Krell KAV-2250 vs. Meridian G57

Posted by Luminator (A) on October 9, 2007 at 16:22:40

On my blog, I get to write about all the audio gear that comes my way. While I do provide lots of real world experience, I often have no way of comparing items head-to-head. One reader, who was interested in the power amps, wrote, "How does the Krell KAV-2250 compare to the Meridian [G57] you used to have?"

Good question. Since this is of interest to several people, I'll answer that here on Audio Asylum.

I think the KAV-2250 retails for $4500 here in the U.S., while the G57 has risen, due to weak American dollar, to similar price levels.

Physically, KAV-2250 and G57 are in the same class, though the Krell is a little deeper, and, at 65 pounds, a little heavier. While I was able to maneuver these amps, it was a struggle. I recommend enlisting the help of a friend. But, neither one has exposed heat sink fins to slice your hands, wrists, or forearms.

With its black plexiglass pane set amongst silver-colored posts, the G57 looks cool. With its pale aluminum-colored panels, and mirror gloss silver posts, the KAV-2250 looks cool in an airplane sort of way. Both look significantly uglier in black.

The G57's rear is laid out symmetrically. The KAV-2250's inputs and outputs are crammed into the left rear. The G57 uses a regular 15-amp IEC connector, while the KAV-2250 has a 20-amp IEC. The G57 has two sets of binding posts, which are not only convenient if you have discrete bi-wiring, but have no trouble accepting the full shaft of a banana plug. The KAV-2250 now comes with one set of WBT binding posts.

Both maps' power switches are on the rear. However, the KAV-2250 has the louder turn-on thump. The KAV-2250's top plate is hot to the touch, but surprisingly, when you lift your hand 6 inches above the ventilation slats, there really isn't that much heat. The G57, at least in the places I used it, ran lukewarm at most. However, the KAV-2250 operates silently, while the G57 has annoying transformer hum/buzz.

Both are perceptive of cable changes, and both had no trouble driving any of the speakers we threw at them. Speaking of which, here is the associated gear:

Analog: Basis 2000, Vector One, Benz Ebony LP, Koetsu Jade Platinum
Phonostages: EAR 324, Krell KPE phono board
CD Players: Cary CD 303/300, EAR Acute, Esoteric DV-60, Meridian G08, Simaudio Supernova
Preamps: Krell KRC-HR, Mark Levinson No. 326S, Simaudio P-8
Power Amps: Conrad Johnson MV-60SE and MF-2250A, Krell KAV-150a, Simaudio W-7
Speakers: Audio Physic Spark; ProAc Response One SC; Sonus Faber Concertino, Cremona Auditor, Grand Piano Home, Guarneri Homage and Memento; Thiel CS1.6 and 2.4; Totem Model 1 Signature, Hawk, Forest, Mani-2 Signature, Wind.
Powercords: Acrolink P/C-046, Nordost Valhalla
Powerline Conditioners: Power Wing, Nordost Thor
Interconnects: Nordost Odin and Valhalla, Tara Labs ISM The One, XLO Limited Edition
Speaker Cables: Nordost Valhalla, Tara Labs The-2 Biwire, XLO Unlimited and Limited Edition

You'd be a fool to state that one amp is universally better than the other. In an overall sense, both belong to the same caliber or class. But they do not sound the same, and thus, will find various levels of success, depending on what you use them with.

The amps are texturally different, the KAV-2250 is like a light frothy cream, while the G57 has a burnished brassy hue. These colorations prevent the amps from being true neutral, but then again, that's why there are even more expensive amps. So choose cable loom carefully. The warm-sounding XLO LE was just a bad match for both amps. The transparent but bronzed-sounding Tara Labs ISM stuff was in line with the G57, while the partly cloudy (relative to Odin) Nordost Valhalla was in line with the KAV-2250.

The G57's treble had more of that "sniffy" air, and subjectively seemed more lively and open up there. However, the KAV-2250 countered with a smoother, less stressed top end.

The KAV-2250's bass is very even, reflecting what you feed it. The G57 has a very, very, very slight emphasis on the midbass. Both amps' bass fidelity is far, far superior to the Conrad Johnson MV-60SE, and this is one reason why audiophiles choose solid state over tubes.

Both amps are merely "average" in PRAT. With the G57, music always seems to be at mid-tempo, a sort of regression to the means. Didn't matter if we threw Slayer, Poison, Janet Jackson, U2, Hall & Oates, Erasure, or Vangelis; everything seemed just "okay."

The KAV-2250 does PRAT differently. It reminds me of my high school classmate, Annie. Annie was always reserved, calm, very difficult to get excited or stressed. But don't mistake that for being uninterested, ignorant, or slow. Annie was simply mature, letting everyone else get all hysterical. While everyone else rushed to class, Annie was not in a hurry, but always showed up on time. While all the other girls had to beat each other to the latest, greatest trend, Annie let the others fight it out, and adopted the things that worked for herself.

So no, the KAV-2250 is not fast, snappy, and peppy. But neither is it stuck in first gear. It has plenty of power in reserve, and packs a massive punch when called upon. This was perfectly shown on Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer." Tony Levin's bassline waited for the hammer-like drums, and all that power doesn't just transport the listener, it moves her!

Electronic music is most difficult to get right, yet, I thought the G57 captured more of what keyboards truly sound like. Play Erasure's albums in chronological order, and listen to the sound, the vibe, the flavor of Vince Clark's keyboards. The subtle differences in inflection, size, sustain, reverb, decay, and power are not lost.

The KAV-2250 was just a sensational match with the fast, detailed, focused Audio Physic New Spark. The Krell's effortless bass prowess made the little New Spark sound like it gained half an octave of bass extension, getting the performance up to the Tempo IV's level.

I was really surprised at how well the G57 and ProAc Response One SC partnered. Many users, including yours truly, have found that the One SC loves tubes. But the G57, with its burnished midrange and trouble-free tonal balance, offered a strong alternative to tubes for the One SC.

As for the other products I blog about, keep the comments and questions coming!

-Lummy The Seahorse

Lummy's Blog (Open in New Window)

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Topic - Krell KAV-2250 vs. Meridian G57 - Luminator 16:22:40 10/09/07 (1)

RE: Krell KAV-2250 vs. Meridian G57 - AbeCollins 16:53:27 10/09/07 (0)

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