Krell introduces their $15,000 Blu-ray player

[zachd73]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

Well it is a nice unit, no doubt about that. I would imagine that much of the stratospheric price has to do with the cutting edge technology invested in it. The only problem is that it has a way of finding itself in mass-produced stuff quickly. For example, the Silicon Graphix video processing technology that had been incorporated into their $30,000+ professional gear appeared very quickly in $300 consumer units. Those of us who bought the first CD and DVD players (and yes, BD players) in the $1000 range ended up buying better units at a fraction of the cost a year or two later. Of course there is always the pride of ownership of a Krell - and the fact that there are people who have enough money so that the $15,000 cost would be a minor/non-issue. But I might be at least a little disappointed if I bought the unit, and next year Oppo (or Sony or whoever) comes out with a high-quality BD player with a similar signal processing suite - that also records - for $500.

That's the funny thing.. I look at electronics on Craigslist all the time.. funny when you see some guys hard up for cash (most likely) wanting to sell a high end home theater amp that he paid $5k for for $2500 a few years later.. but it won't even decode the formats that a $300 HT amp will. Would anyone even pay $500 for a high end amp that couldn't do lossless HD audio formats!?

With speakers or 2 channel audio.. sure buy krell or whatever, but for a BD player seems foolish. BD players are starting to pack in more value added features like hard drive and access to more online streaming... so a few years from now this high end Krell will be as obsolete as any other BD player except that any other player cost $300-$500 and the Krell cost $15K. Whoops!

I could see an extremely rich person buying this though. I heard about an A/V installer who made his living working for one man who owned an island. He flies out to the island a few times a year to install or upgrade the A/V system which is basically installed in a castle/fortress. Ponder that kind of money and then a 15K BDP isn't so bad right

I still agree though, Krell BD player = bad purchase decision! I'd buy a 5K turntable, some 5K speakers, a 3K projector, a 1k screen, and pocket the remaining thousand

[J.H.]

Originally Posted by Krelldog1977

The JBL systems are the MOST overpriced systems on the market today. Have you seen the price tags on these systems?? laughable at Best.

Are they serious about the 2 million dollar JBL everest system. I'm completley unimpressed by the specs as well...very weak for the money they are asking...and ugly as SIN.

and the subwoofers look like they belong in a DJ's garage...

WAIT A SECOND!! I just realized that JBL and LEXICON are of the same parent company ( harmon ).........now it all makes perfect sense!!

I bet the JBL systhesis Everest 2 system will utilize a re-badged OPPO blu-ray player.....just like they have done with their new Lexicon player...


SHAME ON HARMON, JBL, LEXICON......all the same brand anyways. LOL


I'll stick with Krell, thanks

Nothing more over priced than Bose! JC

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Krelldog1977

Thats why the BEST audio investment is power amps and speakers! They never go out of style!

Amen!!!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by ajvdbg

Like what? Do you think the PQ will be $14.5K better than a run-o-the-mill player? And before you go on a rant that there is more to it than PQ, ultimately this is what the user is looking for in Blu-ray...different than hi-end audio where there usually is a difference...

Did anyone read the article? I just scanned it and instantly I see some unique features, such as dual HDMI outs that can send the the signal to 2 systems or you can use them independently for Video and Sound - which helps with jitter reduction. The ability to add a wireless card (I wonder is it USB), it's 3D compliant, gets rid of the black bars in widescreen movies - this is not an Oppo, its for a different market altogether! Calling Dr. Sturgeon come in Dr. Sturgeon!!!!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Bluyoda

No, I certainly don't think the PQ would be 14.5K better than say the Oppo.

I would never spend this much money on a piece of equipment, but it seems to have all the bells and whistles, unlike that Goldmund BD player a while back.

This unit was designed with people who demand the best of the best, not just in performance, but design and build quality as well.

I have the Oppo BDP-83SE, and it's a very fine piece, and it looks good too, but
you have to be honest, it's nowhere near the Krell player.

I am pretty sure you won't have noise issues with that machine (I find the Oppo a bit noisy when searching for a BD and stuff).

All the components are made from the finest materials, and I don't think it's manufactured in China either!?

It's just a different league. What the means in practice remains to be seen and heard though!
I agree that performance is the most crucial part, but there is so much more than goes into a unit like the Evolution 555.

