Krell KPS-20-I, KPS-20-IL, KPS-20-T Owners manual

~g and Digital Products

KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEMS

KPS-20t Transport

KPS-20i Integrated Transport & Processor

KPS-20i//Integrated Transport, Processor & Digital Preamplifier

OWNER’S REFERENCE

2

INTRODUCTION

4

UNPACKING AND PLACEMENT

5

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF KPS-20 SERIES OWNER’S REFERENCE

AC POWER GUIDELINES

6

KPS-20 SERIES FRONT AND REAR VIEW

7

KPS-20 BASIC OPERATION
COMPLETE TRANSPORT FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

13

15

16

16

18

19

22

24

25

26

27

KPS-20i AND KPS-201//DETAILS

KPS-20i//VOLUME CONTROL

KPS-20t DETAILS

TRANSPORT TO PROCESSOR INTERLINK CONSIDERATIONS

TIME SYNC

REMOTE CONTROL

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
KPS-20i TYPICAL SYSTEM SETUP

KPS-20i//TYPICAL SYSTEM SETUP

KPS-20t TYPICAL SYSTEM SETUP

SPECIFICATIONS ’~

~

28

WARRANTY AND SERVICE

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your purchase of the KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20 series

component. Influenced by KRELL Reference and Audio Standard Series
componets, the KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20’s incorporate the latest
developments in Krell technology. Their advanced digital reconstruction

system, input and output connection capabilities, ergonomics, and stunning

aesthetics make the KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20 series an impressive
statement of audio technology.

KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20 (KPS-20) series components utilize a top load
design based on a high performance Philips transport mechanism. The
transport is housed in a solid machined block of brass and independently

suspended from the chassis by low-stored-energy isolation mounts. The main
chassis provides the first line of shock energy isolation with its own series of

low-stored-energy suspension mounts, leaving the inertially massive brass
laser chassis to dissipate any residual energy before it can influence the

tracking of the laser. Krell-written micro-code controls all transport functions
and input selections through a custom user interface. This interface is written

with performance and user flexibility as key design goals. Disc stabilization is
accomplished with a custom five point magnetic clamp and proprietary hub

alignment. The heavy motorized cover assembly isolates the compact disc from
ambient light. During playback the underside of the CD is bathed in green

light. This particular light spectrum increases the signal-to-noise of the laser’s
photo-diode which, in turn, increases its reading accuracy.

The KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20t comes standard with all current digital

output formats: ST fiber optic, AES/EBU balanced, SPDIF coaxial, EIAJ optical
and KRELL Time Sync.

In the KPS-20i and KPS-20i/I the identical transport mechanism is coupled to
an upgradeable software based processor. Data is transferred through custom

filter algorithms performing KRELL written reconstructive software at a 16X

oversampling rate through a Motorola DSP-56002 processor running at 66 MHz.

The 24 bit data is then fed to four differentially configured Burr Brown 20-bit

Colinear DAC’s.

2

All critical circuitry utilizes four layer glass epoxy circuit boards. With its 100 VA

power supply and 11 independent stages of regulation, the power supply of the
KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20 is a rock solid source of pure current and

voltage for the digital and Class A analog output stages. The output stage is

classic KRELL. All output circuits are DC coupled, Class A and complementary.

The output stage has 18 volt rails and fully differential balanced outputs on gold

plated, berrylium copper XLR connectors. Single-ended outputs are also
provided via custom gold plated RCA connectors.

In the KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20i/I the high level output stage of the
KPS-20i is replaced with a line level output stage and volume control simfliar to

that of the KRELL KRC-2 preamplifier. This stage is optimized to drive the input
of a power amplifier directly.

The KPS-20i and KPS-20i/I support all major digital input formats: one ST fiber

optic, one AES/EBU balanced, two SPDIF coaxial, and one EIAJ optical. They
come standard with an SPDIF coaxial digital output. ST, EIAJ, and KRELL Time
Sync outputs are available as an option. All input switching is accessible from the
front panel or the remote control. KRELL’s proprietary Data Recovery and Jitter
Rejection Module recovers all data from external sources, reducing jitter to
exceptionally low levels.

This Owner’s Reference is intended to guide the clear, trouble free installation

and operation of your KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20. Should you have any
questions or comments, please feel free to contact your authorized dealer or the
KRELL staff for assistance.

In the unlikely event that your KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20 should require
service, you will be pleased to know that it is backed by a comprehensive

Customer Satisfaction policy and one of the most advanced service facilities in
the industry. For detailed information on the terms and conditions of service,

please consult the Warranty and Service section of this Reference, Warranty
Registration Card, or an authorized KRELL Dealer/Distributor.

