but in terms of performance, only several amplifiers, could be compared to it, and only 3 of them costs below $10k.
      $30 blameless amp of D Self, can be completed around $500. 75-80w per channel, THD below 0.006% within range of output power from 0.05 to 75w, -117dba noise floor with 45000uf caps per rail. Compare this to Bryston 2.5B SST3. Bryston has almost 2 times more output power, while other parameters are similar, except the price;it costs like 4-6 well crafted blameless amps.
      So much good new designs, that outperforms those Chi-Fi clones, of decades old devices, while not asking to much money

    • @Anatoly_Panchenko
      @Anatoly_Panchenko 12 днів тому +2

      If you looking for price performance ratio, take a look at Honey Badger amp. Quite few amps like Bryston, Classe, Benchmark AHB2 could be compared to it. Cost of the project $900-1500
      Next design called Wolverine, could to challenge conventional measurement equipment with it’s PPM level of SINAD. 240w at 8ohm per channel output.
      Assembled and tested boards costs depending on build around $1000. The project isn’t cheap, but in terms of performance, only several amplifiers, could be compared to it, and only 3 of them costs below $10k.
      $30 blameless amp of D Self, can be completed around $500. 75-80w per channel, THD below 0.006% within range of output power from 0.05 to 75w, -117dba noise floor with 45000uf caps per rail. Compare this to Bryston 2.5B SST3. Bryston has almost 2 times more output power, while other parameters are similar, except the price;it costs like 4-6 well crafted blameless amps.
      So much good new designs, that outperforms those Chi-Fi clones, of decades old devices, while not asking to much money

  • @tweakerman
    @tweakerman 12 днів тому +4

    It looks brilliant, these clones are getting better & better 👍

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Yes, I think they just choose good well known and reliable designs as a base and "scale them down" a little :)

  • @renzorainz
    @renzorainz 12 днів тому +8

    Greetings. There are many with the Accuphase logo aesthetically identical to this one but which are the clone of the Accuphase A 60, these also declared stable at 2 ohms. Greetings.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Yes this chassis is also available as separate product and used in at least two other amps that I've seen. But its nice break from regular black and silver stuff that others are using.

  • @raynerstuelgalid
    @raynerstuelgalid 12 днів тому +8

    Quite a few owners of Krell (the originals) have complained that the amps were "harsh." Hope to hear that this clone is not one of those.

    • @markwroblewski6500
      @markwroblewski6500 12 днів тому

      I'm sure the opposite is true.Having the flat frequency response,using a lot of electricity the pure class amps are the best sounding always compared to the best in tube amplification -Jadis/Audio Research.

    • @abijeetrs6522
      @abijeetrs6522 12 днів тому

      Don't know but multistage amplifiers do sound harsh.

    • @markwroblewski6500
      @markwroblewski6500 11 днів тому

      @@abijeetrs6522 Simply we need double blind tests to find out.Which amps according to you sound not harsh?Give us the brands/models.

    • @richardgrant418
      @richardgrant418 11 днів тому +1

      @@abijeetrs6522how many stages is a multi?

    • @richardgrant418
      @richardgrant418 11 днів тому +1

      @@markwroblewski6500as with just about every manufacturer, over time not all of them sound the same …

  • @mddawson1
    @mddawson1 12 днів тому +1

    I have a non-clone recommendation for driving your electrostats, a Sunfire TGA7401. They have been out of production for a few years now but new ones are sometimes still available. They have a slightly warm sound and put out 400w x 7 into 8 ohms, 800w x 7 into 4 ohms and can power 1 ohm loads. You can also bridge amp modules doubling the power output.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      Ive read about them in Martin Logan Owners forum, these are interesting recommendation. The problem is they are hard to find in Europe :(

    • @mddawson1
      @mddawson1 9 днів тому

      @@k4syx Even harder to find in Australia. I was lucky and got one on sale in 2022 and use it for HT now. I was using it for stereo listening before I got the Hypex amp. From memory, it sounds quite similar to my Burmester clone. It also runs cold even though there are no heat sinks due to its Tracking Downconverter power supply.

