Vanguard component. The Vanguard Family
includes the Vanguard Universal DAC w/Digital Preamp Option (DAC), the Digital Vanguard
Integrated Amplier (DVI) and the Vanguard
Integrated Amplier (VIA).
This manual covers all three Vanguard models
and notes differences where appropriate.
The Vanguard Integrated Amplier can be equipped
with or without the Optional Digital Module that is
used in the Vanguard Universal DAC and Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplifier.
All Vanguard models feature discrete signal paths
from input to output and employ a wide bandwidth
design with low negative feedback for sonic accuracy
throughout the frequency spectrum. All circuits up to
the driver stage operate in pure Class A.
Krell’s surface mount technology (SMT) means that
Vanguard components employ the most sophisticated
circuit designs possible without requiring the typical
space. SMT allows individual circuit elements to be
placed very close together. This shortens signal paths
and allows circuit elements to operate at the same
temperature, resulting in more accurate signal transfer
and enhanced reliability. This combination of sophis-
ticated circuitry and small space makes it possible to
design and manufacture a very high powered 200W
per channel amplier in a small enclosure. The Vanguard is easy to operate and integrate into your
system. The remote control accesses all functions, and
remote control connection options allow the Vanguard
to be easily connected with other components.
WARNINGS
This product complies with the EMC directive
(89/336/EEC) and the low-voltage directive
(73/23/EEC).This CLASS 1 apparatus must be
connected to an AC MAIN socket outlet with a
protective earthing connection
The Theater Throughput (Digital Vanguard
Integrated Amplifier and Vanguard Integrated
Amplier) feature provides easy integration of these
models into a home theater system.
The optional digital module (Vanguard Integrated
Amplier) adds a full range of digital technologies
and connections that are already included in the
Vanguard Universal DAC and Digital VanguardIntegrated Amplier.
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
Vanguard must be unobstructed at all times. Do not
place ammable material on top of or beneath the
unit. When making connections to this or any other
model, make sure all components are off. Turn off all
system power before connecting the Vanguard to any
other component. Make sure all cable and speaker
wire terminations are of the highest quality, free from
frayed ends, short circuits or cold solder joints.
Open the shipping box and remove the top layer of
foam. You will see these items:
1. Vanguard unit and Accessories - Included
A. 1 AC power cord
B. 1 handheld remote control
C. 2 AAA batteries
D. 1 CD w/ owner’s reference
E. 1 warranty registration card
F. 1 trigger cable
G. 1 T-10 Torx Screwdriver
2. Carefully remove all items from the shipping box.
3.Place the preamplier and power supply in a safe
location and remove the protective plastic wrapping.
Place the Vanguard on a rm, level surface, away
from excessive heat, humidity, or moisture. The
Vanguard 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. Make sure the installation location
is dry and level, and able to provide adequate ven-
tilation. The Vanguard 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 2 inches (5cm) above the unit for proper
ventilation, and at least one inch (2.54 cm) on each
side. Additional ventilation may be required when
the unit occupies the same space with other electron-
ics that generate heat, like power ampliers. Please
consult an authorized KRELL dealer or KRELL
Industries to insure proper installation guidelines.
The Vanguard is designed to work all over the world.
The operating voltage is determined at the factory and
is specically set to operate in the country of nal
destination. The Vanguard requires good clean power
and doesn’t require additional ltration. A 15 Amp
circuit is recommended for the Vanguard.
Note:
The Vanguard may not operate correctly when AC
regeneration or voltage conversion devices are
utilized, but at a minimum, they must be rated for the
maximum power consumption of the Vanguard.
Note:
Save all packing materials; if you need to ship the
Vanguard in the future, repack the unit in its original
packaging to prevent shipping damage.
Recommended Cleaning Instructions for Krell Products
Clean your Krell product gently, using a high quality
lint-free cloth that has not been treated with chemicals
of any kind.
