Hi there, I am in the position to buy a used pair of M1200 amps. I want to know how it would compare to my current amp the Krell KSA80. I have a AR Sp9 as a pre-amp and Magnepan Tympani 4a Speakers. The room is large. 29x36 ft and a volume of 21.189 cu ft. The reason I want to change amps is because the KSA80 uses a lot of power from the wall. But I rather not give in on quality. I do not have the possibility to try them first because the seller is in The Netherlands and I live in the middle of France.
1 Like
Welcome!
That Krell amp is a classic Class A design (huge compliment). I would keep that amp. Yeah, it needs juice from the wall, but something tells me your system sounds fantastic. I recommend not changing your amp.
3 Likes
30 plus years ago I used to own a pair of Krell MDA Monoblock (500?). They were powering a pair of Thiel 3.7 speakers. All I remember was that they were hot ovens, and sounded dark and lacked detail. But I had Krell digital gears that may contribute to the sound character. I moved on to Wadia digital and BAT vk150. The SQ was much better (along with Silverline speakers too).
Finally I moved on to all PSA setup with P15, PST, DS MK1/MK2 DAC, BHK pre, and M1200. I have to say this setup suits my taste the best, better than my previous more expensive systems.
But really, I will not know side-by-side comparison between the Krell and M1200 since there are too many variables. All I can say is for the money M1200s are a great pair. They are running much cooler for sure (way less power hungry).
2 Likes
Optionally, you may use the M1200 for âcasualâ listening and the Krell for the real serious moments. That is, if the result of the M1200s almost completely pleases you and youâre not intending to sell the Krell upfront (so you can compare).
2 Likes
To be able to compare them would be fantastic. But that my problem. I live a 1000km away from the shop thatâs has the offer and where I can trade in the krell. Compare the two amps at the shop makes no sense to me.
So that is a kind of âyes, go for itâ if I read your comment correctly.
1 Like
I does sound great, but I have this amp now for more than 30 years and I canât compare it to more modern stuff. I donât know If things have improved over the years. The power it needs from the wall is more and more an issue. Me trying to do good having solar panels etc and having an amp that is converting most of what it draws into heat. 
3 Likes
It was one of the main reasons I moved on to M1200. I had enough of trading ovens to ovens. We installed central AC system 20 years ago because the listing room became too hot in summer. I got rid of a 300 gallon saltwater fish tank too (another oven since it had 6 pumps and a AC unit). You can imagine my electric bills nowadays if I still have them.
Turned out I like M1200 very much, but I had a 30days tryout period so it was reassuring.
1 Like
I just asked the internet how much power the ksa80 draws, and it says 1900 watts at idle.
Is this true?
Welcome aboard Brozius!
If direct comparisons arenât available would it be helpful to the community if the OP described what he likes about the Krell sound and what he might like look for in the M1200 besides efficiency?
I know my GCD / M1200 experience driving Spatial M4 Sapphires was detail and separation that I sensed as bordering on unnatural. I can only describe it as first row / sitting on the stage. Iâm still dialing in my preference but decided that wasnât it for me.
1 Like
I thought it was 700watts 
1 Like
What I like about my Krell is that it does what it supposed to do. I owned the Krell for over 30 years now and went during this time up the ladder. I changed everything including the listening room which has the size of a small church now. I never ever thought the Krell was the weakest link. And also now I Donât. Itâs how much it draws from the wall. If possible I want to bring that down.
Class A runs max power, and at idle all that power turns into heat. But Iâm not sure how much, 1900 watts sound high.
1 Like
My comment was based upon you having an idea on the resale value of the Krell and selling it online through e.g. Hifishark. In that case, you could just buy the M1200s (and have them send by post). Then, after choosing, you could sell either of the two amps. Perhaps at minimal loss, but that could be as much as driving to and fro to the sellerâs shop.
Just my two centsâŠ
I agree with @Job_Jalink, youâre obviously happy with the sound you get in that enormous room and the cost of the M1200s is surely insignificant, so if you buy them and like them thatâs great, else just sell them on. Iâd also think there must be other pairs of M1200s for sale not too far away from you.
Further thoughts: I donât know the impedence curve of the speakers but if they drop to very low impedences there are amps available thatâll happily drive those impedences, e.g. from Bryston.
Agree, the 1900 watt number seems artificially high.
1 Like
I hope so, though even at 700, does seem high, which is where youâre coming from. My Levinson 534 draws 350watts when powered on.
According to its manual, the KSA 80 consumes 650 watts.
2 Likes
I had a Ksa-80 years ago. I liked it, but I agree with an earlier comment, it sounds thick and dark. Detail in the highs is also reduced.