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

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Vogelius

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Joined 2010
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?

:confused:
 
abraxalito

abraxalito

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Joined 2007
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.
 
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josha

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Joined 2005
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!
 
V

Vogelius

Member
Joined 2010
abraxalito said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
V

Vogelius

Member
Joined 2010
josha said:
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!
Click to expand...

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




 
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