3

UNPACKING AND PLACEMENT

1. Once the box is opened and top layer of foam removed, the following items
will be visible:

1 KPS-20
1 KPS-20 Remote Control
1

KPS-20 Custom 5 point CD clamp (packed beneath the KPS-20)

AC power cord

1
1

T-10 torx driver

1

Packet containing the Owner’s Reference and Warranty
Registration Card

NOTE: If any of these items are not included, please contact your authorized
dealer immediately for assistance.

2. Carefully remove the unit and accessories from the box. Remove the
protective plastic wrap from the unit.

NOTE: Save all packing materials. If you must ship your KPS-20 in the future,

repack the unit in its original packaging to prevent transit damage. KRELL is not
responsible for damage incurred during the shipment of goods without factory

approved packing material.

PLACEMENT

Before you install the KRELL PLAYBACK SYSTEM-20 into your system, we

recommend that you follow these guidelines in choosing the location. This will
facilitate a clean, trouble-free installation. The KPS-20 does not require any type

of special rack or cabinet for installation. Dimensions are described on page 27.

1. Place the unit on a firm level surface away from excessive heat, humidity or
moisture. Make sure there is enough room at the top for a compact disc to
be placed within the chassis. Approximately ten inches is necessary.

2. Although well shielded, the KPS-20 should not be place~d in close proximity
to hum-sensitive components such as preamp phono stages or turntables.
The power supply may create interference and induce hum.

3. The KPS-20 incorporates an advanced suspension system and does not

require additional mass coupling or isolation. You may experiment with feet or
cones as long as they don’t permanently affix to the chassis. Any unauthorized
modifications to the electronics or chassis will void the warranty.

4

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF KPS-20 SERIF_~ OWNER’S REFERENCE

The features, functions and operation of the transport are identical for all
three KPS-20 Series products. Descriptions of them are divided into two
sections: Basic Operation provides a quick installation procedure; Complete

Transport Features and Functions provides details on all KPS-20 transport

capabilities. Features specific to the KPS-20i, KPS-20i// and KPS-20t are
described on pages 13, 15 and 16 respectively.

As with all sophisticated products, a complete reading of this Owner’s

Reference will provide thorough understanding of the KPS-20 Series products.
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor or the factory if you have any

questions not addressed by this Reference.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The use of CD rings, mats, or other devices attached to
individual CDs is not recommended. To be completely effective, the KPS-20 clamp

must make direct contact with the CD. Otherwise, erratic playback and~or poor
sound may occur

AC POWER GUIDELINES

The KPS-20 has superb regulation and does not require a dedicated AC
circuit. We strongly advise against connections through extension cords or

multiple AC adapters. High quality 15 amp grounded AC strips are acceptable.

High quality AC line conditioners or filters can be utilized if they are grounded
and meet or exceed the unit’s Power Supply rating of 100VA.

CAUTION: Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord.
This may cause RFI (radio frequency interference) to be induced into your

playback system.

5

KPS-20 SERIES

FaONT vii w

KPS-20i/I

@ ®

1. Transport function indicators for: Disc Management System, Program, Pause and Introduction

2. Transport function indicators for: A-B loop, Repeat Disc, Repeat Track and Random Play

3. Track and Index number display window

4. Elapsed or remaining time display window; displays volume level on KPS-20i/I

5. Transport Power on/off button

6. Display control buttons

7. Level control buttons for Volume up and Volume down; KPS-20i/I only

8. Infrared remote control receiver window

9. Sync indicator: Displays whether a digital source has linked with the processor
Digital Input select buttons and indicators for: Internal CD Transport, External Coax 1, External

10.
Coax 2, External EIAJ Optical (Optics), External ST Optical and External AES/EBU XLR balanced

11. Emphasis indicator: Displays whether deemphasis circuitry is engaged
Open/Close button for sliding cover

12.

Transport function buttons for: Disc Management System, Program, Repeat and Pause

13.

Transport function buttons for: Stop, Play, Track Back, Track Forward, Search Back and

14.
Search Forward

Transport function buttons for: Direct Number Access Keypad, Index Back and Index Forward

15.

Transport function buttons for: A-B loop, Random Play, Introduction and Direct Time Access

16.

REAR VIEWI

@l

@ @ @ @

17.

Left and Right Balanced and Single-Ended Analog Outputs; not on KPS-20t

18.

