Krell Phantom User Manual

OWNER’S REFERENCE

PHANTOM

STEREO PREAMPLIFIER

THE LEADER IN AUDIO ENGINEERING

Phantom Stereo Preamplifier Owner’s Reference, v1.0

Krell Industries, LLC. 45 Connair Road Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read Instructions.

2. Keep these Instructions.

3. Heed all Warnings.

4. Follow all Instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa-

ratus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

8. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

9. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus

has been damaged in any way, such as a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

10. The Phantom preamplifier must be placed on a firm, level surface where it is not exposed to dripping or splashing.

11. The ventilation grids on the top of the Phantom preamplifier and the space underneath the Phantom preamplifier must be unobstructed at all times during operation. Do not place flammable material above or beneath the preamplifier.

12. Before making connections to the Phantom preamplifier, ensure that the power is off and other components are in mute or stand-by mode. Make sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality, free from frayed ends, short circuits, or cold solder joints.

13. Do not connect an RS-232 cable to the phono power port. Output from the phono power port can seriously damage your computer.

14. Do not connect the cable from a Krell KPE phono stage to the RS-232 port.

15. THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE AN PHANTOM PREAMPLIFIER.

Please contact Krell if you have questions not addressed in this guide.

This product is manufactured in the United States of America. Krell®is a registered trademark of Krell Industries, LLC., and is restricted for use by Krell Industries, LLC., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents. Evolution Bias

™ is a trademark of Krell Industries, LLC. and is a Krell technolo-

gy based on U.S. Patent No. 5,331,291. CAN Link

™, CAST™, Evolution CAST™, and Krell Current Mode™ are trademarks of Krell Industries,

LLC. All other trademarks are registered to their respective companies.

TEL 203-298-4000 FAX 203-891-2028 E-MAIL sales@krellonline.com WEBSITE http://www.krellonline.com

Contents

List of Illustrations, page 4

A Letter from Krell Industries LLC, page 5

SECTION ONE: Phantom Features and Technology, page 6

Features, Revolutionary Krell CAST Technology, Definition of Terms

SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement, page 11

Opening the Phantom Shipping Carton

SECTION THREE: Quick Start, page 13

Connecting the Phantom to Your System, Operating the Phantom

SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of the Phantom, page 15

Front Panel Description, Remote Control Description, Battery Installation, and Back Panel Description

SECTION FIVE: Connecting the Phantom to Your System, page 26

Input and Output Connections, Connection Steps

SECTION SIX: Phantom Operation, page 28

On/Off and Stand-by Operation

SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom, page 29

Navigation Conventions, Menu Functions

SECTION EIGHT: Troubleshooting System Noise, page 43

WARRANTY, page 44

RETURN AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURE, page 46

SPECIFICATIONS, page 47

List of Illustrations

Figure 1, page 15

Phantom Preamplifier and Power Supply Front Panels

Inset Preamplifier and Power Supply Stacked View

Figure 2, page 19

Phantom Remote Control

Figure 3, page 22

Phantom Preamplifier and Power Supply Back Panels

A Letter from Krell Industries LLC

Dear Audio Enthusiast,

Thank you for your purchase of the Krell Phantom preamplifier.

The preamplifier plays a vital role in audio playback by mediating the line-level output of a wide variety of source components in preparation for the amplifier’s input. At no other point in the reproduction process is music so vulnerable to change, as the signal level is small, and susceptible to noise and distortion.

Having always valued the role of the preamplifier in fine audio systems, we take preamplifier design very seriously. We realize that, no matter how impressive an amplifier’s performance; it can be no better than that of the preamplifier driving it.

Our new Phantom preamplifier employs a powerful, separate power supply, Krell Current Mode gain stages from input to output, and Current Audio Signal Transmission (CAST) receivers and transmitters. Utilizing these powerful technologies, the Phantom conveys the complete range of timbre and dynamics that comprise the foundation musical performance. Typical of our latest preamplifier designs, the Phantom preamplifier includes a thoughtful suite of menu options and can be customized for the greatest ease of operation.

We hope that you enjoy your new Phantom preamplifier.