Please note the following: Do not use cleaning agents
of any kind, such as water, alcohol, or other common
The Vanguard Universal DAC Figure 1 -- Front Panel
Vanguard Family - Owner's Reference
y
u
w
uPower
Use this button to switch the Vanguard between
stand-by and operational modes.
vStand-by Indicator
The stand-by indicator illuminates red when the
Vanguard is plugged into a standard AC wall
receptacle and the rear panel power switch is in the
ON position. The indicator illuminates blue when the
Vanguard is in operational mode.
w Infared Sensor
IR receives commands from the remote control. Make
sure this is not obstructed.
v
x
w
x Front Panel Display
The front panel display shows the input selected,
volume, balance, and Theater Throughput status.
Use this power switch to change the Vanguard from
off to the stand-by mode.
The Vanguard is equipped with 2 HDMI Inputs and 1
Output.
HDMI Inputs and Outputs
AC Power Cord Receptacle
The connector is for use with the provided IEC standard 15 amp power cord. This connector and power
cord must remain unobstructed for easy removal in
case of emergency.
Balanced Analog Outputs
The Vanguard is equipped with one pair of
balanced outputs via XLR connectors.
Single-Ended Analog Outputs
The Vanguard is equipped with one pair of singleended outputs via RCA connectors.
Digital Audio Inputs
The Vanguard is equipped with one coaxial and
one optical digital input.
Ethernet
The Ethernet port connects the Vanguard to a home
network for control, firmware updates and network
streaming.
IR In
The Vanguard is equipped with an RC-5 input that
makes custom installation easy and secure by
accepting baseband RC-5 input commands from a
remote IR detector or hard wired remote controllers.
Using this disables the front panel IR detector.
12 VDC In/Out (12 V trigger)
The 12 V Trigger input allows you to place the
Vanguard into the stand-by or operational mode from
other components. The 12 V trigger output allows the
Vanguard to turn other components on or off.
Vanguard Integrated Amplifier and Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplifier Figure 4 - Front Panel
Vanguard Family - Owner's Reference
u
v
w
x
{
z
y
u Power
Use this button to switch the Vanguard between standby and operational modes.
v Volume/Navigation Up/Down Buttons
Use these buttons to adjust the amplier output level
and navigate through the menu system. The output
level is indicated numerically on the front panel
display, with a range from 0-100.
|
}
~
{ Source Button
Use this button to select the source functions of the
Vanguard.
| Stand-by Indicator
The stand-by indicator illuminates red when the Vanguard is plugged into a standard AC wall receptacle
and the rear panel power switch is in the ON position.
The indicator illuminates blue when the Vanguard is
in operational mode.
w Left/Right Navigation Buttons Use these but-
tons to navigate through the menu system.
x Enter Button
Press the enter button or use the enter key to conrm
menu selections.
y Mute Button
Use this to mute the Vanguard output. To un-mute,
press the mute button again.
z Menu Button
Use to access the menu functions of the Vanguard.
} Front Panel Display
The front panel display shows the input selected, vol-
ume, balance, and Theater Throughput status.
~ Infrared sensor
Receives commands from the remote control. Make
sure this is not obstructed.
USB input
Only active when optional digital module is installed.
(Please see page 13 - mConnect App)
Vanguard Integrated Amplifier and Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplifier Figure 5 - Rear Panel
Vanguard Family - Owner's Reference
(DVI Only)
HDMI
Fans
The Vanguard is equipped with two cooling fans. Be
sure to leave them unobstructed for proper ventilation.
Loudspeaker Outputs
The Vanguard is equipped with gold-plated binding
posts for each amplifier channel.
Ethernet
The Ethernet port connects the Vanguard to a home
network for control, firmware updates and, network
streaming for DVI.
Balanced Analog Inputs
The Vanguard is equipped with one pair of balanced
(B-1) inputs via XLR connectors.
Single-Ended Analog Inputs
The Vanguard is equipped with three pairs of singleended (S-1, S-2, or S-3 on Remote) inputs via RCA
connectors.
IR In
The Vanguard is equipped with an RC-5 input that
makes custom installation easy and secure by accepting baseband RC-5 input commands from a remote IR
detector or hard wired remote controllers.
Using this disables the front panel IR detector.
12 VDC In/Out (12 V trigger)
The 12 V Trigger input allows you to place the Van
-
guard into the stand - by or operational mode from
other components. The 12 V trigger output allows the
Vanguard to turn other components on or off.
