Krell KPS-25-SC Owners manual
KPS 25sc
Krell Playback System
with Krell CAST Technology
Instructions for Use
Owner’s Reference
THE LEADER IN AUDIO ENGINEERING
KPS 25sc
Krell Playback System
with Krell CAST
Technology
v 00.1
Krell Industries, Inc.
45 Connair Road
Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA
TEL 203-799-9954
FAX 203-891-2028
E-MAIL krell@krellonline.com
WEBSITE http://www.krellonline.com
This product is manufactured in the United States of America. Krell®is a registered trademark of Krell Industries, Inc., and is restricted for use by Krell
Industries, Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents. Krell Playback System™ is a trademark of Krell Industries, Inc. Krell CAST is a patent pending of
Krell Industries, Inc. Krell Link™ is a trademark of Krell Industries, Inc. ,, High Definition Compatible Digital
®
and Pacific Microsonics™ are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. HDCD system manufactured under license
from Pacific Microsonics, Inc. This product is covered by one or more of the following: In the USA: 5,479,168, 5,638,074, 5,640,161, 5,808,574,
5,838,274, 5,854,600, 5,864,311, 5,872,531, and in Australia: 669114. Other patents pending. TosLink™is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation. All other
trademarks and trade names are registered to their respective companies.
©
2000 by Krell Industries, Inc. All rights reserved P/N 303963
This product complies with the EMC directive (89/336/EEC) and the low-voltage directive (73/23/EEC).
WARNINGS
The KPS 25sc must be placed on a firm, level surface where it is not exposed to dripping or splashing.
Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC power cord. This can cause radio frequency
interference (RFI) to be introduced into your playback system. Operate the KPS 25sc only with the power
cord supplied.
The ventilation grids on the top of the KPS 25sc must be unobstructed at all times during operation. Do not
place flammable material on top of or beneath the component.
Turn off all systems’power before connecting the KPS 25sc to any component. Make sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality, free from frayed ends, short circuits, or cold solder joints.
Connecting non-CAST components to CAST inputs or outputs can damage your equipment and void your war-
ranty .
Do not attempt to change CAST cable terminations or CAST inputs or outputs to RCA or XLR connectors. It is
electrically impossible to convert CAST input or output connections for balanced or single-ended voltage operation.
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.
equipped
®
®
Page
INTRODUCTION 1
DEFINITION OF TERMS 1
REVOLUTIONARY KRELL CAST
TECHNOLOGY 3
UNPACKING 4
PLACEMENT 4
AC Power Guidelines 4
QUICK START 5
Factory Default Settings 5
Input and Output Connections 5
Power On 6
To Play a Compact Disc 6
To Play Another Input Source 6
INSTALLING THE ACRYLIC COVER 9
Attaching the Acrylic Cover 9
Connecting the Flex Foil Cable 10
Adjusting the Cover Closing Speed 10
FRONT P ANELDESCRIPTION 12
BACK PANEL DESCRIPTION 15
REMOTE CONTROL DESCRIPTION 18
Battery Installation and Removal 18
Tabletop Remote Control 18
CONNECTING THE KPS 25sc
TO YOUR SYSTEM 22
Input and Output Connections 22
Power On 23
Factory Default Settings 23
KRELL LINK CONNECTIONS AND OPERATION 24
Connecting Components Through Krell Link 24
Krell Link Operation 24
TAPE INPUT AND OUTPUT 25
Krell KPS 25sc iii
Contents
Page
OPERATING YOUR KPS 25sc 26
To Play a Compact Disc 26
How to Write a Program 26
How to Create an A/B Loop 27
To Play Another Input Source 27
CUSTOMIZING CONFIGURATIONS 27
Change the Cover Operation Mode 27
Change the Shutter Operation Mode 28
Configuring for Theater Throughput 28
Amplifier Control Options 29
Adjust Menu Display Brightness 30
Assign Custom Names to Inputs 30
Change an Input’s Volume Trim 31
Change the Volume Control Sensitivity 31
Return All Settings to Factory Defaults 31
WARRANTY 32
RETURN AUTHORIZA TION
PROCEDURE 33
SPECIFICATIONS Back Cover
Page
FIGURE 1 Attaching the KPS 25sc Acrylic Cover 7
FIGURE 2 Connecting the KPS 25sc Flex Foil Cable 8
FIGURE 3 The KPS 25sc Front Panel 11
FIGURE 4 The KPS 25sc Back Panel 14
FIGURE 5 The KPS 25sc Tabletop
and Handheld Remote Controls 17
iv Krell KPS 25sc
Contents, continued
Illustrations
Thank you for your purchase of the KPS 25sc
Krell Playback System. The integrated design
of the KPS 25sc incorporates a compact disc
transport, a digital-to-analog processor, and a
high resolution preamplifier in one stand alone
unit. The compact disc transport design provides high position accuracy and eliminates
servo bounce and vibration. An acrylic cover
protects the integrity of the compact disc data.
