Krell Industries Foundation 4K Owner's Reference Manual

Foundation 4K UHD Processor OWNER’S REFERENCE

Foundation 4K UHD Processor Reference Surround Sound
Preamp / Processor

THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY KRELL PRODUCT.

Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or Krell if you have any questions not addressed in

this reference manual.

WARNING: Do not place the component where it could be exposed to dirt or excessive moisture.

The ventilation grids on the top and bottom of the Foundation 4K UHD Processor must be

unobstructed at all times. Do not place ammable material on top of or beneath the component.

When making connections to this or any other component, make sure all components are off. Turn

off all system power before connecting the Foundation 4K UHD Processor to any other component.
Make sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality, free from frayed ends, short circuits or cold
solder joints.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Krell Industries, LLC

45 Connair Road

Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA

TEL [phone]

FAX [phone]

E-MAIL [e-mail]

WEBSITE http://www.krellonline.com

Krell® is a registered trademark of Krell Industries LLC., and is restricted for use by Krell Industries LLC., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents.
All other trademarks and tradenames are registered to their respective companies.
Manufactured under license under U.S. Patent Nos: 5,956,674; 5,974,380; 6,226,616; 6,487,535; 7,212,872; 7,333,929; 7,392,195;
7,272,567 & other U.S. and worldwide patents issued & pending. DTS-HD, the Symbol, & DTS-HD and the Symbol together are
registered trademarks & DTS-HD Master Audio is a trademark of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

© 2014 by Krell Industries LLC. All rights reserved.

2

Table of Contents

Introduction (4)

Getting Started (5)

Front Panel and Remote Diagram (6)

Back Panel Diagram (7)

Connecting the Foundation 4K UHD to your System (8)

Initial Setup (9)

Speaker Set-up (10)

Source Set-up (11)

Audio Operation (12)

Network Set-up (13)

Diagnostic Mode (13)

Software Version and Update (14)

Display Setup (14)

On Screen Display (OSD) Setup (14)

CEC Operation (14)

Restore Settings (14)

Save Settings (14)

Serial Number (14)

Operating the Foundation 4K UHD (15)

Foundation 4K UHD Processor Control (18)

Foundation 4K UHD Processor RS-232 Feedback (20)

Warranty (24)

Service (25)

Specifications (26)

3Foundation 4K UHD Processor

Introduction to the KRELL Foundation 4K UHD Processor

The Foundation 4K UHD adds HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 technology to the award winning Foundation processor. Designed
to be upgradeable, existing Foundation processors can be upgraded to the Foundation 4K UHD platform at the Krell facility.
The Foundation 4K UHD updates 4 of the 10 HDMI 1.4a inputs to HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 capability. New on screen display
functionality adds status messages including volume, active source, video resolution and audio format. System setup is
accomplished from the front panel or a network tablet/computer.

Additional functionality has been added to the second HDMI output. The two HDMI video outputs are now independent

and can be congured to send different video signals to two individual displays. Both outputs support 4K signals being

simultaneously displayed.

Both HMDI outputs feature Audio Return Channel (ARC). With ARC, a display device is able to send audio back down the

HDMI cable to the Foundation 4K UHD. Televisions with built-in web streaming capability like Netix or Pandora, can send the

audio signal back to the Foundation 4K UHD use the full home theater system instead of just the TV’s speakers.

Featuring the latest digital connectivity, the Foundation 4K UHD maintains Krell’s exacting standards for analog audio
reproduction.

From decoding the latest lossless audio formats, extensive digital switching, 3DTV pass-through, and more, the Foundation 4K
UHD is fully compliant with the digital age. The 7.1-channel processor also features balanced audio outputs, automatic setup
and room EQ, and Krell’s legendary robust hardware. A slim form factor exudes the Krell aesthetic, while allowing placement in
smaller equipment racks.

The Foundation 4K UHD features Krell’s Automatic Room Equalization System (ARES), to ensure the best possible performance
from every theater. ARES analyzes all the speakers in the system, their location, phase, and distance from each other, to
determine the best crossover frequency, delay, and more. In addition, ARES incorporates the acoustics of the room to determine
unique EQ curves for each of the 7.1 output channels. Unlike other room EQs, ARES can be programmed to only adjust the
troublesome low frequencies, leaving high frequencies unaltered.

