Before “Krell” became shorthand for sheer amplifier muscle, the company was quietly redefining what a reference preamp could be. The KRS-2 (Krell Reference Standard) was the statement piece of its era — a fully balanced, pure Class A preamplifier designed with one purpose: absolute control and uncompromised signal integrity.
What made the KRS-2 so legendary wasn’t just its circuitry, but its partnership with the dedicated KRSP-2 external power supply. By separating the power regulation into its own chassis, Krell reduced noise, improved dynamics, and allowed the preamp stage to operate with the kind of speed and authority that became a Krell signature. Together, they deliver transparency with weight, staging with solidity, and bass extension that feels more like a power amp flex than a preamp whisper.
Here’s a Great Stereophile Write Up