  • @richardgrant418
    @richardgrant418 11 днів тому +2

    These toroidals are rated 400 watts or HFZ thinks more likely ~ 150-200
    The Krell’s toroidals were 1.1 kW. And they doubled output from 100 @ 8 ohms all the way to 800 watts @ 1 ohm
    I’d think there is no chance that these could go that far, which is fine unless you’re driving some of the Apogees
    But as the specs don’t even quote the output into 4 ohms, once it gets beyond say 4 ohms output quite possibly might start to fall. Certainly nothing like doubling

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Yes its not a copy, it was scaled down and made more "diy" friendly :)
      I will test it with my Ascents I, these are merciless as they go as low as 1.2 Ohm in the treble. Anything that cant cope with that sounds veiled and muddy right from the first second...

  • @johnshaw359
    @johnshaw359 12 днів тому +6

    Lets see the idle power please. For the money, seems another no brainer.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      Yes I will measure it for the full review. I got it for the looks inside, if it sound anything like it looks - another winner.

  • @MsSasuke0pl
    @MsSasuke0pl 12 днів тому +1

    You sure having fun, unpacking all of that, so many boxes. I hope you have enough space to contain all that toys. It will be years of burn in in da house.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +2

      I actually had to move first batch of boxes to second aptmt - it took whole day to drive there and back, again and again. And I will have to do this AGAIN, because AGAIN when I open the cellar doors the boxes fall out on me :D
      No boxes in the house though: my wife's patience has its limits :)

    • @MsSasuke0pl
      @MsSasuke0pl 9 днів тому +1

      @@k4syx you can start heating with amplifiers, every room. No winter can surprise.

  • @carljung9230
    @carljung9230 3 дні тому

    the ad says this is class-A, so 200W a channel seems iffy. you can tell with a quick listen if it is or not.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  2 дні тому

      After the burn in I think this one may be biased so it's class A just for first few watts of power. It does consume a lot of power from the 220v socket, but it wasn't anywhere near "oven" temperature

    • @carljung9230
      @carljung9230 2 дні тому

      @@k4syx thanks for the info

  • @erichill5328
    @erichill5328 12 днів тому +1

    Very nice.
    I’m curious on how this one sounds vs your TPA 3255 on your Martin Logan’s 👍🏻

    • @impuls60
      @impuls60 12 днів тому +1

      Martins Logans often have very low impedance so having the tpa3255 in mono mode is highly recommended since its 2 ohms stable if the Psu brick is up to the task..

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      Me too :)
      I will do a listening sessions and then full review with sound quality description.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      @ And I loved (and love!!) them in that setup! I got second power supply two weeks ago to make them fully mono.

    • @erichill5328
      @erichill5328 9 днів тому

      @@k4syx Same with me. I purchased TPA 3255’s with dual power supplies from FunKenya and also LC5 opamps. They are in route. I should also be getting them in 2 weeks 👍🏻.
      Very excited 😆

  • @robert37321
    @robert37321 11 днів тому +2

    WHEN will we finally find out HOW this equipment souns ???

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +2

      Well, you can buy one, or wait patiently for my full review as I do these in my free time :)

    • @robert37321
      @robert37321 9 днів тому

      DON'T LET US SUFFER IN SILENCE 😂😂😂 Since i intent to buy a new amp i am very interested in these things... i don't have the heart to spend 10 000€ on a renowned company that sound like something that costs 500€... Best regards (please hurry up🤣🤣🤣)

  • @welshnutterz
    @welshnutterz 11 днів тому +2

    I wonder if the price of this one is creeping just a bit too high for what you get? Compared to others available.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      I dont know, that depends on how does it sound (and I dont know yet, I need to find time, couple of quiet days to do some serious listenig sessions).
      It was cheaper than A75 and FM801 clones, closer to D5Pro in price. If it will sound anything close to D5Pro that would be another winning option.

