Krell Industries Five-Channel Power Amplifier KAV-1500 Instructions For Use Manual

Leader in Audio Engineering

KAV-1500

Five-Channel Power Amplifier

Instructions for Use

Owner’s Reference

KAV-1500

Five-Channel Power Amplifier
Instructions for Use

v 00.0

Krell Industries, Inc.
45 Connair Road

Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA
TEL [phone]

FAX [phone]
E-MAIL [e-mail]

WEBSITE http://www, krellonline.com

This product complies with the EMC directive (89/336/EEC) and the low-voltage directive (73/23/EEC).

WARNINGS

The amplifier must be placed on a firm,/eve/surface where it is not exposed to dt~pping or splashing.
The ventilation grids on the top of the amplifier and the space underneath the amplifier must be unobstructed

at all times during operation. Do not place flammable material above or beneath the amplifier.

Contact your authorized Krel/ dealer, distributor, or Krell before using any devices designed to alter or stabi-

lize the AC power for the KAV-1500.
Before connecting the KAV-1500, make sure the amplifier is turned off and any output device (such as

preamplifier) is in mute or stand-by mode. Make sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality and
free from frayed ends, short circuits, or cold solder joints.

Use only one set of inputs to the amplifier at a time.
After reconfiguring for MAT, do not use more than one input at a time.
After bridging, one channel must remain unbridged.

THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY KRELL PRODUCT.
Please contact your authorized Krell dealer, distributor, or Krell if you have any questions not addressed in

this reference manual.

This product is manufactured in the United States of Amedca. Krell® is a registered trademark of Krell Industries, Inc., and is restricted for use by Krell

Industries, Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents. Multi Amp Throughput

TM

is a trademark of Krell Industries, Inc. All other trademarks and tradenames

are registered to their respective companies.

© 2000 by Krell Industries, Inc. All rights reserved P/N 303961

Contents

INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF TERMS

UNPACKING
PLACEMENT

AC Power Guidelines

FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION: KAV-1500
BACK PANEL DESCRIPTION: KAV-1500
CONNECTING THE KAV-1500 AMPLIFIER
TO YOUR SYSTEM

Input and Output Connections

OPTIONAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Multi Amp Throughput
Bridged Operation

Example of Connection Scenario: Multi Power Mode
AMPLIFIER OPERATION

On/Off and Operation

TROUBLESHOOTING SYSTEM NOISE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

WARRANTY

RETURN AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURE
SPECIFICATIONS

Page

1
1

3
4

4

6
8

10
10
12

12
16

18
19

19

19
20
21
22

23

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier iii

Illustrations

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4

The KAV-1500 Front Panel
The KAV-1500 Back Panel

Reconfiguring the KAV-1500 for MAT Operation
Reconfiguring the KAV-1500 for Bridged Operation

Page

5
7

13
15

iv Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of.the Krell KAV-1500 Five-Channel Power Amplifier.
The KAV-1500 amplifier provides substantial five-channel output power that delivers

realistic music reproduction at an exceptional value. The amplifier can be customized

with a variety of optional system configurations, including a multi power mode using the

Multi Amp Throughput (MAT) feature, and bridged operation. The KAV-1500 amplifier
has balanced and single-ended inputs for compatibility with other components. The

multi-channel (DB-25) input also allows you to integrate the amplifier easily and

seamlessly into home theater or whole house systems. The amplifier can be operated

using the 12 VDC power on/off (12 V trigger) signals from other components.

This reference manual contains important information on placement, installation, and
operation of the KAV-1500 amplifier. Please read this information carefully. A thorough

understanding of these details helps ensure satisfactory operation and long life for your
KAV-1500 amplifier and related system components.

Definition of Terms

Following are the definitions of key terms used in your owner’s reference manual.

CONNECTIONS
Bridging

A method of linking two amplifier channels by distributing the speaker load between the

positive binding posts. Bridging the channels quadruples the power rating at 8 Ohms.
Bridged configurations should not be used with loads under 4 Ohms.

Krell Multi Amp Throughput (MAT)

An internal connection option that sends the same music signal to all amplifier channels

using one balanced or single-ended connection. MAT reduces installation complexity

and cabling requirements in systems containing multiple amplifiers. MAT also allows a
variety of connection scenarios, including powering multiple pairs of loudspeakers to

extend the listening environment throughout your home.

INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Balanced

A symmetrical input or output circuit that has equal impedance from both input terminals
to a common ground reference point. The industry standard for professional and sound

recording installations, balanced connections have 6 dB more gain than single-ended

connections and allow the use ofr long interconnect cables.

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier 1

Definition of Terms, continued

Single-ended

A two-wire input or output circuit, Use care when using single-ended connections, in
which the ground, connection is made last and broken first. Turn the system off prior to
making or breaking single-ended connections. Single-ended connections are not

recommended for configurations requiring long cable runs.

Multi-channel (DB-25)

A balanced input or output circuit that allows for the simultaneous connection of all
audio outputs plus one 5 VDC (5 Volt tdgger) via a single cable. DB-25 inputs and
outputs are becoming popular for connecting multi-channel AN processors and power
amplifiers, simplifying the integration of the two components into your system.

OPERATION
Off

When the power button on the front panel is pressed and the blue power LED turns off,
the component is off.

Operational Mode

When the power button on the front panel is pressed and the blue power LED
illuminates, the component is in the operational mode and ready to play music.

Stand-by Mode

A low power consumption status that keeps the audio and regulator circuits at idle. Krell

recommends leaving the component in the stand-by mode when it is not playing music.

2

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

Unpacking

Open the shipping box, which contains:

1 amplifier unit (packed in foam end-caps)

4 ribbon connection cables

Fuses

2 AGC- ~ (~-amp) speaker fuse

1 slow-blow (20 amp for 100/120V or 12 amp for 220/240V) line fuse

1 12 VDC output (12 V trigger) cable
1 T-15 Torx wrench

1 packet containing the owner’s reference manual and the warranty registration

card.

IMPORTANT

Two people are needed to remove the amplifier from the shipping box.

1. One person grasps the underside of the foam end-caps at one end of the amplifier;
at the same time, the second person grasps the underside of the foam end caps at
the other end of the amplifier.

2. Slowly lift the amplifier straight out of the shipping box.

3. Place the amplifier in a safe location and remove the protective plastic wrapping.

Notes

/f any of these items are not included in the shipping box, please contact your
authorized Krell dealer, distributor, or Kre// for assistance.

Save all packing materials. If you ship your amplifier in the future, repack the unit in its
original packaging to prevent transit damage. See Return Authorization Procedure,

on page 22, for more information.

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

3

Placement

Before you integrate the KAV-1500 into your system, review the following guidelines to

choose the location for the component. This will facilitate a clean, trouble-free

installation.

The KAV-1500 requires at least two inches (5 cm) of clearance on each side and

least two inches (5 cm) of clearance above the component to provide adequate

ventilation.
The KAV-1500 does not require any type of special rack or cabinet for installation. For

the dimensions of your amplifier see Specifications, on page 23.

Place the amplifier as close to the loudspeakers as possible and keep the speaker

cable length to a minimum. Speaker cable adds impedance to the load the amplifier

must drive, regardless of the cable’s gauge. Krell amplifiers drive the lowest
impedances with ease, but long speaker cables reduce the maximum power that is
delivered to the loudspeakers.

AC POWER GUIDELINES

Krell recommends operating each amplifier from a dedicated 15-amp AC power line.
For maximum power output, operate the KAV-1500 amplifier from a dedicated 20-amp

AC power line.

4

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

FIGURE 1 THE KAV-1500 FRONT PANEL

KAV- 1500

1 Power Button

2 Power LED

Front Panel Description: KAV-1500

See Figure 1 on page 5

1 Power Button

Use this button to switch the KAV-1500 power from off to the operational mode and

also to switch the 12 VDC output (12 V trigger) on and off.
2 Power LED

The blue power LED illuminates when the amplifier is in the operational mode,

6 Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

FIGURE 2 THE KAV-1500 BACK PANEL

3 8

AGC-12

20 23 19 14

9

INPUT---~

/

AGC-12

5 10

/

r-~ ~ INPUT ~

/

6 11 7 12

KAV-1500
Power Amplifier

21 22

OUTPUT

(LIEF’I" SURROUNO)

19 15 1916 1917

AGC42

OUTPUT
(LEF’r)