The analog preamplifier features exceptionally
wide bandwidth with extremely low noise, and
the digital-to-analog converter makes the
KPS 25sc compatible with nearly every digital
audio source. Menu features allow customizing
of cover operation and color, menu display
brightness, input naming, and volume controls
for optimum functioning and ease of use.
The KPS 25sc provides a variety of main outputs: Krell CAST variable, balanced and singleended variable, and balanced and single-ended
fixed level for connecting to a second system.
The KPS 25sc can be connected to multi-room
switchers that operate whole-house music systems. The Theater Throughput feature simplifies
integration of an audio/video surround sound
processor with the KPS 25sc. Two remote control units—a full-function tabletop remote with
direct access capability, and a simplified handheld remote—provide complete and convenient
remote control operation.
This owner’s reference manual contains important information on placement, installation, and
operation of the KPS 25sc. Please read this
information carefully. Athorough understanding
of these details will help ensure satisfactory
operation and long life for your KPS 25sc and
related system components.
Following are the definitions of key terms used
in your owner’s reference manual.
CONFIGURATIONS
Krell Link
Amethod of synchronizing remote control operation for Krell systems that include multiple preamplifiers, amplifiers, and associated components. When Krell Link in/out connections are
used, the remote capabilities of the linked components are controlled from one component,
called the control component. The linked components respond to stand-by and operational
mode commands from the control component
via MIDI cables.
Theater Throughput
Theater Throughput is a Krell configuration
option that allows the signal from a surround
preamp/processor to pass through a Krell preamplifier or integrated amplifier with no gain, for
integrated volume and balance management of
Krell home theater systems.
INPUT AND OUTPUT
CONNECTIONS
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 of long interconnect cables.
Balanced connections are completely immune
to induced noise from the system or the environment.
Krell KPS 25sc 1
Introduction Definition of Terms
Krell Current Audio Signal Transmission
(CAST)
A proprietary Krell circuit technology for connecting analog components, in which the audio
waveform is transmitted between components
in the current rather than voltage domain. The
speed and bandwidth provided by Krell CAST
yields accurate, realistic music reproduction.
Krell components connected via CAST perform
as if they are all part of a single circuit.
Single-ended
Atwo-wire input or output circuit. Use care
when using single-ended connections as the
ground connection is made last and broken
first. Turn the system off prior to making or
breaking single-ended connections. Singleended connections are not recommended for
connections requiring long cable runs.
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.
TECHNOLOGY
Krell Current Mode
A proprietary Krell circuit topology in which the
audio gain stages of a component operate in
the current rather than voltage domain. This
unique technology provides the component with
exceptional speed and a wide bandwidth.