  • @peterpipe9015
    @peterpipe9015 12 днів тому +3

    Wow this looks really nice , you must have quite a large collection of hifi gear bro

    • @annebokma4637
      @annebokma4637 12 днів тому +3

      Lets just say he is looking for a bigger house 😂

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      Technical word that I like ot use for it is "PILE" :)
      I do need to finish all the reviews and start to sell some of these before my wife loses patience and kills me in my sleep :)

  • @roberthart9886
    @roberthart9886 11 днів тому +2

    Sadly only RCA inputs when it appears to be balanced guts

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      I will take a closer look at this for the full review, maybe there is an option to get balanced inputs if the amp boards are.

  • @markwroblewski6500
    @markwroblewski6500 11 днів тому +1

    Kubek szefa 😀 Czy jest to prawdziwa klasa A?- tranzystory mocy dopasowane komplementarnie itd.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Od żony :)
      Transistors are matched, they do that as they order packs of prematched 500 or 1000 units and then match them again closer. So that easy.
      But its hard to tell if its full class A without measuring bias. I will check the power consumption in idle and when playing, thats can be some clue.
      I would suspect its A for first couple of W and then AB. I dont remember it being oven-hot when it was burning in.

    • @markwroblewski6500
      @markwroblewski6500 9 днів тому

      @@k4syx Yes,could be class A at lower power 5-10? Watts and above it switches to AB.Btw.do you know how to match npn-pnp complementary pair?

  • @henrikl1394
    @henrikl1394 11 днів тому +1

    The Original Is 100w 8Ohm Class A doubling down to 1 Ohm where it put out 800w Class A.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Yes its not a copy, it was scaled down and made more "diy" friendly :)

  • @beslemeto
    @beslemeto 11 днів тому +1

    So are you going to compare ot against FM801?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Yes and DartZeel (shortly) in a full review. But I intend to do seriuos comparisions when I will finish all single reviews for the stuff I bought in 2024. I want to have a score table that will allow everyone choose the one that fits them most.
      But it will take some time as I do all of this in my free time when I am back from the office

  • @progrock3603
    @progrock3603 5 днів тому

    I have the Musical Paradise MP-701 pre amp, out of the solid state amps which one would synergize best? Dartzeel,FM etc. Thanks.

  • @JasonLeaman
    @JasonLeaman 10 днів тому

    Measurements & tests please ?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      Naah just the listening tests. I dont have access to AP or other measuring equipement, and the things I can get with my small oscilloscope would be rough stuff like max output etc. No THD, no SNR.
      Its a hobby that I do in my free time, ads money is silly (like 250usd monthly) so I dont see myself getting AP anytime soon (though I would like to!)
      Full review video will include the listening test results though and anything more I will learn about it.

  • @jonnyberggren4598
    @jonnyberggren4598 12 днів тому +2

    Did you say the techspecs ? Class A ?

    • @jonnyberggren4598
      @jonnyberggren4598 12 днів тому

      Aha saw the link now. All the specs there at Ali... Thanks

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      @ (I just got time to check the comments for last 4 days, sorry!)

  • @imbryk82
    @imbryk82 10 днів тому

    D05pro or this one? In Your opinion.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Cant answer yet, havent done the listening sessions yet (no time)

  • @Jacques-wh9me
    @Jacques-wh9me 12 днів тому

    Thank you for sharing...👏

  • @richardgrant418
    @richardgrant418 11 днів тому +1

    Yet another difference in the PS. This has a total of 120,000 μ F. The Krell had 160,000
    Much of the love of the Krell KSA-100 was because of its dynamic powerful sound.
    With several fundamental inferior specs, this might only come close at around 8 ohms
    Much less than 8 ohms and it isn’t really a Krell 100 clone, it’s a Krell 100 lightweight
    If your speakers present a load much below 8 ohms that’s a real disappointment

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      yes its not a copy, it was scaled down.
      I will test it both with my regular dynamic speakers (6-8Ohms, different types) and my blood thirsty electrostats going as low as 1.2Ohm in the treble ;)

  • @surfmisa180
    @surfmisa180 12 днів тому +1

    The Krell is 100kg

  • @karelhagemans8694
    @karelhagemans8694 12 днів тому

    No CE logo?