1918

Balanced Inputs

3 Right Surround Input
4 Left Surround Input
5 Center Input

6 Right Input

7 Left Input

Single-ended Inputs
8 Right Surround Input
9 Left Surround Input
10 Center Input
11 Right Input
12 Left Input

Multi-Channel Input

13 Multi-channel Input

Amplifier Channel Outputs
14 Right Surround Output
15 Left Surround Output
16 Center Output

17 Right Output

18 Left Output

Fuses

19 AGC-~uses "-,
20 Line Fuse
Remote Connections
21 12 VDC Remote

Power Out

22 12 VDC Remote

Power In

Power

23 AC Power Cord

Back Panel Description: KAV-1500

See Figure 2 on page 7

The KAV-1500 back panel provides connections for all inputs and outputs, remote
connection input and output links, and AC power supply.

Balanced Inputs

3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Inputs
These are the right surround (3), left surround (4), center (5), right (6), and

KAV-1500 channel inputs for output devices with balanced XLR connectors.

Single-ended Inputs

8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Inputs

These are the right surround (8), left surround (9), center (10), right (11), and left

KAV-1500 channel inputs for output devices with single-ended RCA connectors.

See Reconfiguring the KA V-1500 for MAT, on page 14, and Reconfiguring the

KAV-1500 for Bridged Operation, on page 16, for information on optional system

configurations.

Multi-channel Input

13 Multi-channel Input

This is the DB-25 input, for connecting to the DB-25 output of a preamp/processor. The

DB-25 input incorporates all five channels plus a 5 VDC (5 Volt trigger), and allows you

to send all audio signals and turn the amplifier on and off via a single cable.

Amplifier Channel Outputs

14, 15, 16, 17, 18 Outputs
These are the right surround (14), left surround (15), center (16), right (17), and left

KAV-1500 amplifier channel outputs with five-way loudspeaker binding posts. The
loudspeaker binding post terminals accept spade lugs, bare wire, banana plugs, or

pins. Use the red terminal for the positive connection and the black terminal for the
negative connection.

See Input and Output Connections, on page 10, Connecting the KA V-1500
Reconfigured for MAT, on page 14, and Connecting the Bridged KA V-1500, on
page 17, for more information on amplifier channel output connections.

8

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

Back Panel Description, continued

Fuses

19 AGC-12 Fuses

The AGC 12 Volt loudspeaker fuses protect the KAV-1500 against short circuits in
loudspeaker output.

20 Line Fuse

The line fuse protects the KAV-1500 against short circuits in internal power supplies,

Note

Fuses must be replaced with the fuse value specified on the KA V-1500 back panel
Use a 20 amp slow-blow line fuse for 100/120 V systems or a 12 amp slow-blow line

fuse for 220/240 V systems,

Remote Connections

21 12 VDC Remote Power Out
The KAV-1500 is equipped with an output that sends 12 VDC power on/off (12

trigger) signals to other Krell components and other devices that incorporate a 12
trigger.

22 12 VDC Remote Power In

The KAV-1500 is equipped with an input that receives 12 VDC power on/off (12
trigger) signals from other Krell components and other devices that incorporate a 12

trigger. This allows you to turn the KAV-1500 on and off using a Krell or other
component in a custom installation.

Notes

12 VDC Out~In (12 V trigger) remote power is limited to 30 ma.

Consult the owner’s manual of each component used in a custom installation to take full

advantage of the KA V-1500 remote capability.

Power

23 AC Power Cord

The KAV-1500 is equipped with a hardwired AC power cord,

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

Connecting the KAV-1500 Amplifier to Your System

INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Follow these steps to connect the KAV-1500 amplifier to your system.

1. Make sure all power sources and components are off before connecting inputs and
outputs=

2.

Neatly organize the wiring between the amplifier and all system components.
Separate AC wires from audio cables to prevent hum or other unwanted noise from

being introduced into the system,

3. Connect the interconnect cables from your output device to the amplifier inputs. The
KAV-1500 is equipped with balanced (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) or single-ended (8, 9, 10, 11,

inputs located on the back panel. The balanced inputs use three-pin XLR

connectors; the single-ended inputs use RCA connectors.

or

Use the multi-channel (DB-25) connector to simplify the integration of the KAV-1500

into your system.
Connect the DB-25 output on your preamp/processor to the DB-25 input (13)

located on the back panel of the KAV-1500. The DB-25 cable simultaneously

transmits audio outputs and Trigger 1 signals from the Krell Home Theater Standard
Surround Preamp/processor (HTS) DB-25 output to all inputs and a 5 VDC (5 Volt

trigger) on the KAV-1500 via the DB-25 input.