The Foundation 4K UHD includes a new Krell development - Intelligent HDMI switching. Intelligent HDMI switching is a
combination of circuitry and innovative software that optimizes HDMI operation. Various parameters including the monitor’s
electronic ID and source video resolution are stored in non-volatile memory. All 10 source inputs are always active so source,
channel, video resolution, and audio format changes are instantaneous. The Intelligent HDMI design provides the fastest signal
recognition possible.

The Foundation 4K UHD passes video signals directly without any video processing, ensuring bit-for-bit accuracy of the signal,
up to 3840x2160. However, to simplify cabling, setup, and use, there is full transcoding of the 2 composite and 3 component
analog video inputs to the HDMI outputs.

Krell designed the Foundation 4K UHD with exibility and ease-of-use in mind, with extensive routing capability of the audio
inputs to the various outputs. During setup, the specic paths will be chosen based on how the user intends to use each source,

displays, and audio output channels.

The Foundation 4K UHD supports stereo and multichannel DSD decoding via any of the 10 HDMI inputs. Playback options
include DSD 2-ch Direct, DSD Stereo, and DSD Multi modes. DSD 2-ch Direct converts a stereo DSD signal to analog and

directly passes it to the left and right analog outputs. DSD Stereo rst applies any left and right channel crossover congured in

the Foundation 4K UHD menu, converts the signal to analog, and then sends it to the left and right outputs. DSD Multi supports

multichannel DSD recordings and utilizes all crossovers congured in the Foundation 4K UHD menu. There is no conguration

required as the Foundation 4K UHD automatically recognizes a DSD signal and defaults to the last used DSD mode for
playback. Pressing the mode button on the remote control or web server interface will cycle through all three DSD modes.

The Foundation 4K UHD will allow owners to take full advantage of the best audio soundtracks available, with decoding of
Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete, Matrix, and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, a full suite
of post-processing modes are included, including Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo 6. Krell’s proprietary surround modes, Party,
General Admission, Front Row, and On Stage, offer a different way to listen to favorite tracks.

The Foundation 4K UHD also offers features that make it perfect for custom installation, such as 3.5mm jacks for IR input
and 12-volt trigger input and output, as well as RC-5 and optional rack-mount ears. Additionally, the unit can be controlled
with home automation systems via RS-232 or the Krell web server through its Ethernet connection.

4Foundation 4K UHD Processor

Getting Started

Unpacking and Placement

The Foundation 4K UHD Processor is a precision instrument and should be handled with the utmost care when

deciding where it is to be placed and while it is being unpacked and nally installed. Makes sure installation

location is dry and level, and able to provide adequate ventilation. The Foundation 4K UHD Processor runs warm
to the touch and requires the bottom and top of the unit be free from obstruction with good circulation of air.
Allow a minimum of 3 inches above the unit for proper ventilation. Additional ventilation may be required when

the unit occupies the same space with other electronics that generate heat like power ampliers. Please consult an

authorized KRELL dealer or KRELL industries to insure proper installation guidelines.

1. Accessories included

A. 1 AC Power cord

B. 1 Handheld Remote control

C. 1 Trigger cable

D. 1 CD w/ Owner’s reference

E. 1 Warranty registration card

F. 2 AAA Batteries

G. 1 T-10 torx wrench

AC Power Guidelines

The Foundation 4K UHD Processor is designed to work all over the world. The operating voltage is determined at

the factory and is specically set to operate in the country of nal destination. The Foundation 4K UHD Processor
requires good clean power and doesn’t require additional ltration.

NOTE: The Foundation 4K UHD Processor may not operate correctly when AC regeneration or voltage conversion
devices are utilized.

