I’m looking forward to demoing these new amps, whenever that may be. As I sit here listening to my BHK 600’s propel my Vandersteen 7 Mk 2’s to absolutely riveting sound, my skepticism creeps in. I just don’t see how you can improve on the BHKs. It’ll be interesting for sure.
I don’t know, but it’s expensive to go that route. I’ve seen Audio Research Ref M 160s used, which is considered to be a good pairing
We have heard hints of the following for the M800, the presumptive replacement for the BHK600s:
Class A/B design with Class A bias to about 100 watts, great to hear
About 800 watts presumably into 8 ohms, vs 600 with the BHK600s, more power. But will it scale effectively into 4 ohms and below?
Switched mode power supply, Hypex which should help lighten the weight and a very interesting design direction.
Physically, it looks to measure about 2/3 the height of the BHK600, not quite 2x the length and maybe 2” wider from the images in recent YT videos.
As another satisfied BHK600 owner, I too, am anxiously anticipating the release of this amp
If past is prologue and I recall correctly, I expect the 800 watts specification to be based on 4 ohms.
Maybe we will get some clarification for Mr. McGowan soon…
I recently purchased a pair of FR-30s, two F12 subs, and the PMG Signature preamp, which is truly exceptional.
I am waiting to hear more news of a PMG amp. Hopefully one with film caps, no tubes to replace every couple of years, with class A sound, and low wattage standby power use.
This forum thread has been around a long time. Please reward us with a new amp soon.
Your wish is my command, sir!
The PMG amps will debut at AXPONA in Chicago this April and will ship in June. Film caps, no tubes, and heavily class A.
In fact, “the beast” as it has come to be known as by those in engineering that have to lift it around is an 800 watt monoblock amplifier boasting 100 watts of pure class A. Which, as you can imagine, means that for 90% of all your listening levels it’ll be pure class A.
Crazy low distortion, no noise, and sound to swoon over. Pricing should be commensurate with BHK models (the Beast – actually called the PMG Signature 800) is the replacement for the BHK 600s and is in the same ballpark price wise.
There are two Stereo versions and two mono versions: 200, 400, and 800 Watts.
More to come as we near Axpona.
Pass Labs comes to mind as a direct competitor to the new amps. I’ll need to hear about side by side comparisons to get a handle on the new amps, in lieu of me being able to do that comparison myself.
I used to have a pair of XA 60.8s. Although they were pretty good with my Vandersteen 5A Carbons, they were a bit harsh and constrained in mid range openness, compared to the Vandersteen HPA-5s that replaced them. I then upgraded my speakers to Model 7 Mark 2. After a couple of years with the HPAs and wanting to upgrade but not wanting to pay the high cost of the HPA-7s, I purchased a used set of BHK-600s. Holy mackerel they sound awesome on my 7s! There’s a command and openness to the upper bass and lower midrange that I’d never expected and is quite mesmerizing! The sound is smooth and effortless.
So that’s my story. I love my BHK 600s!
Thank you, Paul. We have tickets to AXPONA Friday, we hope you are around and the room is setup the way you like.
I can say that I do hear the higher quality of the PMG preamp, even though the Krell Illusion is one of the best. (not the Illusion II). The PMG has better voices, and there is a full sound to the bass that is enjoyable, not technical. Probably due to the film caps that I have always liked.
Since I have FR-30’s, F12 subs, Signature PMG pre, which is the best PMG amp (considering I may not have $30k available after buying these other items), that you plan to introduce? I was leaning towards 200-400 watts per channel as the FR-30’s are fairly efficient.
Mono, or stereo? I lean towards mono, but depends on what you came up with.
Thanks
How much do they weigh?
Maybe an early day Forum only demo party?
I thought Krell lovers only wanted amps to be too heavy to lift?
Are we going to see you at that party?
Sorry no.
It’s not a true party then! Bummer
Cool and yes, I’ll be there on Friday.
I’d go for the 400 watt monoblocks, the M400s.
Any news on preorders yet? Either an announcement or maybe an email as with the PMG pre/DAC?
We’re not shipping until June so no, not yet. We will be looking for some beta testers in May so stay tuned.
Thanks for the update and looking forward to more info. I’ll certainly volunteer for the M800 beta.
I have a pair of iBias fully Class A, Krell Solo 375XD mono blocks that use fully balanced, and complementary circuits through the entire audio path to increase slew rate and reduce noise. They adjust the power supply output based on the output current to better match the speaker demands and also to lower wasted Class A heat. They may have less detailed treble than a Pass Lab X350.5 which is Class A to 40 watts, but they retain the speciousness and powerful dynamics.
To me, the now 10-year-old Krell’s are excellent warm and natural sounding, yet dynamic amps that perform well with my PMG Signature preamp, Aurender N30SA, Berkeley Reference 3P DAC, and FR-30’s.
I am curious how they will compare to the new M400’s which seem to be in this overall solid-state category and price range. It would take quite an improvement for me to want to switch amps but based on the PMG preamp quality, I could imagine they would be good to beta test and see.