Note

You need to configure Trigger 1 on the HTS before operation.

IMPORTANT

Do not connect the multi-channel input and single-ended or balanced inputs at the

same time.

4. Connect the loudspeaker cables to the KAV-1500 amplifier channel output speaker
binding posts (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)located on the back panel.

The amplifier channel outputs for the KAV-1500 use five-way loudspeaker binding
posts. The loudspeaker binding post terminals accept spade lugs, bare wire, banana

plugs, or pins. Use the red terminal for the positive connection and the black
terminal for the negative connection.

5. Plug the end of the AC power cord into the AC outlet.
The amplifier is now ready for operation. See Amplifier Operation, on page 19.

1 o

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

The KAV-1500 amplifier is shipped with shorting pins in the XLR inputs. These pins
should remain in the XLR inputs if the amplifier is operating in the single-ended mode.

When the shorting pin is insert,ed, pins 1 (lower left) and 3 (top) are shorted together.

Remove the shorting pins to connect the amplifier for balanced operation.

The XLR pin configuration is described below:

Pin 1 Ground
Pin 2 Non-inverting (0

°)

Pin 3 Inverting (180

°)

Krell recommends using balanced interconnect cables. Balanced interconnect cables
not only can minimize sonic loss but are also immune to induced noise, especially with
installations using long cables. Balanced connections have 6 dB more gain than single-

ended connections. When level matching is critical, keep this gain value in mind.

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

11

Optional System Configurations

The KAV-1500 can be reconfigured for either Multi Amp Throughput (MAT) or bridged

operation.

IMPORTANT

Removing the cover to reconfigure for MAT or for bridged operation is the ONLY
instance you are authorized to remove the cover of ANY Krell component without
voiding your Warranty. For more information on product limitations and restrictions, see

Warranty, on page 21.

Before Reconfiguring for MAT or Bridged Operation

Read the following important safety instructions before you attempt to reconfigure your

amplifier for either MAT or bridged operation:

1. Unplug the power cord. Unplug the AC power cord (23) from AC power.

2.

Avoid the power supply. After removing the screws (see instructions below) and
the cover, locate and stay aware of the location of the power supply (round, silver
structures behind the amplifier front panel). Avoid making contact with that area of

the amplifier.

3. Remove jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces of metal jewelry
can conduct an electrical charge. Consider removing them before attempting any

reconfiguration.

4. Always replace cover, Make sure the amplifier’s cover is properly replaced and
secured by all 14 cover screws before resuming operation.

IMPORTANT

Operating the amplifier without the cover properly replaced and secured may

void your warranty.

MULTI AMP THROUGHPUT

Multi Amp Throughput (MAT) is an internal connection option for the KAV-1500 that
lets you send the same music signal to all amplifier channels using one balanced or
single-ended connection. MAT reduces installation complexity and cabling requirements

in systems containing multiple amplifiers.

12

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

FIGURE 3 RECONFIGURING THE KAV-1500 FOR MAT OPERATI()N

PC Input Board showing MAT jumper configuration

Left To Slow

Channel

Start

J1M

8oard

For J For ~,~eff. SurroundJFor~ Right

Bridging

Surround

J6fl J4N ,,,J5 J7111 J12,, J11,llJ1,II J13,1, J1811 Jr6111 CRj17 I~L~piiTB~5/~ES J~i

’ng

J19~ ~J23 ~:0~i~2~

I]J29 IIIJ25

PRC - Permanent ribbon connections (Do Not Remove)
MAT - Multi Amp Throughput (MAT) ribbon connections

Reconfiguring the KAV-1500 for MAT

See Figure 3 on page 13

Tools needed: T-15 Torx wrench and four ribbon connection cables

1. Turn the KAV-1500 off by pressing the power button (1) on the front panel. The blue
power LED (2) extinguishes. Unplug the AC power cord (23) from AC power.

2. Using the T-15 Torx wrench, remove the 14 screws that secure the amplifier cover.
Carefully remove the cover.

3. Locate the PC input board and jumper pins at the rear of the amplifier.

IMPORTANT

Do not remove or change the ribbon connection cables already in place. These
connections are polarized to ensure the correct phase.