Sincerely,

Krell Industries LLC

SECTION ONE

Phantom Features and Technology

This section describes the innovative features and technology of the Phantom preamplifier, and defines CAST and other key terms used in this reference.

The Phantom Stereo Preamplifier, evolving from the flagship Evolution Two, works to carefully transmit audio signals without damaging the ephemeral staging and dimensional components of the music. The Phantom is a two chassis design with a separate power supply that isolates the critical audio stages for the lowest possible noise floor. A combination of advanced technologies and inspired design elevate the Phantom preamplifier’s performance to the reference level.

Features

Preamplifier

The Phantom preamplifier is the first Krell amplifier to include an optional crossover. The crossover fuctionality offers the ability to use a subwoofer/satellite speaker arrangement and still maintain the highest quality sonic performance. Previous to the Phantom preamplifier, this system configuration would require signals to pass through a subwoofer’s lower quality crossover circuitry. The Phantom preamplifier is the centerpiece of a world class audio system where space is at a premium.

Crossover Highlights

Owing to Krell’s work in the Modulari Duo Reference loudspeakers, the unique crossover feature is a highly sophisticated option. When the optional board is present, additional crossover menu items become available. Definable parameters include independently assignable crossover frequencies and filter types for te high and low pass sections. Choices include 40Hz, 55Hz, 75Hz, and 100Hz crossover points with 12dB, 18dB, and 24dB Butterworth or 24dB Linkwitz-Riley style filters. The high pass section of the crossover uses the full Phantom preamplifier circuitry for its ouput stage.

Circuitry Highlights

The Phantom preamplifier is a dual monaural circuit design with the left and right channels afforded their own power supply regulation and individual full chassis sized boards. All signal gain is realized in surface mount topology using proprietary multiple-output current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity of other designs. Approaching 1 MHz of open loop bandwidth in a zero feedback, balanced, Krell Current Mode, the Phantom output stage terminates in Krell CAST.

continued

A complete Krell system (source, preamp, and amplifier) system, connected using Krell MMF CAST interconnects reduces the number of voltage gain stages to the minimum, one. The resulting noise floor approaches the theoretical limit of technology. Negative feedback is not used anywhere in the preamp, nor is it necessary. Open-loop distortion is typically less than 0.003%. The volume control is realized with a balanced resistor ladder — bandwidth and transient response of the preamp circuitry are virtually unaffected by the volume setting.

Power Suply Highlights

The Phantom audio circuits receive power from a Krell Current Mode analog power supply housed in its own dedicated chassis. The power supply avoids the common integrated circuit topology used in many preamplifiers and instead mimics the design topology of Krell Evolution e Series amplifiers. The circuitry is completely discrete giving it the ability to respond quickly to current demands and also be unaffected by all but the most severe AC voltage power fluctuations. Oversized for a preamplifier, the power supply features a 290 VA transformer and 41,600µF of capacitance. Locating the power supply in its own chassis presents the ideal configuration for isolating stray electrical and magnetic interference from the critical preamplifier signal path. Capable of delivering current and voltage swing for any musical event, the Phantom power supply is gentle on AC requirements when not in use. A new eco-friendly design reduces standby power draw to 2W. .

Revolutionary Krell CAST Technology

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.

The 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 also have their own electrical characteristics, which affect the sonic presentation of the entire system. CAST transmission unifies individual components and interconnects into an electrically-linked whole. The original signal remains unaltered from source to speaker.

continued

CAST Basics

Here is 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, circuit board properties and signal transmission aberrations 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. Krell Current Mode technology enjoys bandwidth increases up to an order of magnitude greater than their voltage based counterparts. This dramatic increase in circuit bandwidth delivers near perfection in the audible band that typically suffers from phase distortions in voltage circuits.

CAST Cable Construction

A CAST system uses cables manufactured by Krell and other manufacturers specially licensed by Krell. Thin and flexible CAST cables are constructed with the same build quality as other Krell components 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 no-compromise specification developed for every CAST cable made.

(SECTION ONE: Phantom Features and Technology continued)

Evolution CAST

By employing radical current mirror circuitry, the Phantom components elevate the CAST technology to another level. This advanced use of the technology increases the linearity, transient speed, and bandwidth of the Evolution components while reducing the distortion by an order of magnitude.

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.

