Leach or Krell for studio monitoring?

[rotation]

Hi!
I will build amplifier to drive my 120w KRK ST8 monitors for studio monitoring. I already have boards for Leach 4.5. Krell also seems interesting amp to do, but i don't have any experience with it, same as with Leach.
I have experiences in building preamps, compressors, amps..Mostly studio gear. My budget for parts is limited to around 150 euros for each channel. I can get enclosure and heat sinks for free, and very low price on tthe ransformers.
What do you suggest? Krell or Leach? Maybe P101?
Thanks in advance!
Miha

[MikeB]

I vote for the Leach, from what i have heard it's neutral, uncolorized but detailed/accurate, exactly what an amp for studio should be.

If your budget for parts is low, you might also consider my symasym, but it has "only" 60/100watts into 8/4ohm.

Mike

[AndrewT]

Hi,
I too would go Leach.
ClassA Krell will run away with money.
P101 will also be cheap but since you already have PCBs then that is convincing.

[pinkmouse]

Unless you have full aircon, the Krell, wonderful as it is, will slowly cook you in the confines of a control room.

[rotation]

Thanks for the replys. Than Krell is not an option..
People suggested p101. I don't mind buying boards. Is it as good as Leach? I like it's simplicity.

[supernet]

I built both...

And I would vote for p101. Simple, no current limiters and reliable

[BobEllis]

I am very happy with my Leach amps.

I haven't built the P101, but Still4given also built both and he preferred the Leach.

[rotation]

I was thinking of P101, but no one can really tell me how it is compared to leach. Another interesting amp is Boraomega's Studio, but there is only some short reviews, nothing detailed. I talked to it's constructor and he say's it's very good for my needs.
I just mailed to Still4given about the differenced between P101 and Leach. Maybe he will tell me more.
Thanks for your replys. They are ver helpful. It's so difficult to decide what is good if i can't actually hear the amps.
Miha

[AndrewT]

Hi Rot,
look back at the Leach and Krell clone threads (almost 1000 posts) and you'll find Still's reviews on all three. His later conclusions seem to indicate that his views were changing towards the Krell and away from the 101 with the Leach in there shooting for the top in some respects. I think at the time he had not optimised the PSUs for any of the amps. Things may have moved on since.

[still4given]

Hi Guys,

Sorry it's been so long since I've been here. My son got me back into RC airplanes and my workshop has been full of plane projects ever since. I really need to get things cleared out so I can finish some of my DIY audio projects. I have a Twisted XBOSOZ about 90% finished and really want to get that done.

As far as these three amps. I would have to give the nod to the Leach for studio monitors. Mine has a regulated front-end and I'm not sure how much that effects the sound but I believe it is more Hifi than the P101. I still think the P101 is a really good sounding amp, just not quite as clear as the Leach. The Krell makes everything sound good so IMO it is not as good for a monitor amp. For studio work you need an amp that will make bad recordings sound bad. The Krell doesn't do that very well.

The Symasym is another amp I would use for monitors. That amp is crystal clear with great tight bass response and very clear highs. It is my favorite amp to listen to unless the music is of the harsh nature. The Krell would be my choice in that case.

I wouldn't be afraid to mix using the Symasym, especially on nearfields. If you really need the music to be loud, then the Leach would be better.

Hope this helps,

Blessings, Terry