4.

Connect one end of the first ribbon connection cable to jumper pin J5. Connect the
other end of the ribbon connection cable to jumper pin J11.

5. Use the remaining ribbon connection cables to connect:
J10 to J16
J 17 to J22

J23 to J28

6. Replace the cover, sliding the front panel end in first and, using the T-15 Torx
wrench, secure all 14 cover screws.

The KAV-1500 amplifier is now reconfigured for MAT operation.

Connecting the KAV-1500 Reconfigured for MAT

See Figure 2 on page 7

1. Connect your output device to one of the balanced inputs (3, 4, 5, 6, or 7) or one
the single-ended inputs (8, 9, 10, 11, or 12) on the KAV-1500 back panel.

IMPORTANT

Do not use the multi-channel input if you have reconfigured the KA V-1500 for MAT or
bridged operation.

2. Connect each amplifier channel output (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to a separate
loudspeaker, using the positive and negative terminals on the speaker binding posts.

14 Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

FIGURE 4 RECONFIGURING THE KAV-1500 FOR BRIDGED OPERATI( )N

Do not attempt to bridge channels in any way other than specified below.

Opt I

Opt~ Opti°n 2

Right For Center For For

Channel Bridging Channel Bridging

KRELLINDUSTRIES Bridging

J,~ J12fl

J11~11(~] ,13~ J18H J16fl H J17 1"%7BOA05B

RD

J24N

!

Left To Slow For

Channel Stad Bridging

m

Board

Option 4

i

Left Surround For Right

Option 1: Bridging

r----BRG

the Left and

Right Channels

,~ Bri~ (~l~;~e, Bri~ing~

/ J6111 J411 II

J5

J7111 J1211 J11111

~__~-- PRC

Option 3: Bridging I-~-BRG

the Center and Left ~....-L....~..~

Surround Channels f

-~

1418111 J1611 II317 P10705B J2411 J19111J2211 111423 I

~__~--- PRC

Option 2: Bridging

r----BRG

the Right and

~

Center Channels

f ~

I

For

/

.....=..X /

/ J12111

J1111J1qlJ13111 J1811 J1611 IIIJ17

Option 4: Bridging

I---BRG

the Left Surround and

~

Right Surround Channels /

~

For

~ Left For~

~

Bridgin~"~Su~und n n Bd~]ing n~

|

324111 31911132211 ii323 3301132811 iii329

~__~-PRC

PRC -- Permanent ribbon connections (Do Not Remove)

BRG -- Bridging

BRIDGED OPERATION

The KAV-1500 can be reconfigured to bridge four of its amplifier channels to operate
as two combined amplifier channels. The bridged amplifier channels each deliver 1,100

Watts into an 8 Ohm load. The unbridged amplifier channel can be connected to a
separate loudspeaker.

IMPORTANT

One channel must remain unbridged.

Reconfiguring the KAV-1500 for Bridged Operation

See Figure 4 on page 15

Tools needed: T-15 Torx wrench and two ribbon connection cables

1. Turn the KAV-1500 off by pressing the power button (1) on the front panel. The blue
power LED (2) extinguishes. Unplug the AC power cord (23) from AC power.

2. Using the T-15 Torx wrench, remove all 14 cover screws that secure the amplifier
cover. Carefully remove the cover.

3.

Locate the PC input board and jumper pins at the rear of the amplifier.

4. Follow the directions below. You may bridge channels using:

Options 1 and 3 or Options 1 and 4 or Options 2 and 4

IMPORTANT

Do not attempt to bridge channels in any way other than specified in these directions.

Option 1: To bridge the left and right channels, connect one end of the ribbon

connection cable to jumper pin J6. Connect the other end of the ribbon connection
cable to jumper pin J11.

Option 2: To bridge the right and center channels, connect one end of the ribbon
connection cable to jumper pin J12. Connect the other end of the ribbon connection
cable to jumper pin J17.

Option 3: To bridge the center and left surround channels, connect one end of the
ribbon connection cable to jumper pin J18. Connect the other end of the ribbon

connection cable to jumper pin J23.

Option 4: To bridge the left surround and right surround channels, connect one
end of the ribbon connection cable to jumper pin J24. Connect the other end of the

ribbon connection cable to jumper pin J29.