(SECTION ONE: Phantom Features and Technology continued)

Definition of Terms

The following are definitions of key terms used in this owner’s reference:

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 of long interconnect cables. Balanced connections are completely immune to induced noise from the system or the environment.

CAST and Evolution CAST

Krell Current Audio Signal Transmission, or CAST, is a proprietary Krell circuit technology for connecting analog components, transmitting the audio waveform between components in the current domain rather than in the voltage domain. The speed and bandwidth provided by Krell CAST and its circuitry update, Evolution CAST, yield accurate, realistic music reproduction, enabling connected components to perform as if they are all part of a single circuit.

Single-ended

A two-wire input or output circuit. Single-ended connections are not recommended for connections requiring long cable runs. Use care when using single-ended connections, because the ground connection is made last and broken first. Turn the system off/on prior to making or breaking single-ended connections.

Operation

Off

When the stand-by/power LEDs are not illuminated, the preamplifier is off.

Stand-by

A new eco-friendly design reduces stand by power to draw to 2W. The standby/power LED of the preamplifier chassis illuminates in red, when the preamplifier is in stand-by mode. The power supply illuminates in green when the preamplifier chassis is in stand-by mode. Krell recommends leaving the preamplifier in standby mode when it is not playing music

Operation

When the standby/power LEDs are illuminated in blue, the preamplifier is in operational mode and ready to play music.

continued

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.

(SECTION ONE: Definition of Terms continued)

Unpacking and Placement

This section describes the procedures for safely unpacking and placing your Phantom Preamplifier. The Phantom preamplifier is shipped in 1 carton consisting of 2 chassis: 1 power supply chassis and 1 preamplifier chassis.

Opening the Phantom Shipping Carton

The Phantom shipping carton measures 22.3 in. (56.6 cm) wide by 23.5 in. (59.7 cm) high by 16.2 in. (41.1 cm) deep.

Preamplifier Chassis. This measures 17.3 in. (43.8 cm) wide by 3.8 in. (9.7 cm) high by 18.3 in. (46.4 cm) deep, and weighs 18 lbs. (8.1 kg).

Power Supply Chassis. This measures 17.3 in. (43.8 cm) wide, by 3.8 in. (9.7 cm) high, by 17.7 in. (44.8 cm) deep, and weighs 28 lbs. (12.7 kg).

To Remove the Preamplifier from the Shipping Carton

Open the shipping carton and remove the top layer of foam. The carton contains these items:

1 Preamplifier chassis 1 Power supply chassis 1 IEC Connector (AC Power) cord 1 12-pin DC cable 1 Remote control 2 AAA-size 1.5 Volt batteries for the remote 1 T-10 Torx wrench for the remote control 1 Owner’s Reference

2. Carefully remove the preamplifier, power supply, and accessories from the box.

3. Place the preamplifier and power supply in a safe location, and remove the

protective plastic wrapping.

4. Place the power supply chassis where you intend to use the preamplifier.

Krell recommends that you place the preamplifier chassis on top of the power supply chassis.

SECTION

TWO

continued

Placement

Before you install an Phantom preamplifier into your system, please follow the guidelines in this section to select a location for your component. This will facilitate a clean, trouble-free installation.

The Phantom preamplifier does not require a special rack or cabinet for installation. The preamplifier chassis measures 17.3 in. (43.8 cm) wide, 3.8 in. (9.7 cm) high, and 18.3 in. (46.4 cm) deep.

The Phantom preamplifier requires at least two inches of clearance on each side, and at least two inches of clearance above the component to provide adequate ventilation. Installation inside cabinetry may require additional ventilation.

AC Power Guidelines

The Phantom preamplifier has superb regulation and does not require a dedicated AC circuit. Avoid connections through extension cords or multiple AC adapters. High quality 15 amp AC strips are acceptable. The use of AC line conditioning devices is not recommended. The features provided by these devices are already incorporated into the Phantom power supply.

(SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement continued )

continued

SECTION THREE

Quick Start

To access the full array of available functions for the Phantom, please read this entire owner’s reference manual. The abbreviated routine in this Quick Start section will allow you to connect and operate the Phantom quickly and enjoy its basic functions.