Power Switch and Connector
The connector is for use with the provided IEC standard 15 amp power cord. This connector and power
cord must remain unobstructed for easy removal in
case of emergency. Use this power switch to change
the Vanguard from off to the stand-by mode.
Digital Connections module (DVI)
The optional digital connections module adds one
coaxial, one optical, two HDMI inputs and one HDMI
output.
Vanguard Integrated Amplifier/Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplifier - Operating the Vanguard
Vanguard Family - Owner's Reference
Operating the Vanguard When powering up any sys-
tem, always turn ampliers on last. When powering
down, always turn ampliers off rst.
1. When the amplier is in stand-by mode - with the
red stand-by indicator (2) - turn the amplier on by
pressing the power button on the front panel or the
power key on the remote control (1). There are audible clicks and the blue power indicator (2) will illumi-
nate. The Vanguard is now in the operational mode.
2. With the amplier in the mute position, or the volume control fully attenuated (O), select a source (4)
from the front panel or the remote control.
{
x
3. Start playing the source.
4. Set the volume to a comfortable listening level
using the up or down keys on the front panel or the
level keys on the remote control (3).
5. To turn the amplier off, press the power button on
the front panel or the power key on the remote control
(1). The red stand-by indicator (2) illuminates. It is
now safe to turn off the rest of the system.
u
w
Menu Options (from Remote or Front Panel)
The Vanguard menu system offers a number of
options and information. Main selections include:
• Source Setup
• Network Setup
• Operation Mode
• Diagnostic Mode
• Software Version
• Software Update
• Display Setup
• Restore Settings
• Save Settings
• Serial Number
Press the Vanguard's Menu button (7), then use the
navigation buttons or keys to highlight one of the
menu options. Press the Enter button or key to select.
www.krellonline.com
v
Source Setup
Press the Enter button and use the Up or Down buttons to highlight the desired parameter to edit. Press
the Enter button to select. Assign Names: The rst
input is displayed. Press the Up or Down buttons to
select a different source.
To edit the currently displayed source, press the Enter
button and the cursor will begin ashing at the rst
character eld. Use the Up or Down buttons to change
the character. Use the Right or Left buttons to move
the blinking cursor to another character and repeat the
editing procedure. Press Enter to conrm changes.
Press the Up or Down buttons to select a different
source and repeat the editing process. The edited
name will appear when the Source button is pressed
on the remote or front panel. The new source name
Vanguard Integrated Amplifier/Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplifier - Operating the Vanguard
Vanguard Family - Owner's Reference
will also appear on a web connected device. Press the
Left button to return to the Source Setup Menu.
Theater Mode
Theater Mode bypasses the Vanguard's volume control and passes the left and right output of a surround
processor directly to the Vanguard's left and right
ampliers. Use the Left and Right buttons to highlight
the input that is connected to the surround processor. Press the Enter button and the cursor will begin
ashing in the Disabled eld. Press the Up or Down
buttons to change to Enabled and press the Enter button to select.
Note: Turn down volume on surround processor before setting Theater Mode.
Level Trim (VIA, DVI, DAC)
The level trim allows for output adjustment between
sources. Press the Enter button and the source eld
will start ashing. Press the Up or Down buttons to
select a different source to edit. Press the Enter button
and the dB eld will begin ashing. Press the Up or
Down buttons to increase or decrease output. When
nished, press the Enter button and then the Left button to return the Source Setup sub menu.
Network Setup
Press the Up or Down buttons to view the various
network parameters. Press the Enter button to see the
value for the displayed parameter.
IP Address
The default network discovery is DHCP. If the
Vanguard is connected to an active network, it
automatically acquires an IP address. To enter an IP
address manually, change the Vanguard to Static IP
operation. To change to Static IP operation, press the
Enter button at the IP Address sub menu. Press the Up
or Down buttons to change the setting to Static. Press
the Enter button to display the IP address. Press the
Right button to move the cursor to the number to be
edited. Press the Enter button again and the selected
number of the IP Address will begin blinking. Use the
Up or Down buttons to edit the IP Address value.
Press the Enter button to conrm change. Press the
Left or Right button to move the cursor to another
number in the IP address and repeat editing process.
Use the same process to edit the other network
settings.