I am not defending its price tag, which is clearly completely over the top, but it's not aimed at us.

Those who already have other Krell components will probably consider this one, and it looks like a very capable player, future proof for 3-D, the finest Audio DACS, built like a tank, impressive design (a little cold for my taste though), Dual HDMI, the finest video processor, BD-Live with 1GB on board, etc.

Well, just read here:
Engineered to maximize performance from today’s large format flat panel and front projectors, the Evolution 555 offers home entertainment enthusiasts unprecedented levels of performance, flexibility and upgradeability. Featuring the acclaimed 12-bit Sigma Design VXP technology, this superior engine delivers the world’s highest quality video processing algorithms for noise reduction, de-interlacing, scaling, image enhancement and frame rate conversion. Incorporating industry-leading compression artifact reduction, the VXP recognizes object edges and removes mosquito noise to produce crisp, clear images. Detail enhancement seeks out underlying image information bringing unprecedented texture, sharpness and clarity to images. 3D and 2D noise reduction which adaptively applies both temporal and spatial noise reduction produces the clearest picture while maintaining fine image details.
The Evolution 555 includes extensive aspect ratio control including a vertical stretch feature for systems employing 2.35:1 Constant Image Height display systems. Vertical stretch eliminates the black bars at the top and bottom of the image without adding distortion, or artifacts. It is most beneficial for those users of Cinema Scope screens and projectors with anamorphic lenses, as the processing is done in the digital domain.
In addition to its ultimate quality video, Evolution 555 is a Profile 2.0 Ready (BD Live) Blu-ray/DVD player with 1GB of onboard memory. An SD card slot allows for expanded memory for BD Live and Bonus View movie titles, as well as playback options for photos and music files.

Onboard Ethernet Port and Slot For Additional Wireless Card for Advanced Internet Connectivity and More
For the highest level of connectivity to the world of exciting current-day as well as future entertainment enhancements, the Evolution 555 features an onboard Ethernet port that allows for Internet connectivity, firmware updates, BD Live interactivity and IP control. Additionally, an 802.11b/g/n wireless card can be added to perform the same functions. This network capability also provides access to online streaming and media files resident on a home network.
Dual, assignable, HDMI outputs are provided with the option of full audio and video output to 2 systems, or dedicate one HDMI for audio, the other for video – this option promotes a high level of jitter reduction for both signal paths.

Upgradeable to HDMI 1.4
The Evolution 555 is fully HDMI 1.3 compliant but with a direct fix on the future, the Evolution 555 includes an upgrade path to the future that makes it quite literally the most advanced and “future-ready” source component. Already equipped with an HDMI 1.4 transmitter, the Sigma VXP video processor is located on a plug-in card for in-field upgrade to HDMI 1.4 with full support for 3D, 4K x 2K Resolution Support, and HDMI Ethernet Channel.
Sound Quality
For the ultimate in audio performance, the Evolution 555 features the ESS Technology 32-bit Sabre Reference DACs connected to Krell differential Krell Evolution CAST analog circuitry. CAST, which is short for Current Audio Signal Transmission, is a proprietary method of sending audio signals between components in the current domain. Krell components connected in Evolution CAST act together as an electrically unified whole, free from the deleterious effects normally imposed by connecting cables. Balanced outputs and single ended outputs are also included for use with conventional preamplifiers.

Doesn't sound too bad, eh?

I really think it wouldn't be fair to compare it to the Lexicon BD-30, and to simply bash it because it's not $99.

If the design and all these features are worth the price to YOU is up to you.

Ahhhh, I see you did read it good show!

[Halcro 1]

Originally Posted by Krelldog1977

The JBL systems are the MOST overpriced systems on the market today. Have you seen the price tags on these systems?? laughable at Best.

Are they serious about the 2 million dollar JBL everest system. I'm completley unimpressed by the specs as well...very weak for the money they are asking...and ugly as SIN.

and the subwoofers look like they belong in a DJ's garage...

WAIT A SECOND!! I just realized that JBL and LEXICON are of the same parent company ( harmon ).........now it all makes perfect sense!!

I bet the JBL systhesis Everest 2 system will utilize a re-badged OPPO blu-ray player.....just like they have done with their new Lexicon player...