Krell HEAT
The Krell term HEAT, or High End Audio
Theater, is a design application incorporated
into Krell components to enhance multi-channel
home entertainment systems. AKrell HEA Tsystem is an integrated home theater system consisting of a state-of-the-art Krell pre-amp
processor and matching amplifiers that reproduce two channel and multi-channel sources
with audiophile sound quality, placing the audience in the middle of a lifelike environment.
2 Krell KPS 25sc
Definition of Terms, continued
Krell KPS 25sc 3
Current Audio Signal Transmission, termed
CAST, is a revolutionary method of connecting
analog audio components for unparalleled
sonic performance. Innovative engineering
combines the new Krell CAST circuitry with
existing Krell Current Mode technology to create entire CAST systems that reproduce music
with incredible range, tonality, and precision.
Voltage Signal Transmission and the
Traditional Audio System
Traditionally, signal is transmitted in the voltage
domain between two components. In an audio
system, each component is a discrete entity with
unique characteristics that act upon the musical
signal independently. Each component is
unaware of the other components in the system.
The cables that connect the components each
have their own electrical characteristics, which
affect the sonic presentation of the entire system.
CAST: A New Approach
CAST circuitry recognizes signal transmitted in
the current domain instead of the voltage
domain between each component. CAST transmission unifies the individual components and
their interconnects into an electrically linked
whole. The sonic presentation of the entire system remains intact.
CAST Basics
Here’s how a CAST audio system works.
Internally, each CAST source transfers, or
amplifies, current using Krell Current Mode circuitry. This current signal is then output using
CAST circuitry. When the signal is received by
a CAST input, Krell Current Mode circuitry
again takes over until the signal reaches the
loudspeaker. By maintaining the musical signal
in the current domain from beginning to end, an
entire CAST system behaves as if it is one component. With CAST, anomalies of signal transmis-
sion between components are eliminated. Cable
impedances and their effects on the transmitted
signal are non-existent.
How CAST and Krell Current Mode Interact
While CAST is a new method of transferring the
musical signal between components, its origin
stems from Krell Current Mode, the technology
developed to transfer the musical signal within
a component. CAST combined with Krell
Current Mode takes circuitry signal transmission to the next evolutionary level. In essence,
Krell Current Mode maintains the integrity of the
signal within the component and CAST preserves the transmitted signal between components. Together, CAST and Krell Current Mode
technologies unify separate Krell components
into a single global circuit.
CAST Cable Construction
A CAST system uses cables manufactured by
Krell and other manufacturers specially
licensed by Krell. Thin and flexible CASTcables
are constructed with the same build quality as
other Krell products and are aesthetically
matched to the components that Krell manufactures. An all-metal body and locking connectors
with gold contacts are part of the standard nocompromise specification developed for every
CAST cable made.
The Best Musical Performance
When you operate a CAST system, you will
hear significant improvements in every performance area: speed, precision, dynamic range,
depth and width of the sound stage, transient
impact, tonal balance, harmonic distortion, and
more. The goal for CAST is the same company
goal used for all Krell products. Krell strives for
the delivery of the best performance of a musical event for you, using the full expression of
technology to date.
Revolutionary Krell CAST
Technology
4 Krell KPS 25sc
1. Open the shipping box and remove the top
layer of foam. You see these items:
1 KPS 25sc
1 acrylic cover in velvet pouch
1 KPS 25sc tabletop remote control
1 KPS 25sc handheld remote control
2 packages of AAA-size 1.5 Volt batteries
(4 for tabletop remote control, 2 for
handheld remote control)
1 compact disc clamp
1 IEC connector (AC Power) cord
1 12 VDC (12 V trigger) cable
1T-10 Torx wrench (for remote control
battery installation and removal)
1 cleaning kit for the acrylic cover
1 packet containing the owner’s
reference manual and the warranty
registration card
2. Carefully remove the unit and accessories
from the shipping box. Remove the foam
end caps and protective plastic wrap from
the KPS 25sc.
Notes
If any of these items are not included in the
shipping box, please contact your authorized
Krell dealer, distributor, or Krell for assistance.