5. Replace the cover and, using the T-15 Torx wrench, secure all 14 cover screws.
The KAV-1500 amplifier is now ready for bridged operation.

16 Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

Connecting the Bridged KAV-1500

See Figure 2 on page 7

Connect the bridged channels as follows:

Option 1

1. When the left and right channels are bridged, connect the output cable from the
output device to the appropriate balanced (7) or single-ended (12) left channel input.

2.

Connect the positive loudspeaker lead (red) to the positive binding post on the left

amplifier channel (18), Connect the negative loudspeaker lead (black) to the positive
binding post of the right amplifier channel (17).

Option 2

1.

When the right and center channels are bridged, connect the output cable from the

output device to the appropriate balanced (6) or single-ended (1 1) right channel
output.

2. Connect the positive loudspeaker lead (red) to the positive binding post on the right
amplifier channel (17). Connect the negative loudspeaker lead (black) to the positive
binding post of the center amplifier channel (16).

Option 3

1.

When the center and left surround channels are bridged, connect the output cable
from the output device to the appropriate balanced (5) or single-ended (10) center

channel input.

2. Connect the positive loudspeaker lead (red) to the positive binding post on the center
amplifier channel (16). Connect the negative loudspeaker lead (black) to the positive
binding post of the left surround amplifier channel (15).

Option 4

1. When the left surround and right surround channels are bridged, connect the output
cable from the output device to the appropriate balanced (4) or single-ended (9)

surround channel input.

2.

Connect the positive loudspeaker lead (red) to the positive binding post on the left
surround amplifier channel (15). Connect the negative loudspeaker lead (black)
the positive binding post of the right surround amplifier channel (14).

For each option, the remaining unbridged channel may be connected to a separate

loudspeaker for normal operation.

IMPORTANT

When operating the amplifier in bridged mode and using an output device with a

single-ended RCA cable, be sure to remove the shorting pin from the balanced XLR

input.

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier 17

Multi Power Mode Connection
Multi power mode is one possible connection scenario using the KAV-1500’s Multi Amp

Throughput (MAT) feature. With Multi Power Mode, you can use the KAV-1500 reconfig-

ured for MAT to independently power multiple pairs of stereo loudspeakers, to extend the
listening environment throughout your home. When the KAV-1500 is reconfigured for MAT,

each channel powers an individual loudspeaker, with one KAV-1500 dedicated to driving
outputs to the left loudspeakers and one KAV-1500 driving outputs to the right loudspeak-

ers.

The diagram below illustrates this connection scenario:

Living

Room (L)

Kitchen (L)

Left Speakers

Patio (L)

+ -

Left Amplifier

Gym (L) Bedroom (L)

Right Amplifier

Right Speakers

Bedroom (R)

18

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

Amplifier Operation

ON/OFF AND OPERATION

When powering up your system, turn amplifiers on last. When powering down your
system, turn amplifiers off first. The procedures for amplifier operation follow.

1.

Press the power button (1) on the KAV-1500 front panel. The blue power LED (2)

illuminates and you hear a click. The amplifier is now ready for operation.

2.

With the output device muted or volume control fully lowered, select an output
device. Decrease or increase the volume control to the desired listening level.

3.

Before turning the system off, mute or lower the output device volume. Press the
front panel power button (1) to turn the amplifier off. It is now safe to turn off the rest

of the system.

IMPORTANT

Always tum off the amplifier before changing input connections, and mute or fully
attenuate the preamplifier/eve/when switching sources.

The KA V-1500 has tremendous reserves of power and safely drives loudspeakers to
extremely high sound pressure levels. However, use care when setting high playback

levels and lower the volume level at any sign of loudspeaker distress.

Troubleshooting System Noise

When you mix and match high-performance audio components, each with its own
ground potential, a low frequency hum may occur in one or all loudspeakers. If this

happens when you place the KAV-1500 into your system, follow these simple
troubleshooting steps.

1. Check that all input and output connections are of sound construction.

2. With the amplifier off, remove the interconnect cables, then turn the amplifier on.

If the hum disappears, turn the amplifier off and reinsert one of the interconnect

cables. Turn the amplifier back on. Repeat this process for each cable.

3.

