Krell KRS-1a 4 Piece Reference Preamp with Phono, Fully Serviced and Perf

Krell KRS1-a 4 Piece Preamp

Designed and built in the late 80’s, the gold age of high end audio, the KRS-1a was a “cost no object” flagship references preamp from Krell. 

This is a dual mono design and I mean DUAL MONO, not just two separate signal paths in one box but actually two completely separate and unconnected boxes, one for each channel.  It was common to have a two piece reference preamp, one housing the power supply and the other the preamp section but a 4 box version was unheard of.  

I addition the KRS1-a uses the highest quality components available at the time.  It is fully analogue without any complicated integrated circuits or proprietary components.  This makes the unit super easy to service and likely to last for decades more.  

When the unit arrived at our shop we quickly got to replacing every single capacitor in the preamp section.  Thats not small feat as there are over 120 capacitors.  Unfortunately most capacitors will age, bulge and leak over time and this unit showed some signs of it being a problem in the future so we went all out and replaced them all. We even serviced the phono boards.  This is a laborious and tedious endeavor but well worth the investment for a piece of audio history of this caliber and rarity.  Do not buy a unit like this that has not been fully service and you will cringe when you get the bill for service.  We used the highest quality Nichicon capacitors we could get our hand one.  

As expected this unit comes with super high quality Krell phono modules internally installed. There are micro switches locate on the boards that allow for no less than 10 loading values.   There are also adjustments for a feature we have never seen before on a preamplifier.  Internal you will find micro switches which select which type of CD player you may connect to it.  They call it a 3 pole phase correcting filter which is set to match the type of CD laser used in your unit like Phillips or Sony.  Very cool option.  

After service the unit was deeply tested on the workbench before making its way into our dedicated listening room where is blew the doors off any preamp we have ever had the pleasure of using.  Yes the dual volume adjustments take a bit more effort than a single potentiometer but the extra trouble results in the best imaging and channel separation we’ve experience. 

Cosmetically the unit is in amazing shape considering the age.  There re no noticeable or deep scratches or dents.  There are a few light marks here and there but nothing worth mentioning and only visible upon very close inspection.  All the writing and engraving is in perfect shape and there are not signs of use or abuse.   The gold plated connectors are super clean and the knobs all operate precisely and responsively.  

Dont miss the opportunity to own this piece of history sure to appreciate over time as more and more audiophiles realize the benefits of a full analogue preamp.  

Included are the 4 pieces, the two umbilical cords and two power cables and original manual.  

The item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home. 

Available for pickup in Ridgewood, NJ or Union Square NYC.

NJ Residents will need to pay NJ Sales Tax

Use the buy it now button and we will cover the PayPal fees.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call 646 852 2073 with any questions. 

Please visit our Audiogon e-store to see the rest of the items we have for sale www.audiogon.com/stores/skyfi

WHO WE ARE 

Skyfi.nyc is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning and reselling of select high end audio equipment.  We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about.  No mid-fi, no gimmicks and no junk.  

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the Hifi world.  If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold.  We are select about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American and European built units.

Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Project and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts and service support.  If you are local and are looking for any new equipment for the above mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area

PURCHASING GUIDELINES

If you would like to make an offer, please don't email or message us unless you are looking to trade something in.  

If we are accepting offers, you will see a button on the listing page to do so.  Please use it, as it is very hard to track offers through email or messaging.  This way, we are all also better protected.   If you don’t see a “offer” button its because we are not taking offers on this item.  Please don’t bother to make one.  

PAYMENTS

We prefer working through PayPal, which allows you to use a credit card or bank transfer.  We do not charge extra for any payment fees.  You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order or wire transfer.  International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you are picking up an item, we don not accept PayPal, you must pay in person with cash, certified or bank check or wire transfer.  If you make a PayPal payment it will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions.  Simply ask and let us know the exact model, condition and what accessories are included such as a box, remote, manual, etc.  We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated processors and mid-fi equipment of any type.  We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we are running a business and will need to be able to sell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning and packaging the incoming equipment.  If you are looking for top dollar we suggest attempting to sell it directly to an end user.  

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken)

We will also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you are in our local market.  Just drop us a note for a quote, but be sure to include the condition and what is included.  

HOW TO VISIT US

We are currently operating from a residence in Ridgewood, NJ.  You are welcome to make an appointment if there is a piece of equipment you would like to see in operation before or after purchase.  We have a well-equipped, dedicated listening room with tons of equipment of all makes and models.  We are not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you are just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds.  In essence, no tire kickers please.  

If you are in NYC and cannot make it out to Ridgewood, we can arrange pickup in Union Square (14th Street) after the purchase.   You can call or text  (646) 852-2073 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.  We can also arrange to install, calibrate and tune the gear in your listening room if you are in the local area.  This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers.  It is also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.  

Thanks for looking and please send us your email address if you would like to receive a list of the equipment we receive from time to time.  We promise not to bombard you with junk email.