Note: the MAC Address is a factory set value and is
not user editable.
Operation Mode (DAC)
The Operation Mode allows user to select between
DAC or Preamp functionality. The DAC
functionality bypasses volume control whereas
Preamp utilizes built in volume control. Press the
Enter button and the cursor will begin flashing. Press
the Up or Down buttons to change between DAC or
Preamp options. Press the Enter button to select.
NOTE: Turn down volume on surround processor
before setting Operation Mode to DAC.
Vanguard Integrated Amplifier/Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplifier - Operating the Vanguard
Vanguard Family - Owner's Reference
The Vanguard processor operation and setup options
are available from the built in web server. To use the
web server, connect the Vanguard to a router in your
local network (LAN). The IP address can be found in
the Network Setup sub menu. Press the Enter button
twice to find the address of the unit. It should be
similar to 192.168.1.9.
To access the web server, type your IP address
into the web browser address bar; press Enter.
For above, the correct address to enter would be:
192.168.1.9. The Vanguard control web page will
now appear on your computer or tablet screen. Using
your mouse or finger, follow the remote control or
front panel instructions to operate the Vanguard.
Diagnostic Mode
Diagnostic mode is used for troubleshooting and is
disabled as a default. Leave diagnostic mode disabled
unless directed by Krell.
Contrast Setup
Three contrast levels are available with level 2 being
the default. Press the Enter button to activate the
level setting and then use the up or down button to
adjust. Press the Enter button to conrm the desired
choice.
Restore Settings
Restore Settings will return the Vanguard to the original factory settings or to previously saved user
settings. Press the Up or Down button to change to
User. Press the Enter button to conrm selection.
Press the Enter button again to return to factory
or user saved settings. The Vanguard will display
various messages and will eventually return to the
standby mode.
Save Settings
Save Settings will save all conguration settings in
non volatile memory. Press the Enter button to begin
saving process.
Software Version
Press the Enter button to view current operating
Vanguard Software version and build date
Software Update
Press the Enter button to display the Software Update
Press the Enter button to select and then the Enter
button again to conrm. Choose the Network option if
the Vanguard is connected to the internet. The Vanguard will check the Krell update server to determine
if a new software update is available.
Display Setup
Backlight time-out
Backlight time-out turns off the front panel display
after a period of inactivity. The default time setting is
not disabled which keeps the display always illuminated. Time out can be set between 15 and 129
seconds, in 15 second increments.
Serial Number
Serial number displays the unit’s serial number and is
not user editable.
CEC Operation (Only applies to digital board option)
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) is an HDMI
feature designed to allow the user to control up-to
15 CEC-enabled devices, that are connected through
HDMI, by using only one of their remote controls
(for example by controlling a television set, set-top
box, and DVD player using only the remote control
of the TV). The default setting for CEC is Enabled. In
some installations, it desirable to have CEC operation
disabled. To disable CEC operation, Press the Enter
button and use the Up or Down button to change the
setting ( Blinking E ) to Disabled. Press the Enter
Vanguard Universal DAC / Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplier
Vanguard Family - Owner's Reference
The Digital Vanguard works in conjunction with the
mconnect Control app for Ethernet streaming and USB
playback. Please download the free mconnect Control
app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Note: The Digital Vanguard supports standard DLNA
products so any DLNA music player app can be used
for music management. However, proprietary control
functions, such as volume control of the Digital Vanguard
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In order to stream audio from the network or USB storage
device, select the digital source labeled NET/USB. The
mconnect Control app will automatically find music
on the local network and the USB input.
How to use Connect:
You’ll need Spotify Premium to use Connect –
see details overleaf.
For Bluetooth use, open the Bluetooth setting on a
mobile device. The Digital Vanguard automatically
outputs a Bluetooth pairing signal. Select “Vanguard”
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Vanguard faceplate, remote, or webserver, select the
digital source labeled Bluetooth. Select the desired
music on the device.
The Digital Vanguard features aptX® Bluetooth technology for the best sound quality possible when using
aptX® equipped mobile devices.
Please check the mobile device’s specifications to
determine whether it is equipped with aptX®
technology.