SHAME ON HARMON, JBL, LEXICON......all the same brand anyways. LOL


I'll stick with Krell, thanks

Have you heard the JBL ???? Dont be sour beause Krell has a 15K BDP this reallyshould be shame on extremely overpriced under performing gear thread...Yes the JBL is ugly ... And it doesnt do 2 channel well at all but on movies it really shines... BTW what piece of Krell digital is any good ?? They make good amps and thats it .... Come on Krell has a 40k SSP Evolution 707 looks awesome http://www.krellonline.com/evolution707.html ....Shame on Krell... 65K for a BDP and a Pre/Pro...

[radagast]

Originally Posted by DrasticPlastic

That would be Lexicon, not Krell

My guess is he was making a joke.

[J.H.]

And what do you guys think the Krell will do sound wise than the top of the line Yamaha receiver? I'll bet anything that the Yamaha sounds way better for a fraction of the cost. JC

[Gremal]

Originally Posted by J.H.

I'll bet anything that the Yamaha sounds way better for a fraction of the cost. JC

How could you possibly bet on that?

[D_M]

Originally Posted by zachd73

krell bd player = bad purchase decision! I'd buy a 5k turntable, some 5k speakers, a 3k projector, a 1k screen, and pocket the remaining thousand

+1

[jerwin]

Originally Posted by Krelldog1977

Krell is bold enough to stick to their 15k price tag because the equipment IS actually TOP SHELF. It's a shame that lesser companies, such as Lexicon, have to embarass themselves by releasing a blu-ray player IDENTICAL to the $500 Oppo unit...

What's Krell's reputation worth?

[J.H.]

I bet that because thier top of the line receiver always sounds insane. I don't see much beating it. Just beacause the Krell system is 25 thousand more does not make it better. Yamaha receivers on the low end sound awesome. I bet the Yamaha sounds as good possible better. JC

[prerich]

Originally Posted by ajvdbg

Play fair? Huh? If you ask anyone why they purchase a BD player a vast majority would say to get the best possible PQ for film material. I am merely stating that for PQ only there isn't enoough to warrant $1.5K price let alone a $15K pricetag...

There's another thread that addresses the AQ vs PQ question ... and AQ is winning

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by prerich

There's another thread that addresses the AQ vs PQ question ... and AQ is winning

-

[prerich]

Originally Posted by J.H.

I bet that because thier top of the line receiver always sounds insane. I don't see much beating it. Just beacause the Krell system is 25 thousand more does not make it better. Yamaha receivers on the low end sound awesome. I bet the Yamaha sounds as good possible better. JC

I own Yamaha, I've listened to the best Yamaha can offer, and sir...Yamaha is not Krell.

[bone crusher]

To me these uber high priced electronics are way too excessive. I mean even if you were a multi-millionaire this seems beyond unreasonable. If I was filthy rich I could totally understand dropping $2,000-$3,000 on a player but $15,000??? Come on...

[prerich]

Originally Posted by bone crusher

To me these uber high priced electronics are way too excessive. I mean even if you were a multi-millionaire this seems beyond unreasonable. If I was filthy rich I could totally understand dropping $2,000-$3,000 on a player but $15,000??? Come on...

Depends, If I where a multi-millionare - I wouldn't buy a Rolls - I would probrobly own a Suzuki Kizashi and own a HT that cost 3 times as much as the car !!! I'm serious! Why? A car is just to get me from one place to another - I don't really enjoy cars - as long as they work and I can get power when I need it. However my HT is something I enjoy . I couldn't drop over 40K on car (35K prefereably) but I could drop as much as 200k if I'm a multi-millionare - and yes I would give to charity too - as I already do !

[derzauberer]

What a rip off!

[J.H.]

Originally Posted by prerich

I own Yamaha, I've listened to the best Yamaha can offer, and sir...Yamaha is not Krell.

I disagree. Maybe it sounds better but 20,30 thousand dollars better? I SAY NO WAY! Its not possible. JC

[prerich]

Originally Posted by J.H.

I disagree. Maybe it sounds better but 20,30 thousand dollars better? I SAY NO WAY! Its not possible. JC

Sound is subjective in many ways. What sounds great to one, may sound bad to another. Some want the final umph of detail, or that soundstage that takes literal command of a room. I depends on the listener.