If the hum reappears with one or both interconnect cables reinserted, the cable
needs to be replaced.

4. If the interconnect cables are sound, you may be experiencing a ground loop.

Please contact your authorized Krell dealer, distributor, or Krell for suggestions on
how to eliminate it.

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

19

Questions and Answers

Q. Should I leave the KAV-1500 amplifier on at all times?

A. No. The amplifier does not have a stand-by mode. Leaving it on at all times would

result in considerable heat output and power consumption. For best results, turn the

amplifier off when not in use, and allow a five minute warm-up after it is switched to the
operational mode. See Amplifier Operation, on page 19.

Q. When I turn the amplifier on there is a loud hum through the loudspeakers. What
should I do?

A. When a new component is introduced, a low frequency hum may occur in one or
both loudspeakers. Check that all input and output connections and cables are of sound

construction. See Troubleshooting System Noise, on page 19. If the connections and
cables are sound, you may be experiencing a ground loop. This can often be easily

eliminated. Please contact your authorized Krell dealer, distributor, or Krell for
suggestions.

Q. When I connect the amplifier to my system using the single-ended inputs, a loud

buzz comes from my loudspeakers. What is it?

A. Check that the shorting pins for the KAV-1500 are inserted into the XLR inputs (the

unit is shipped with the pins in place). When using the single-ended inputs, these

shorting pins must be inserted between pins 1 and 3 to keep external noise from
corrupting the signal. For more information, see Connecting the KAV-1500 Amplifier

to Your System, on page 10.

Q. Can I bridge all the channels on my KAV-1500?
A. The KAV-1500 has five channels. You can bridge four of those channels to operate

as two channels. One channel must remain unbridged. See Bridged Operation, on
page 16.

Q. I want to bridge the channels on my KAV-1500 but when I open the amplifier, there
are ribbon connection cables already in place. Should I remove them?

A. No. Your amplifier is shipped with ribbon connection cables in place and polarized to
ensure the correct phase (see Figure 3, on page 13). Do not remove or change these

ribbon connection cables. The KAV-1500 is not reconfigured for bridged or Multi Amp

Throughput (MAT) operation when it is shipped to you. Use the additional ribbon
connection cables shipped with the amplifier and instructions on pages 12 and 16 to

reconfigure the KAV-1500 for bridged or MAT operation.

20

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

Warranty

This Krell product has a limited warranty =of five years for
parts and labor on circuitry. Should this product fail to per­form at any time dudng the warranty, Krell will repair it at no

cost to the owner, except as set forth in this warranty.
The warranty does not apply to damage caused by acts of

God or nature.
The warranty on this page shall be in lieu of any other war-

ranty, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. There are no warranties which exceed beyond

those described in this document. If this product does not
perform as warranted herein, the owner’s sole remedy shall
be repair. In no event will Krell be liable for incidental or con­sequential damages arising from purchase, use, or inability

to use this product, even if Krell has been advised of the
possibility of such damages.

Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted
invoice substantiating that the unit is within the warranty

period must be presented to obtain warranty service. The
warranty begins on the date of retail purchase, as noted on

the bill of sale or receipted invoice from an authorized Krell
dealer or distributor.

The warranty for Krell products is valid only in the country to
which they were originally shipped, through the authorized

Krell distributor for that country, and at the factory. There
may be restrictions on or changes to Krell’s warranty
because of regulations within a specific country. Please

check with your distributor for a complete understanding of
the warranty in your country.

If a unit is serviced by a distributor who did not import the
unit, theR may be a charge for service, even if the product

is within the warranty period.
FRight to the factory is your responsibility. Return freight

within the United States (U.S.A.) is included in the warranty.
If you have purchased your Krell product outside the U.S.A.
and wish to have it serviced at the factory, all freight and

associated charges to the factory are your responsibility.

Krell will pay retum fright to the U.S.A.-based fright for-

warder of your choice. Freight and other charges to ship the

unit from the freight forwarder to you are also your respon­sibility.

Krell is not responsible for any damage incurred in transit.
Krell will file claims for damages as necessary for units dam-

aged in transit to the factory. You are responsible for filing
claims for shipping damages during the retum shipment.

Krell does not supply replacement parts and/or products to
the owner of the unit. Replacement parts and/or products
will be furnished only to the distributor performing service on

this unit on an exchange basis only; any parts and/or prod-

ucts returned to Krell for exchange become the property of

Krell.

