How does the Krell SPB 32X DAC compare with current DACs?

Vogelius · 1st November 2011, 03:16 AM

I am considering replacing my 10 year old Krell SPB-32X with a current budget DAC (Cambridge DAC Magic) in order to decode 96/24 tracks...

I can sell the Krell for about the cost of a current budget DAC - but the fact that the Krell still sounds great make me wonder if I should keep it, considering that it originally cost $3,500. and is built like the proverbial ton of bricks...

So my question is will there be a major noticeable improvement in the sound after exchanging it for a current DAC? Or am I comparing Apples and oranges?

abraxalito · 1st November 2011, 06:37 AM

What DACs does it use? I googled for it and the manual doesn't actually say very much. A picture with the lid off would be more illuminating but none is hi-res enough to read the chips. My guess is perhaps its using PCM63-K?

I wouldn't sell it if you can only get the price of a current budget DAC for it. Its probably a great foundation for modding, given that Krells are built like proverbial brick sh... - oh i see you already mentioned that.

josha · 1st November 2011, 09:34 PM

According to this site it's a 2 x PCM58P-K machine (check though, I only have experience of a couple of cdp's on that list). My guess is that the PSU's in the Krell will be excellent and may well give it the edge over modern 'higher spec' dac's. As abraxalito suggests - great platform for modding!

Vogelius · 1st November 2011, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abraxalito

What DACs does it use? I googled for it and the manual doesn't actually say very much. A picture with the lid off would be more illuminating but none is hi-res enough to read the chips. My guess is perhaps its using PCM63-K?

I wouldn't sell it if you can only get the price of a current budget DAC for it. Its probably a great foundation for modding, given that Krells are built like proverbial brick sh... - oh i see you already mentioned that.

I will open it up and take some close-ups ASAP. I also looked in the very un informative manual and all it mentions are some Motorola DSP-56001 "processors". What would be their function?

Get back to you after I open the monster

Vogelius · 2nd November 2011, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josha

According to this site it's a 2 x PCM58P-K machine (check though, I only have experience of a couple of cdp's on that list). My guess is that the PSU's in the Krell will be excellent and may well give it the edge over modern 'higher spec' dac's. As abraxalito suggests - great platform for modding!

I checked and it is a 2 x PCM68P - K made (made in Japan). repeat PCM-68P.
Here is a link to a series of pix I just took of the unit:
Picasa Web Albums - Claus Jensen - Krell SBP-32X

Vogelius · 2nd November 2011, 12:44 AM

Sorry, I obviously need new glasses...the DACs are PCM58P repeat 58P

1st November 2011, 03:16 AM	#1
Vogelius diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2010	How does the Krell SPB 32X DAC compare with current DACs? I am considering replacing my 10 year old Krell SPB-32X with a current budget DAC (Cambridge DAC Magic) in order to decode 96/24 tracks... I can sell the Krell for about the cost of a current budget DAC - but the fact that the Krell still sounds great make me wonder if I should keep it, considering that it originally cost $3,500. and is built like the proverbial ton of bricks... So my question is will there be a major noticeable improvement in the sound after exchanging it for a current DAC? Or am I comparing Apples and oranges?

1st November 2011, 06:37 AM	#2
abraxalito diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hangzhou - Marco Polo's 'most beautiful city'. 700yrs is a long time though... Blog Entries: 46	What DACs does it use? I googled for it and the manual doesn't actually say very much. A picture with the lid off would be more illuminating but none is hi-res enough to read the chips. My guess is perhaps its using PCM63-K? I wouldn't sell it if you can only get the price of a current budget DAC for it. Its probably a great foundation for modding, given that Krells are built like proverbial brick sh... - oh i see you already mentioned that. __________________ I think ideas are what you want to get rid of. I don't really like songs with ideas. - Leonard Cohen

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1st November 2011, 09:34 PM	#3
josha diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire	According to this site it's a 2 x PCM58P-K machine (check though, I only have experience of a couple of cdp's on that list). My guess is that the PSU's in the Krell will be excellent and may well give it the edge over modern 'higher spec' dac's. As abraxalito suggests - great platform for modding!

2nd November 2011, 12:44 AM	#6
Vogelius diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2010	Sorry, I obviously need new glasses...the DACs are PCM58P repeat 58P

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