Krell Industries 222 User Manual

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Krell Industries 222 User Manual

EVOLUTION

E V O L U T I O N 2 2 2

S T E R E O P R E A M P L I F I E R

OWNER’S REFERENCE

THE LEADER IN AUDIO ENGINEERING

Evolution 222 Stereo Preamplifier

Owner’s Reference, v06.0

 

TEL 203-298-4000

Krell Industries, Inc.

FAX 203-891-2028

45 Connair Road

E-MAIL sales@krellonline.com

Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA

WEBSITE http://www.krellonline.com

 

 

 

Go to website

 

 

 

 

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 apparatus (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 Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 preamplifier and the space underneath the Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 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 EVOLUTION 222 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, Inc., and is restricted for use by Krell Industries, Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents. Evolution Bias™ is a trademark of Krell Industries, Inc. and is a Krell technology based on U.S. Patent No. 5,331,291. CAN Link™, CAST™, Evolution CAST™, and Krell Current Mode™ are trademarks of Krell Industries, Inc. All other trademarks are registered to their respective companies.

© 2006 by Krell Industries, Inc. All rights reserved

P/N 309158-W

 

 

Contents

List of Illustrations, page 4

A Letter from Dan D’Agostino, page 5

SECTION ONE: Evolution 222 Features and Technology, page 6

Features, Revolutionary Krell CAST Technology,

Definition of Terms

SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement, page 11

Opening the Evolution 222 Shipping Carton

SECTION THREE: Quick Start, page 13

Connecting the Evolution 222 to Your System,

Operating the Evolution 222

SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of the Evolution 222, page 15

Front Panel Description, Remote Control Description,

Battery Installation, and Back Panel Description

SECTION FIVE: Connecting the Evolution 222 to Your System, page 26

Input and Output Connections, Connection Steps

SECTION SIX: Evolution 222 Operation, page 28

On/Off and Stand-by Operation

SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Evolution 222, page 29

Navigation Conventions, Menu Functions

SECTION EIGHT: Troubleshooting System Noise, page 43

WARRANTY, page 44

RETURN AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURE, page 46

SPECIFICATIONS, page 47

3

List of Illustrations

Figure 1, page 15

Evolution 222 Preamplifier Front Panel

Figure 2, page 19

Evolution 222 Remote Control

Figure 3, page 22

Evolution 222 Preamplifier Back Panel

4

A Letter from Dan D’Agostino

Dear Audio Enthusiast,

Thank you for your purchase of the Krell Evolution 222 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, I take preamplifier design very seriously. I realize that, no matter how impressive an amplifier’s performance; it can be no better than that of the preamplifier driving it.

My new Evolution 222 preamplifier employs balanced Krell Current Mode gain stages from input to output, and Current Audio Signal Transmission (CAST) receivers and transmitters. Utilizing these powerful technologies, the Evolution 222 conveys the complete range of timbre and dynamics that comprise the foundation musical performance. Typical of my latest preamplifier designs, the Evolution 222 preamplifier includes a thoughtful suite of menu options, and can be customized for the greatest ease of operation.

I hope that you enjoy your new Evolution 222 preamplifier.

Sincerely,

Daniel D’Agostino

Chief Executive Officer

5

SECTION ONE

Evolution 222 Features and Technology

This section describes the innovative features and technology of the Evolution 222 preamplifier, and defines CAST and other key terms used in this reference.

Features

The Evolution 222 has an open loop bandwidth that exceeds 1 MHz and a balanced Krell Current Mode design, terminating in Evolution CAST ™. CAST inputs and outputs drive a newly designed current mode balanced input stage. Class A, balanced circuitry is used throughout the preamplifier. Cascoded, current mirror input and output stages utilize an LED voltage reference to achieve an exceptionally linear state of operation. There are 310 transistors utilized in each channel, and all are Class A biased. A robust power supply is on board for exceptional audio performance.

6

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.

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,

continued

7

(SECTION ONE: Evolution 222 Features and Technology continued)

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.

Evolution CAST

By employing radical current mirror circuitry, the Evolution 222 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.

8

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 LED is not illuminated, the preamplifier is off.

Stand-by

A low-power-consumption status that keeps the audio and regulator circuits at idle. The stand-by/power LED is illuminated in red, when the preamplifier is in stand-by mode. Krell recommends leaving the preamplifier in stand-by mode when it is not playing music.

Operation

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

continued

9

(SECTION ONE: Definition of Terms 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.

10

SECTIONTWO

Unpacking and Placement

This section describes the procedures for safely unpacking and placing your Evolution 222 preamplifier. The Evolution 222 preamplifier and accessories are shipped in 1 carton.

Opening the Evolution 222 Shipping Carton

The Evolution 222 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 22 lbs. (10 kg).

To Remove the Preamplifier from the Shipping Carton

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

1Preamplifier chassis

1IEC Connector (AC Power) cord

1Remote control

2AAA-size 1.5 Volt batteries for the remote

1T-10 Torx wrench for the remote control

1Owner’s Reference

2.Carefully remove the preamplifier and accessories from the box.

3.Place the preamplifier in a safe location, and remove the protective plastic wrapping.

continued

11

(SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement continued)

Placement

Before you install an Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 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.

12

SECTION THREE

Quick Start

To access the full array of available functions for the Evolution 222, please read this entire owner’s reference manual. The abbreviated routine in this Quick Start section will allow you to connect and operate the Evolution 222 quickly and enjoy its basic functions.

The front and rear panels are shown in the diagrams on pages 15 and 22. Each button or feature is labeled with a callout number, and these numbers are shown in parentheses 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 Evolution 222 to Your System

Position the preamplifier where you intend to use it in your system. Do not move the chassis after it is connected.

1.Neatly arrange and organize wiring to and from the preamplifier and all components. Separate the AC wires from any audio cables to prevent hum or other unwanted noise from being introduced into the system.

2.Connect the outputs of your source equipment to the appropriate CAST (18), balanced (15), single-ended (16), or tape inputs (17) on the Evolution 222.

3.Connect the main outputs (20) on the Evolution 222 to your amplifier’s inputs.

4.Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC power cord receptacle (26) of the preamplifier.

5.Plug the other end of the AC power cord into AC power. The display (3) scrolls through EVOLUTION 222 SOFTWARE VERSION, and the stand-by/power LED (7) illuminates red, indicating that the Evolution 222 is in stand-by mode. When the scrolling stops, the Evolution 222 is ready to be powered on.

Note

Use only the power cord provided 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.

continued

13

(SECTION THREE: Quick Start)

Operating the Evolution 222

After the Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 in the stand-by mode when it is not playing music.

14

SECTION FOUR

Anatomy of the Evolution 222

This section describes the Evolution 222 Preamplifier functions.

Figure 1 Evolution 222 Front Panel

Power

1

Power Button

 

7

Stand-by/Power LED

Remote

2

Infrared Emitter

Functions

4

Infrared Sensor

Display

3

Front Panel Display

Navigate/

5

Menu Button

Customize

6

Enter Button

Input

8

Single-ended Input

Selectors

 

Selection Buttons

 

9

Balanced Input

 

 

Selection Buttons

 

10

CAST Input Selection Buttons

 

11

Tape Button and LED

Mute

12

Mute Button and LED

Phase

13

Phase Button and LED

Level

14

Level Control Knob

continued

15

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