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User reviews and community discussions rate the Krell KAV-250cd CD player at 4.1/5 from 18 reviews on AudioReview, praising its sound quality while frequently criticizing reliability issues like disc reading failures.
### Sound Quality
Reviewers describe the sound as dynamic, transparent, detailed, and musical with good soundstage width and depth, pleasant bass and midrange, and a neutral to slightly smooth texture—though it can sound edgy or overly revealing at times. One user noted a fuller mid-bass compared to a Rotel player, making the system warmer overall. The sound is lively and honest without coloration, but some found it rhythmically unsettled compared to later models like the KAV-250cd/2.
### Build Quality
The player is commended for its solid, high-end construction and elegant appearance, with a substantial feel enhanced by an optional heavy aluminum remote (standard remote feels flimsy). It weighs 7kg with a mechanically isolated drawer-loading transport.
### Reliability
Disc reading problems are the most common complaint, affecting 10-100% of discs for multiple owners—issues include skipping the first track (e.g., to 17 seconds), failing to load or read Table of Contents (TOC), and rejecting new or old CDs despite cleaning. Service attempts (e.g., laser calibration) often failed to resolve it fully, leading some to exchange units or abandon the player; DIY fixes like transport swaps were discussed in forums. One "dead" unit needed laser replacement but still wouldn't read discs.
### Strengths
- Exceptional clarity, definition, and musicality true to Krell's reputation.
- Full, authoritative bass and detailed reproduction.
- Balances high performance with accessible pricing for Krell quality.
### Weaknesses
- Frequent transport/laser failures disrupting playback.
- Occasional skipping or edgy sound in revealing systems.
- Compared unfavorably to competitors like Audio Research for sound or Quad/Meridian for reliability.
### Overall Reputation
The KAV-250cd has a mixed reputation: loved for premium sound and build when functioning, but undermined by persistent reliability issues that frustrated owners, prompting returns, sales, or mods (later KAV-250cd/2 addressed some transport shortcomings). It's seen as a capable entry-level Krell player for enthusiasts tolerant of potential repairs.
English (US)