Save all packing materials. If you ship your
KPS 25sc in the future, repack the unit in its
original packaging to prevent transit damage.
See Return Authorization Procedure, on
page 33, for more information.
Before you install the KPS 25sc into your system, review the following guidelines to properly
place your component. This will facilitate a
clean, trouble-free installation. The KPS 25sc
does not require a special rack or cabinet for
installation. For the dimensions of the KPS 25sc,
see Specifications, on the back cover.
The KPS 25sc requires at least two inches (5
cm) of clearance on each side to provide for adequate ventilation and at least 20 inches (50 cm)
of clearance above the component to allow for
the operation of the acrylic cover. Installations
inside cabinetry may need extra ventilation.
Note
The KPS 25sc 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 are not
permanently affixed to the unit. Any unauthorized modifications to the unit or electronics will
void the warranty.
IMPORTANT
Do not attach enhancement accessories such
as rings, mats, or dampers to individual compact discs. These accessories may interfere
with the compact disc transport, resulting in
erratic playback and/or poor sound.
AC POWER GUIDELINES
The KPS 25sc has superb regulation and does
not require a dedicated AC circuit. Avoid 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 used if they are
grounded and meet or exceed the unit’s power
supply rating of 100 VA
.
Unpacking Placement
Krell KPS 25sc 5
To access the full array of available features for
the KPS 25sc, please read the entire KPS 25sc
owner’s reference manual. The abbreviated
procedures in this Quick Start section will allow
you to set up your KPS 25sc system quickly
and enjoy its basic features before you read the
entire manual. The following paragraphs outline
quick start procedures. For additional information see Connecting the KPS 25sc to Your
System, on page 22.
FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS
The KPS 25sc is shipped with these default settings:
The cover operation mode is set for auto. The
cover must be down for compact disc playback
to begin.
The shutter operation mode is shipped set for
auto. The cover automatically becomes opaque
when you play a compact disc and becomes
clear when playback stops.
All variable and fixed outputs are active.
IMPORT ANT
You must install the acrylic cover before you
use your KPS 25sc. See Installing the Acrylic
Cover, on page 9.
INPUT AND OUTPUT
CONNECTIONS
See Figure 3 on page 11 and Figure 4 on page
14. Numbers in parentheses refer to figure
labels.
IMPORTANT
Connecting non-CAST components to CAST
inputs or outputs can damage your equipment
and void your warranty.
Do not attempt to change CAST cable terminations or CAST inputs or outputs to RCA or XLR
connectors. It is electrically impossible to convert CAST input or output connections for balanced or single-ended voltage operation.
Please read the Warranty, on page 32, to
understand the warranty limitations of the
KPS 25sc.
1. Make sure all power sources and components are off before connecting inputs and
outputs.
2. Neatly organize wiring between the KPS 25sc
and the preamplifier and amplifier, and
between all ot he r c omponents. Separate AC
wires from audio cables to prevent hum and
other unwanted noises from being introduced into the system.
3. Connect the Krell CAST cables from the left
and right Krell CAST 4-pin outputs (42) on
the KPS 25sc back panel to your CASTenabled preamplifier or amplifier.
For balanced or single-ended operation,
connect the interconnect cables from either
the left and right fixed balanced (38), variable balanced (39), fixed single-ended (40),
or variable single-ended (41) outputs on the
KPS 25sc back panel to the balanced or
single-ended inputs on your preamplifier or
amplifier. (The remaining outputs can be
connected to another preamplifier or amplifier in a different system).
IMPORTANT
Use variable output terminals when the KPS 25sc
is connected directly to a Krell stereo power amplifier or to a pair of Krell monaural power amplifiers
that do not have gain control. Using fixed outputs
can damage power amplifiers and loudspeakers.