The front and rear panels are shown in the diagrams on pages 16 and 23. Each button or feature is labeled with a callout number, and these numbers are shown in brackets in the sections below. (In the following instructions, the word “button” refers to a front panel operation, and “key” refers to a remote control operation.)

Connecting the Phantom to Your System

Position the preamplifier and power supply where you intend to use them in your system. Do not move the chassis after they are connected.

1. Connect the power supply chassis and the preamplifier chassis with the 12-pin

DC cable provided, using the back panel DC power connectors (24).

2. Neatly arrange and organize wiring to and from the preamplifier and all compo-

nents. Separate the AC wires from any audio cables to prevent hum or other unwanted noise from being introduced into the system.

3. Connect the outputs of your source equipment to the appropriate CAST (18),

balanced (15), single-ended (16), or tape inputs (17) on the Phantom.

4. Connect the main outputs (20) on the Phantom to your amplifier’s inputs.

5. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC power cord receptacle (27) of

the power supply unit.

6. Plug the other end of the AC power cord into AC power. The display (3) scrolls

through

Phantom SOFTWARE VERSION, and the preamplifier chassis stand-by/power

LEDs (7) illuminate red and the power supply chassis stand-by/power LED (7) illuminates green, indicating that the Phantom is in stand-by mode. When the scrolling stops, the Phantom is ready to be powered on.

Note

Use only the power cord provided or Krell Vector HC power cable with the preamplifier

to make the connection to AC power. Operation with a power cord other than the one

supplied by Krell could induce noise, limit current, or otherwise impair the ability of the

preamplifier to perform optimally.

Operating the Phantom

After the Phantom is connected to your system and to AC power, and the front panel display has stopped scrolling, begin operation:

1. Press the power button (1) on the front panel, or the remote control power key.

The standby/power LED turns blue. The display shows the factory default input:

S-1, and level: -INF. The Phantom is now in the operational mode.

2. With the preamplifier output muted, or the volume fully attenuated, select a

source manually using the front panel input select buttons (8, 9, or 10) or the remote input select keys. Start playing the source. Use the level control knob (14) or the remote level keys to set the volume to a comfortable level.

3. To return the preamplifier to the stand-by mode, press the power button (1) or

remote power key.

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

(SECTION THREE: Quick Start)

SECTION FOUR

Anatomy of the Phantom

This section describes the Phantom Preamplifier functions.

Figure 1 Phantom Preamplifier and Power Supply Front Panels

1 Power Button 7 Stand-by/Power LED 2 Infrared Emitter 4 Infrared Sensor 3 Front Panel Display 5 Menu Button 6 Enter Button 8 Single-ended Input

Selection Buttons

9 Balanced Input

Selection Buttons 10 CAST Input Selection Buttons 11 Tape Button and LED 12 Mute Button and LED 13 Phase Button and LED 14 Level Control Knob

Inset Preamplifier and Power Supply: Stacked View

Power

continued

Input Selectors

Display

Level

Navigate/ Customize

Mute Phase

Remote Functions

PHANTOM

Front Panel Description

See Figure 1 on the previous page

The Phantom Preamplifier is comprised of two chassis: the preamplifier chassis and the power supply chassis. Front panel functions are described below:

Chassis

Preamplifier Chassis

The preamplifier front panel provides power on, input and zone selection, level control, menu functions, and status display.

Power Supply Chassis

Powerful transformers, high quality regulators, and extensive electrical and magnetic shielding are housed in a separate power supply.

Power

1 Power Button or Key

Use this button or key to switch the Phantom between the stand-by and operational modes.

7 Stand-by/Power LED

The preamplifier LED illuminates red and the power supply LED illuminates green (stand-by) when the Phantom is plugged into a standard AC wall receptacle. They illuminate blue (operational mode) when the power button (1) is pressed while the Phantom is in stand-by mode.

Remote Functions on the Front Panel

2 Infrared Emitter

The stand-by/Power LED (7) flashes when the Phantom sends signals via this infrared emitter to a programmable remote control. See IR Out Control, on

page 38.

4 Infrared Sensor

The infrared sensor receives commands from the Phantom remote control. For proper remote control operation, make sure the infrared sensor is not covered or obstructed.

(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued)

+ 37 hidden pages