KRC-3 vs Musical Fidelity M6s PRE
The M6s PRE's signal-to-noise is 96 dB against the KRC-3's 98 dB, its thd 0.005% against 0.009%, its output voltage 9.5V RMS against 9.0V RMS, and its output impedance 47Ω against 15Ω.
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Krell KRC-3 is a visually striking, fully balanced Class A preamplifier designed for audiophiles seeking detailed, dynamic, and natural sound reproduction. It features a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz with very low total harmonic distortion (0.009%) and a high signal-to-noise ratio (98-101dB). The volume control uses a military-grade resistor attenuator with 300 discrete steps, allowing extremely precise level adjustments via a rotary knob or remote control. The KRC-3 offers multiple inputs including balanced XLR and single-ended RCA, and outputs both balanced and single-ended signals. It is praised for its wide, open soundstage, smooth highs, taut bass, and tonal accuracy, making it suitable for music lovers who prefer a relaxed yet detailed listening experience. The unit weighs about 19-22 lbs and measures approximately 3.5 x 19 x 15.5 inches. It was manufactured in the mid-1990s in the USA and remains a respected model in Krell's lineup.
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the KRC-3 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The M6s PRE's signal-to-noise is 96 dB against the KRC-3's 98 dB, its thd 0.005% against 0.009%, its output voltage 9.5V RMS against 9.0V RMS, and its output impedance 47Ω against 15Ω.
The STASIS-R 5.0's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the KRC-3's 98 dB, its thd 0.020% against 0.009%, its output impedance 100Ω against 15Ω, and its output voltage 16.0V RMS against 9.0V RMS.
The Jazz's signal-to-noise is 105 dB against the KRC-3's 98 dB, its thd 0.020% against 0.009%, its output impedance 50Ω against 15Ω, and its input impedance 75Ω against 47.5Ω.
The Pre2P's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the KRC-3's 98 dB, its thd 0.001% against 0.009%, its output impedance 100Ω against 15Ω, and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 9.0V RMS.
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
Denafrips Hades 15th
The specs and the pairings above are open to everyone. Sign up and you get the system builder, the assistant, a compatibility check against the gear you already own, and a watch on this product so a price or pairing change reaches you.
Sign up free