  • @didierelchardus3472
    @didierelchardus3472 12 днів тому +2

    Well…this is by no way any close to a KSA100. The KSA100 is designed for 100W over 8 Ohm, that is 200W over 4 Ohm, and 400W over 2 Ohm if its power supply is dimensioned to support 2 Ohm loads correctly.
    Well, 3 evidences that this amp is very far from being able to do it :
    Its power transformers are by far under-dimensioned. Please ask yourself what VA rating should be the power supply of a 400W rms class A power amp…
    Its power supply capacitors will not be able to sustain the continuous current demand of a 400W over 2 Ohm class A amp. The minimum current rating for these should be around 15 amps…so only high quality electrolytic cans can do this.
    Last but not least, the heatsinks are far two small AND only forced air cooling solutions can work fior a pure classA 400W 2 Ohm amp.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Yes its not a copy, it was scaled down and made more "diy" friendly :)
      I will test it with my Ascents I, these are merciless as they go as low as 1.2 Ohm in the treble. Anything that cant cope with that sounds veiled and muddy right from the first second...

    • @didierelchardus3472
      @didierelchardus3472 9 днів тому

      @@k4syxjust saying it has nothing to do neither with a KSA100, nor with a 100W classA amp. A 100W over 8 Ohm class A amp needs +/- 36V Dc and 4A just for biasing…8A to play music over 8 Ohm speakers…so each transformer needs to be rated 500VA. Same amp that needs to drive 4 Ohm speakers in class A requires 1000VA transformers…2 Ohms, then 2000VA per channel. THIS IS NOT A CLASS A AMP 🙂

  • @danieleturrin5625
    @danieleturrin5625 12 днів тому

    Hey! Is this amp good for driving he6sev2 with speaker taps and a preamp? What other cheap solution drive them well?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      I havent heard that one yet, listening sessions are still ahead of me (I need free time for that).
      From the amps I've reviewed so far I would recommend something like MF A1 clone or Marantz, maybe 1969 too: small guys that will be an overkill for HE6SEv2 anyway :)
      I would go as far as D5Pro (due to the price)

    • @danieleturrin5625
      @danieleturrin5625 9 днів тому

      @k4syx thanks. I thint that both MF A1 and Marantz clone are not able to fully drive the HE6, since it needs 4-5W on 50 ohm. If you want them to sound loud, 1-2W are enough, but if you want them to sound at their best, unfortunately it's not. The D5pro it's interesting but a bit pricey. Thanks again!

  • @annebokma4637
    @annebokma4637 12 днів тому +3

    I guess it is going to take an intervention 😂

    • @stillaliveandwell5291
      @stillaliveandwell5291 12 днів тому +1

      I will do it. I'll clear the house out.😂

    • @annebokma4637
      @annebokma4637 12 днів тому

      @@stillaliveandwell5291 as long as you put half in my car 👍😜

  • @TheRockerxx69
    @TheRockerxx69 12 днів тому +4

    But Krell was class A only. 100 watts enormous heat.. That s not.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      I guess that one is class A for the first watts and then moves to AB. It wasnt "oven hot" during burn in..

  • @seangallagher8233
    @seangallagher8233 4 дні тому +1

    🤞🏻

  • @nickolaymiltenov
    @nickolaymiltenov 8 днів тому +1

    Едва ли на оригиналния Крелл трансформаторите не са екранирани.

