Krell S-1200 Pre Amplifier

2 months ago 129

Region/State

(NSW) New South Wales/Australia

Suburb or Town

LITTLE BAY

Condition/Warranty

Condition: Very Good
Warranty: None or Limited Warranty (in compliance with Consumer Law)

Payment Method

Paypal, EFT, Cash on Pickup

Original Receipt Available

Shipping & Pickup Options

Shipping: Available
Pickup: Available

Fantastic sounding, reference grade, high-end preamp/processor from Krell. It utilizes discrete current based Class A, direct coupled circuitry for the greatest signal purity and highest bandwidth to give great clarity but with smoothness and dynamics. These were priced at $15000. It is an S-1200 3D.

NB. I've used it only as a two channel device so cannot comment on its sound or function as a processor.

As shown in the edge photo, there is a small scratch but the rest is immaculate.

No original packaging but I will ensure good secure boxing. Display a bit faded.

Krell S-1200, High-End Perfection

Kim Wilson | Jun 9, 2009

If ordinary surround processors don't get your juices flowing, then the Krell S-1200 Surround Sound Preamp/Processor is sure to get you fired up. Known for their substantial industrial designs and superb sound and video performance, Krell's new state-of-the-art processor is designed for reference level Home Theaters, employing the company's finest audio and video engineering plus the latest in connectivity technology.

To ensure a clean signal path, the S-1200 does not use op amps or integrated circuits. Every channel utilizes discrete current based Class A, direct coupled circuitry for the greatest signal purity and highest bandwidth. The preamp mode bypasses all digital circuitry and routes analog stereo inputs directly to a balanced resistor ladder volume control for ultimate music reproduction. In fact, the audio signal path is a direct descendant to their $30,000 Evolution 707 Reference Surround preamp/processor. The S-1200 also uses the same DSP engine and 1080p video stage from the Evolution 707.

Video content is treated to the same high performance engineering as the audio signals. All-discrete video circuitry takes full advantage of the new Deep Color HDMI 1.3 specifications. Maximum color depth has been increased from 24 bits to 48 bits and bandwidth from 165MHz to 340 MHz. Full video transcoding converts composite, S-Video, or component inputs to HDMI signals. The S-1200's on-screen display shows configuration menus and status messages, which are available from all active video outputs including HDMI.

WARRANTY INFORMATION (Private Seller)

The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.

This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.

Users praise the Krell S-1200 preamplifier/processor for its exceptional sound quality and premium build, positioning it as a high-end audiophile choice, though some note setup complexities and its high cost as drawbacks.

### Sound Quality
Reviewers consistently describe the sound as transparent, natural, richly detailed, and immersive, excelling in both stereo music and surround presentations. It outperforms older Krell models like the KBL and delivers a cohesive, full-bodied experience without harshness, excessive bass emphasis, or artificial effects—allowing listeners to "fall into" movies or music. The preamp mode, bypassing digital circuitry for pure analog paths via balanced resistor ladder volume control, is hailed as "virtually transparent" and "fantastic," with accurate channel steering and envelopment in surround. Music reproduction shines with emotive timing, vocal articulation, and openness, blending Krell's audiophile heritage seamlessly.

### Build Quality
The construction is frequently called gorgeous and oozing quality, with smooth aluminum finishes, weighted buttons, bright-yet-appropriate LEDs, and the largest, easiest-to-read display among AV processors. All channels use discrete Class A, direct-coupled circuitry without op-amps or ICs for signal purity and high bandwidth, derived from the high-end Evolution 707.

### Reliability
No significant reliability complaints appear in reviews; long-term user satisfaction is implied through enthusiasm and upgrades, with one owner noting family-wide enjoyment after installation.

### Strengths
- Versatile preamp performance: Excellent as a standalone stereo preamp or surround processor with adjustable EQ profiles (though manual).
- Audiophile-grade immersion: Huge scale, smooth naturalness, and detail resolution superior to typical AV receivers.
- Analog purity: Dedicated balanced XLR/RCA inputs for uncolored playback.

### Weaknesses
- Manual setup: Lacks auto-EQ (e.g., no Audyssey); requires RTA software, SPL meter, or room measurements for EQ, which is "less user-friendly".
- High cost: Entry-level Krell but expensive (e.g., £3K+ for video upgrades), potentially not justifying extras for all.
- Limited mentions of power amp pairing needs, though praised with S-1500.

### Overall Reputation
The S-1200 enjoys a stellar reputation in audiophile and AV communities as high-end perfection for those prioritizing musicality and build over convenience, often compared favorably to competitors like Yamaha or Anthem. Users report addictive listening sessions and system upgrades worth the investment.

The Krell S-1200 Pre Amplifier, a high-end surround sound preamp/processor from around 2008-2009, has an estimated fair used market price range of AUD 1,800–3,500 as of early 2026, based on recent international listings converted at current exchange rates (approximately 1 USD ≈ 1.50 AUD; 1 SEK ≈ 0.22 AUD).

Prices vary significantly by condition, with all recent data reflecting used units only (no new stock available, as production ceased over 15 years ago); expect the low end for fair/good condition with minor wear or missing accessories, and the high end for excellent condition with original packaging and full functionality.

Key factors affecting value include:
- Condition and completeness: Units listed as "good condition" with power cord fetch lower prices (e.g., USD 1,282 ≈ AUD 1,923), while fully functional examples command more.
- Variant: The upgraded S-1200U (with 1080p upconversion) lists slightly higher (e.g., SEK 20,000 ≈ AUD 4,400 or USD 2,000 ≈ AUD 3,000), though core S-1200 values align closer to AUD 2,000–3,000.
- Location and demand: Scarce in Australia, leading to imported pricing; low global liquidity depresses values from original USD 10,000 MSRP.
- Age and upgrades: 15+ years old with outdated HDMI 1.3; limited 3D/upscaling upgrades possible but rarely impact resale.

| Recent Comparable Listings (Converted to AUD) | Price | Date | Condition/Notes | Source |
|-----------------------------------------------|--------|------|-----------------|--------|
| Krell S-1200 (US) | ~1,923 | Aug 2025–Feb 2026 | Good, w/ power cord | |
| Krell S-1200 (US) | ~3,750 | Jan 2025 | Preamp/Processor | |
| Krell S-1200U (US) | ~3,000 | Feb 2025 | - | |
| Krell S-1200U (Sweden, x2) | ~4,400 | Feb 2025 | High-end surround | |

These estimates are conservative, drawn from limited active listings; actual sales may trend 10-20% lower due to niche audiophile market and technological obsolescence.