Get an exclusive sneak peek into our new project. >>> Click Here

Krell Showcase doesn't sound quite right

1294 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Bill Mac, Jun 21, 2008

win200

Discussion Starter · Jun 19, 2008

I've got what by all rights should be a pretty dynamite HT setup: Krell Showcase pre/pro, Primare A.5 amp, and Monitor Audio RS speakers. Only problem is, it just doesn't sound so hot. I feed it with a Sammy BRD player and an XA2 HD-DVD player (via the analog outs of those players). Especially with dialogue, I'm getting a harsh edge that's just really unpleasant to listen to. I was watching the SD of THE GRAND tonight and some of the male voices sounded awful. Could this be because I have a relatively "live" room (hardwood floors and relatively little to absorb sound) or because I have the EQing turned off in the Krell? I have no idea how to use the EQ in the Krell (it's manual), so I simply don't. If there are any suggestions, especially from anyone who has experience with the Krell, I'd love to hear them. Also, should I be listening to standard Dolby Digital and DTS via a digital coax to the Krell rather than the players' multichannel analog outs?

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

DougWinsor

· #2 · Jun 20, 2008

Have you thought about upgrading to a new processor?

Save

MKtheater

· #3 · Jun 20, 2008

\\Doug,

Now I know you have an agenda for sure. I once told you that my denon was bright and harsh but my ada was great and used said how? It must be something else. Now I say it is not his pre/pro but maybe his room. Treat the room and use the EQ. It should be fine. If not, then think of changing equipment.

Doug,

your colors are showing again.

Save

DougWinsor

· #4 · Jun 21, 2008

MKtheater, think whatever you want.

win200 I would look at the analog outputs of the source components and see if they are withing the rated input specs of the krell.

Save

JOHNnDENVER

· #5 · Jun 21, 2008

specs of the Krell???

The multi-channel inputs are what I consider an extra advanced connection.

I'd surely try it with optical / spdif for comparisons.

Lots of things can cause the center to suck. I'd switch speakers as a test as well. I mean hars dialog is commonly caused by sucky or malfunctioning center center channel specific speakers. So much so, I don't even use them anymore. I use the same speaker as my fronts.

If I was a betting man, I'd say your center channel speaker sucks. Lots of possibilities here.

See less See more

Save

JOHNnDENVER

· #6 · Jun 21, 2008

PS: The grand may be one of those titles with a harsh dialog track too. I do find THX post processing can help with those titles.

Save

Bill Mac

· #7 · Jun 21, 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by win200 /forum/post/14114116

I've got what by all rights should be a pretty dynamite HT setup: Krell Showcase pre/pro, Primare A.5 amp, and Monitor Audio RS speakers. Only problem is, it just doesn't sound so hot. I feed it with a Sammy BRD player and an XA2 HD-DVD player (via the analog outs of those players). Especially with dialogue, I'm getting a harsh edge that's just really unpleasant to listen to. I was watching the SD of THE GRAND tonight and some of the male voices sounded awful. Could this be because I have a relatively "live" room (hardwood floors and relatively little to absorb sound) or because I have the EQing turned off in the Krell? I have no idea how to use the EQ in the Krell (it's manual), so I simply don't. If there are any suggestions, especially from anyone who has experience with the Krell, I'd love to hear them. Also, should I be listening to standard Dolby Digital and DTS via a digital coax to the Krell rather than the players' multichannel analog outs?

win200,

Does the center dialog of all the movies you have watched seem harsh? I think you maybe correct and that by having a "live" room this could have an effect making the center sound overly bright. How does your system sound with music? Did you calibrate all the channel levels using a SPL meter? Could possibly be that the level of the center channel is not correct. Did you just add the Krell to your system? If you did how did the original pre-pro sound?

John's suggestion to try a different center channel would be a good start. Maybe you could switch one of your R or L front speakers with the center just to see how it sounds and also if the center is indeed defective. Good luck

.

Bill

See less See more

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month