5Foundation 4K UHD Processor

Front Panel and Remote Diagram

1615

5

3

1

6

8

14

12

13

11

4

2

7

10

9

1 Power Standby Button

2 Volume/Navigation Up/Down Button

1

5

3 Left/Right Navigation Button

4 Enter Button

5 Source Select Button(s)

6 Surround Mode Select Button

7 Menu Button

8 Front Panel HDMI Input

9 IR Receiver Window

10 ARES Microphone Input

11 Balance Button

6

12 Krell CD Transport Button

13 Dynamic Range Select Button

3

2

4

7

14 Channel Adjust Buttons

15 Zone Select Buttons

16 Mute Button

6Foundation 4K UHD Processor

Back Panel Diagram

6

5

3

7

9 810

1112

21a 4

1b

13

14

15

1617

10 12v Trigger Outputs

11 RS-232 Control Port

12 RC-5 Control Port

13 Balanced Audio Outputs

1a HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2 Video Inputs

1b HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.0 Video Inputs

2 HDMI Video Outputs

3 Mini USB

14 Single-ended Audio Outputs

15 Zone 2 Analog Outputs

16 Balanced Analog Inputs

17 Single-ended Analog Inputs

18 Component Video Inputs

19 Composite Video Inputs

4 Optical Digital Inputs

5 Coaxial Digital Inputs

6 Main Power Switch

7 AC Power Cord Receptacle

8 Ethernet RJ-45 Jack

9 12v Trigger Input

18

19

7Foundation 4K UHD Processor

Connecting the Foundation 4K UHD to Your System

The Foundation 4K UHD is equipped with 10 HDMI inputs. Four of the HDMI Inputs include HDMI 2.0 with
HDCP 2.2 decryption for use with the latest in video content. For older video sources, the Foundation 4K UHD
includes 3 component video inputs, and 2 composite inputs. We recommend that you use the HDMI connections
to the Foundation 4K UHD, wherever the video source and video monitor both feature HDMI connections.

Video outputs include 2 HDMI outputs. Both HDMI outputs include Audio Return Channel. Audio Return Channel
transfers audio from a TV back to the Foundation 4K UHD processor allowing TV audio listening through your
home theater system. The TV must be equipped with Audio Return Channel functionality for this feature to work.

This section provides information about connecting the Foundation 4K UHD to your system.

Follow these steps to connect the Foundation 4K UHD to your system:

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

2. Neatly arrange and organize wiring to and from the Foundation 4K UHD and all components. Separate AC wires
from audio cables to prevent hum or other unwanted noise from being introduced into the system.

The Foundation 4K UHD is equipped with balanced and single ended inputs. Krell recommends using balanced
interconnect cables. Balanced interconnect cables not only can minimize sonic loss but also are immune to
induced noise, especially for installations using long cables. Balanced connections have 6 dB more gain than single

ended connections. When level matching is critical, keep this specication in mind. Krell recommends that you use

balanced inputs for components that will use the preamp mode.

For stereo analog input sources, connect the right and left outputs of your source components to the inputs on the
Foundation 4K UHD. The Foundation 4K UHD is equipped with four sets of single-ended analog audio inputs (S-1
through S-4) via RCA connectors and one set of balanced analog audio inputs via XLR connectors.

The Foundation 4K UHD is equipped with three coaxial digital audio inputs via RCA connectors and three digital
EIAJ optical inputs via TosLink connectors. Connect the digital audio output of your source components to the
digital inputs on the Foundation 4K UHD.

The Foundation 4K UHD is equipped with a second audio zone. Two different sources may be played
simultaneously. Additional wiring is not required as all digital sources, including HDMI based audio, are fed to the
Zone 2 analog outputs.

Foundation 4K UHD Processor

8

Initial Setup

The Foundation 4K UHD processor features the Krell Automatic Room Equalization System (ARES) to assist in setting
up the Foundation 4K UHD for optimal performance. The ARES system includes two operations, the speaker setup
portion and the equalization portion. The speaker setup portion of ARES determines the array and position of each
speaker in the system. From there, ideal values for speaker crossover, delays relative to the listening position and
sound pressure levels are all set automatically.

The second half of ARES is equalization. ARES includes a sophisticated equalization system that calculates at

frequency response for the entire system. The equalization algorithm uses the previously calculated speaker setup
data and acquired room characteristics to provide the ideal frequency curves for the speakers in the system.

Individual speaker setup parameters may be edited after the ARES system completes its initial calculations. The ARES
equalization process may be run again after the edits have been made.

All conguration options are selected using the front panel display or via a web enabled device such as a PC or

tablet. The Foundation 4K UHD and the web enabled device must be connected to the same network to use a web
enabled device for setup.

Microphone Setup

Place the included microphone at the listening position close to ear level and away from any obstructions. Plug the
microphone into microphone input on the Foundation 4K UHD front panel and proceed with setup.

Front Panel Setup

Press the Menu button on the front panel or the remote control. Navigating the set-up menu is accomplished by
using a combination of the up, down, left, right, and enter buttons on the front panel or remote control.

Press the Enter button to select Speaker Setup.

9Foundation 4K UHD Processor