  • @carlitomelon4610
    @carlitomelon4610 12 днів тому +1

    I was expecting to see a huuge planet sized power supply if this is a Krell amp clone.
    How else could it summon up the musicians of the ID??
    (Go watch The Forbidden Planet" for context;-)
    🎵🎶🌍🎶🎵

  • @thelowprofile9767
    @thelowprofile9767 12 днів тому +1

    How come this guy sounds like Normcore?

    • @jonnyberggren4598
      @jonnyberggren4598 12 днів тому

      Is Normcore a thing or a guy? When google says it's just an unisex style of fashion :)

    • @thelowprofile9767
      @thelowprofile9767 12 днів тому +1

      @ there’s a channel called Virtual HiFi. The name of the guy is Normcore if I’m not mistaken and he sounds like this guy.

    • @NormcoreGreg
      @NormcoreGreg 12 днів тому +5

      thelowprofile9767, you probably mean me :) If we sound similar to you, it maybe because we're both Polish. And so is the guy from Virtual HiFi.

    • @thelowprofile9767
      @thelowprofile9767 12 днів тому +2

      @@NormcoreGreg oh ok. Thanks for the clarification. I’m subscribed to both if you. 👍

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому +1

      Guys you all made my day, I was laughing so hard :D

  • @Anatoly_Panchenko
    @Anatoly_Panchenko 12 днів тому +2

    The original KSA 100 was 100w at 8 Ohm class A amp. The math is simple: to supply 100w class A amp, you need around 500w power supply. The transformers here definitely doesn’t look as 500w each. But this is not all, if we want to drive 4 ohm speakers with such amp, the power consumption will be higher by factor of 2…. The original amp came with 2 1100w transformers and 160 000uF power bank.
    It’s not a clone or copy, it’s a parody.
    Regardless of all: krell ksa100, got all of its scores and epithets, at 1985. When it was compared to regular commercial amps, that we’re just a little bit better than pocket radio of today…

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Its definetely scaled down and reworked, I also suspect its class A only for the couple first W and then moves to AB - I dont remember it being hot like oven during burn in.
      All of these builds are based on reworked DIY designs, real KSA100Mk2 is not very practical for most of the setups and without scaling down even DIY version would be expensive.
      I will review it for what it is and what I paid for it: the sound quality I get with my Ascents I (and these are tough load at 1.2 Ohm in treble) is the most important factor for me

  • @bernardmueller5676
    @bernardmueller5676 12 днів тому

    Looks great. But I can't buy it. AliExpress said no.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      I think the store may be closed for Chinese New Year holidays until beginning of the Febraury

  • @TheRockerxx69
    @TheRockerxx69 12 днів тому

    Data. Measurements. Or listening recirdings.

    • @paulburton9904
      @paulburton9904 12 днів тому

      do it yourself you ungrateful demanding plantpot....who do you think you are ?

  • @radusorin3401
    @radusorin3401 11 днів тому

    no where near original, also for 2x200w@8ohm respectively 2x400w@4ohms aka over 2x500w@2ohms it's impossible with those 400chinese va transformers......also the "nice ceramic resistors" are the lowest and cheapest quality cement resistors, those elna for audio if u are extremely lucky are rated 2khours@85° , witout mention about ripple handling and esr +oem elna quality

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Well it not a copy, its based od reworked DIY designs that were made more diy and wallet friendly. As for caps - I always take them as an opportunity to do a cheap and quick upgrade.

  • @kimlarsen1632
    @kimlarsen1632 10 днів тому

    Krell ksa-100 mk2 clone 😂😂😂 not Even close to the krell.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 днів тому

      Well its not a copy, its based on KSA100 design but its not a blind replica. Its based on KSA100Mk2 designs floating over DIY forums and these were changed to make it more diy friendly.

  • @Luis-eh1cf
    @Luis-eh1cf 12 днів тому

    GOOD VIDEO, THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!