EIA~J Coax Digital Output ,

19.

Digital Output Module consisting of two ST optical (one can be used for Time Sync)
and one EIAJ Optical Output: Sta~daJrd on KPS-20t;, Optional for KPS-20i and KPS-20i/I

20.

Remote In and Out (for use with future switching devices)
Manual or Auto Cover Switch

21.

22.

Remote Access Switch for use with future switching devices

23.

Digital Inputs: EIAJ optical (Optics), Coax 1, Coax 2 or ST optical (optional), AES/EBU,
ST optical; not included on KPS-20t

24.

Fuse holder

25.

Main On/Off Power Switch
IEC Standard 15 amp AC power cord receptacle

26.

27.

Not shown, KPS-20t only: AES/EBU Digital Output

KPS-20 BASIC OPERATION

Below are instructions for a quick installation of the KPS-20. Please refer to
the Typical System Setup illustrations on pages 24, 25, and 26. Also, allow the
unit to settle at room temperature before operation is started.

1. Plug the KPS-20 into the standard wall AC receptacle. Connect the KPS-20

output to the appropriate location: KPS-20i to preamp input; KPS-20i/I to
amplifier or crossover input; KPS-20t to D/A processor input. Engage the
power switch on the rear panel by pushing it up to the ON position. This
powers the processor sections in the KPS-20i and KPS-20i/I.

2. Press the Power button on the front panel or on the remote control to power
the transport stages. The display section will now illuminate. The processor

portion of the KPS-20i and KPS-20i/I is on at all times once the rear panel

switch is engaged. This is to insure thermal stability and improve sonic
performance.

Press the Open/Close button on the front panel and the top cover assembly

3.

will open, exposing the CD transport and spindle. Place the compact disc,

label side up, onto the drive spindle. Place the five point custom clamp onto
the drive spindle, securing the CD in place. Make sure the clamp is centered
firmly on the custom CD spindle hub. Press the Open/Close button again or
Play and the cover will close.

NOTE: In the event that you wish to rapidly change a number of CDs, the

KPS-20 can be played with the cover open. Move the switch on the back panel
marked "Manual~Auto" to the "Manual" position..The KPS-20 will now play

with the cover open. However, do not forget that you are compromising the
quality of the music when the CD is exposed to light. Also, it is always

preferable to close the cover when playing music at a high volume in order to

maintain optimum tracking.

4. Press Play on the front panel or remote control. Note: if you pressed Play in
step 3 the disc will already be playing. The disc will start playing from track 1.

To select a ’different track you can press the track forward {> I} or track back

{I <} button until you reach the desired track number or punch the number of
the desired track into the keypad on the front panel or rem’ote control.

5. Press the Stop button to stop play.

7

COMPLETE TRANSPORT FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

The KPS-20 has a wide variety of transport functions. New capabilities have

been added to standard functions to enhance the use of the KPS-20, Listed below
are the functions which can be accessed from the front panel and remote control.

STOP: Stops the disc while playing. Erases all short term program memory.
Does not erase Disc Management System (DMS) data.

PI~Y: Starts the disc playing from track 1 or from a keypad-selected track.
Begins standard track programming. Pressing the Play button during a track

will start that track again from the beginning.

I<: Track Back. Selects and begins playing the track previous to the current

track. Also scrolls backward through DMS or standard track programming.
> I : Track Forward. Selects and begins playing the track after the current track.

Also scrolls forward through DMS or standard track programming.

I< I<: INDEX Back. Selects the index number previous to the current index

number within a specific track if the CD was recorded with separate indexing.
> I > I : INDEX Forward. Selects the next index number within the current track

if the CD was recorded with separate indexing.

NOTE: Some discs do not have index numbers programmed within tracks. When

the Index buttons are pressed the display will default to the current track

number.

<<: Search Back. Fast scroll backward through program.

NOTE: When operating in Search Back the system searches in 5 second increments.

>>: Search Forward. Fast scroll forward through program.
PAUSE: Temporarily stops play of current track. Does not effect DMS or

standard track programming. Second press of the Pause button resumes play.
REPEAT: (REP and REP 1) When pressed once, repeats the entire disc, DMS

standard track program indefinitely. When pressed twice, will continuously
repeat only the current track. Press Stop or Repeat a third time to cancel this
function. When selecting the Repeat function desired, press the.~Repeat button
once and the LED indicator on the faceplate will illuminate. Press the Repeat
function twice and the REP 1 indicator LED will illuminate, indicating only a

single track will repeat.

8