No expressed or implied warranty is made for any Krell

product damaged by accident, abuse, misuse, natural or

personal disaster, or unauthorized modification.

Any unauthorized voltage conversion, disassembly,
component replacement, perforation of chassis,

updates, or modifications performed to the unit will
void the warranty.

The operating voltage of this unit is determined by the fac­tory and can only be changed by an authorized Krell distrib-

utor or at the factory. The voltage for this product in the

U.S.A. cannot be changed until six months from the original

purchase date.

In the event that Krell receives a product for warranty ser­vice that has been modified in any way without Krell autho-

rization, all warranties on that product will be void. The prod-

uct will be returned to odginal factory layout specifications at
the owner’s expense before it is repaired. All repairs

required after the product has been returned to original fac­tory specifications will be charged to the customer, at cur-

rent parts and labor rates.
All operational features, functions, and specifications and

policies are subject to change without notification.

To register your product for warranty benefits,
complete and return the Warranty

Registration Card enclosed in the shipping
box within 15 days of purchase. Thank you.

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

21

Return Authorization
Procedure

If you believe there is a problem with your
component, please contact your dealer, dis­tributor, or the Krell factory to discuss the

problem before you return the component for
repair. To expedite service, you may wish to

complete and e-mail the Service Request
Form in the Service Section of our website
at:

http://www.krellonline.com

To contact the Krell Service De 3artment

TEL [phone]

Monday-Friday

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST
FAX [phone]
E-MAIL service@ krellonline.com

WEBSlTE

http’J/www.krellonline.com

KAV-1500
PRODUCT NAME SERIALNUMBER

To return this product to Krell, please
follow this procedure so that we may

serve you better:

1.

Obtain a Return Authorization Number

(R/A number) and shipping address

from the Krell Service Department.

2.

Insure and accept all liability for loss of
or damage to this product during ship­ment to the Krell factory and prepay all

shipping charges. Please see the
Warranty page in this manual, concern­ing liability for shipping damage and

shipping charges.

This product may also be hand delivered if

arrangements with the Service Department
have been made in advance. Proof of pur-

chase will be required for warranty valida­tion at the time of hand delivery.

IMPORTANT
Use the original packaging to ensure safe

transit of this product to the dealer, distribu­tor, or facto~ Kre// may, at its discretion,

return this product in new packaging and bill
the owner for such packaging if the product

received by Krell was boxed in non-stan­dard packaging or if the original packaging

was so damaged that it was unusable. If
Krel/ determines that new packaging is

required, the owner will be notified before
this product is returned.

To purchase additional packaging, please
contact your authorized Krell dealer, distrib-

utor, or the Krell Service Department.

22

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier

Specifications

KAV-1500 Five-Channel Amplifier

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO

"A" WEIGHTED

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD)

GAIN

INPUT IMPEDANCE
INPUT SENSITIVITY

OUTPUT VOLTAGE

OUTPUT POWER, EACH CHANNEL
DRIVEN

BRIDGED
POWER CONSUMPTION

INPUTS

OUTPUTS

DIMENSIONS

WEIGHT

20 Hz to 20 kHz +0 dB, -0.2 dB

0.4 Hz to 112 kHz +0 dB, -3 dB

118dB
1 kHz < 0.06%

20 kHz < 0.25%

26.4 dB
100 kOhms

2.15 Vrms
Peak to Peak

RMS
8 Ohms

4 Ohms
8 Ohms

Idle
Max.

166 V

59 V

300 W
600 W

1,100 W

280 W

3,460 W
5 single-ended via RCA connectors
5 balanced via XLR connectors
5 via DB-25 connector
5 amplifier channels via five-way speaker

binding posts
19w x 6.3h x 20.25d in.

48.3w x 16h x 51.4d cm
Shipping 125 lb., 56.81 kg

Unit only 108 lb., 49.09 kg

All operational features, functions, specifications,

and policies are subject to change without notification.

Krell KAV-1500 Amplifier 23

Krell Industries, Inc.

45 Connair Road
Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA

TEL [phone]

FAX [phone]
E-MAIL krell@ krellonline.com

WEBSITE http://www, krellonline.com

KAV-1500

Five-Channel Power Amplifier

v 00.0