Note: The volume control of the mobile device is
active during Bluetooth operation but will only raise
the maximum volume to the current volume setting on
the Digital Vanguard. It is recommended to raise the
mobile device’s volume control to maximum and then
use the Digital Vanguard’s volume control for further
adjustments. This will result in the best sound quality.
1. Fire up the Spotify app on your phone, tablet
or PC using the same network as the Digital Vanguard.
2. Play a song on Spotify and hit ‘DEVICES AVAILABLE’.
3. Choose the Vanguard and your music will start playing
out loud.
The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses
found here:
https://developer.spotify.com/esdk-third-party-licenses/
Vanguard Universal DAC / Digital Vanguard Integrated Amplier
Vanguard Family - Owner's Reference
mconnect App
Playing Music
By pressing the Browser button, the list of server
devices on the local network will be displayed. The
entry labeled “Vanguard Server” is the USB input.
All navigation and playback operations are the same
for network servers and the USB input.
mconnect Control nds DLNA/UPnP compatible
devices such as NAS and Windows PCs.
Select Music to Play
Select a server device in the server list.
Sub-categories such as artist, genre, title, song, etc.
are displayed. The category and tree structure may
vary between devices.
Select the desired music from the list. The music will
be played by the playback device selected in the Play
to list. Select Vanguard to play the music through the
Digital Vanguard.
All the music in the selected folder is automatically
listed in the Queue.
This Krell product has a limited warranty of ve years
for parts and labor on circuitry from date of purchase
or six years from date of original shipment from the
Krell factory. Should this product fail to perform at
any time during 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 warranty, expressed or implied, including, but
not limited to, any implied warranty of merchant-
ability or tness 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 inciden-
tal 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 re-
tail 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
specic 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 im-
port the unit, there may be a charge for service,
even if the product is within the warranty period.
Freight 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 return freight to the U.S.A.-based
freight forwarder 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 le claims for damages as
necessary for units damaged in transit to the fac-
tory. You are responsible for ling claims for
shipping damages during the return 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 products returned to
Krell for exchange become the property of Krell.
natural or personal disaster, or unauthorized modica-
tion.
Any unauthorized voltage conversion, disassembly,
component replacement, perforation of chassis, up-
dates, or modications 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 distributor 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 modied in any way without
Krell authorization, all warranties on that product will
be void. The product will be returned to original fac-
tory layout specications at the customer’s expense
before it is repaired. All repairs required after the
product has been returned to original factory speci-
cations will be charged to the customer, at current
To return a product to Krell, please use 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. Print the return authorization number on
the outside of the box next to the Krell address label.
2. Insure and accept all liability for loss or
damage to the product during shipment to the Krell
factory and ensure all freight (shipping) charges are
prepaid.
3. The product may also be hand delivered if
arrangements with the Service Department have been
made in advance. Proof of purchase will be required
for warranty validation at the time of hand delivery.
NOTE: Use the original packaging to ensure the safe
transit of the product to the factory, dealer, or distribu-
tor. Krell may, at its discretion, return a product in
new packaging and bill the owner for such packaging
if the product received by Krell was boxed in nonstandard packaging or if the original packaging was so
damaged that it was unusable. If Krell determines that
new packaging is required, the owner will be notied
before the product is returned.
To purchase additional packaging, please contact your
authorized Krell dealer, distributor, or the Krell Ser-
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO “A” Weighted 112 dB
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD) Un-weighted 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.003%
OUTPUTS ANALOG AUDIO (2) Balanced via XLR Connectors R, L
(2) Single-ended via RCA Connectors R, L
DIGITAL VIDEO (1) HDMI
INPUTSDIGITAL AUDIO (1) EIAJ optical via TosLink connector
(1) Bluetooth
(1) USB-A
(1) Ethernet Streaming
(1) Coaxial via RCA connector
DIGITAL VIDEO (2) HDMI
CONTROL/UPDATE(1) IR Receiver for Remote Control
(1) RC-5 via 1/8” stereo “trs” Receptacle
(1) Ethernet via RJ-45 Connector
(1) 12vdc Remote Trigger Input via 1/8”
Mono Receptacle
(1) 12vdc Remote Trigger Output via 1/8”
Mono Receptacle