Quick Start
6 Krell KPS 25sc
INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS, continued
4. Connect the cables from your source equipment to the appropriate balanced (31), tape
(32) or single-ended (34, 35, 36) analog
inputs on the KPS 25sc back panel.
5. Connect the cables from your digital audio
or video source to the optics input (46) or
coaxial digital input (47) on the KPS 25sc
back panel.
6. Connect the cables from the optics output
(43) or coaxial digital output (44) on the
KPS 25sc back panel to send signals to a
digital recording device, external digital/analog processor, or video source.
7. Connect the KPS 25sc to AC power: plug
the AC power into the IEC connector (50) on
the back panel, then plug and AC power
cord into the wall socket.
IMPORTANT
When switching between active sources, always
lower the volume to off or mute the output. This
ensures that the next source played does not
damage your system with a high output transient.
POWER ON
Power the KPS 25sc on using the back panel
power switch (48). The word
KRELL momentarily
appears in the menu display (26). This shows the
KPS 25sc is initialized and ready for operation.
The KPS 25sc is now in the stand-by mode. The
red stand-by LED (12) illuminates.
TO PLAY A COMPACT DISC
1. After the KPS 25sc is initialized and in the
stand-by mode, use the power button (12) or
key to switch the component to the opera-
tional mode. The blue power LED (13) illuminates. The compact disc transport is active.
2. Gently raise the acrylic cover until it is upright
(approx. 90° angle).
3Remove the Krell compact disc clamp and
place your compact disc on the transport.
4. Secure the compact disc with the compact
disc clamp (you must use this clamp since it
is part of the disc sensing mechanism).
5. Gently pull the acrylic cover forward until you
feel the damper mechanism resist slightly.
The damper mechanism is now engaged
and will automatically finish closing the
cover. Do not force the cover to close faster
than the damping mechanism allows.
6. Press the play button (4) or key to begin compact disc playback (playback will not begin
unless cover is closed). The acrylic cover will
also turn opaque to protect compact disc data.
7. Use the level knob (25) or keys to adjust the
volume to the desired level.
8. Press the stop button (3) or key to end compact disc playback.
TO PLAY ANOTHER INPUT
SOURCE
1. After the KPS 25sc is initialized and in the
stand-by mode, use the power button (12) or
key to switch the KPS 25sc to the operational
mode. The blue power LED (13) illuminates.
2. Select the digital or analog input source using
the front panel button (14-19) or key. The red
LED above the source illuminates and the
source name appears in the menu display
(26).
3. Follow the input source operating directions.
Quick Start, continued
FIGURE 1 ATTACHING THE KPS 25sc ACRYLIC COVER
Krell KPS 25sc 7
A Push-pull pins
B Acrylic cover pins
C Notches
D Flex foil cable
E Flex foil receptacle
A.1
Push-pull pins fully closed
Pins are shipped fully closed and
must be returned to this position for
the acrylic cover to operate properly.
A.2
Push-pull pins fully extended
(Pin position is exaggerated for illustration purposes)
Pins are fully extended only during acrylic
cover installation. Do not try to close the
acrylic cover with the push-pull pins
extended.
B
B
D
A
A
C
C
E
8 Krell KPS 25sc
FIGURE 2 CONNECTING THE KPS 25sc FLEX FOIL CABLE
D
E
E.1
Open flex foil
receptacle
The open flex foil
receptacle sleeve is fully
extended, as shown. If
the flex foil receptacle
is not open, use your
fingers to grasp the
sleeve and gently slide
it toward the back of
the KPS 25sc, before
attempting to insert the
flex foil cable.
E.2
Align the tip of the flex
foil cable parallel to the
open flex foil receptacle
and gently feed the flex
foil cable into the open
flex foil receptacle until
the cable touches the
rear of the receptacle.
E.3
The flex foil cable
should be curved
slightly but not crimped.
Close the flex foil receptacle by sliding the
sleeve toward the front
of the KPS 25sc.
E.4
The closed flex foil
receptacle.
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