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Krell KRC-2
Krell-KRC-2-1
 
Krell KRC-2Krell-KRC-2-1
Krell KRC-2Krell-KRC-2-2
Krell KRC-2Krell-KRC-2-3

STATUS - AVAILABLE
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Description :
The Krell KRC-2 offers a mix of balanced and unbalanced facilities, and can be regarded as a remote-controlled successor to Krell's successful KSL preamplifier of a few years back. The KRC-2 is fully balanced internally. All input and output terminals are gold-plated; the phono sockets are high-grade solid machined types with a PTFE dielectric. The KRC-2's single-ended inputs are labelled S-1 to S-4, with one nominated for the auxiliary analog disc input. B-1 and B-2 are the two balanced inputs. For the tape monitor, an additional "S" input may be used as an auxiliary input if no tape system is in use. The tape output is buffered to prevent interaction with the main signal path. The remote preamp controls are replicated in push buttons on the KRC-2's handsome, brushed-alloy fascia. The only rotary control is for volume; buttons cover control of balance in association with two vertical strips of LEDs which indicate the balance setting. The volume control is a smooth, continuously rotating encoder; there are no end stops. A 270 degrees arc of 15 red LEDs indicates signal level, the length of the illuminated arc corresponding to a conventional volume scale. The Krell KRC-2 has no mains power switch. Like many remote-controlled preamplifiers of moderate power consumption, it is left permanently in standby, ready to be energized or otherwise at the touch of a button. The detachable 3-pin cord is grounded, the preamp providing a quiet ground reference for the system.

The Krell KRC-2's circuitry is all discrete, comprising DC-coupled complementary amplifiers with a complementary differential-FET input stage and a powerful class-A output stage. It also comes with heavy-duty power supplies with cascaded regulators. The volume control ostensibly uses an R/2R ladder with individual resistors selected by solid-state switches, in this case FETs in full conduction mode. These FET switches are contained in standard IC DIP arrays. This topology has allowed Krell to realize the volume control in a fully balanced form. Manually rotating the volume knob operates an optical encoder, both its and the handset's control signals being fed to a digital register. The output codes switch the FETs on and off, giving level resolution equivalent to that of a 14-bit analog multiplier. This gives the potential of controlling gain in 160 steps. At high settings of the volume control, the steps are finely graded at 0.3dB. Conventional preamplifiers feed line-level input signals direct to a volume potentiometer with a more or less infinite dynamic range. The FET switches used in the Krell KRC-2 volume control have a finite dynamic range, however. All other switching is done by means of selected electro-mechanical relays, their chosen state stored electronically. Using relays allows the switches to be placed ideally at the input position, which can improve circuit-board tracking and beneficially shorten signal paths.

Sonically, the Krell KRC-2 has this filtering effect in the upper midrange and lower treble. It loses texture, breath, nuance, and timbre. The frequency in which the KRC-2 shines is in that critical upper bass/lower midrange transition where it sounds turbo-charged. This is also where kick drum, bass, and synth lines often meet. Assuming the sources are capable, the KRC-2 does not lose sight of bass players' fingers on the strings. The KRC-2 does not muddle, soften, or blunt the snap of drums. The KRC-2 does not lessen the quantity of upper bass, but it will help firm things up. It also excels in the guitar recordings where it reproduces them with vigor. The preamplifier is adept in handling signal sources and amplifier loads in balanced or unbalanced formats. An aspect which KRC-2 falls short in lies in its line-input overload margin. At a nominal CD-player output level of 2V, the KRC-2 reaches a threshold, with increased limiting and low harmonic-order distortion becoming apparent above this level. To get the very best from a KRC-2, do not go above a 5V input signal level. A simple line attenuator can be used for sources offering higher maximum signal levels. Overall, the Krell KRC-2 is found to be a well-balanced performer: neutral, reliable, satisfying, and capable of inspiring confidence.

Specifications :
Frequency Response........................20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.02dB
                               ........................0.2Hz to 400kHz, +0.0, -3dB
Signal-to-Noise.................................<-95dB unweighted
Total Harmonic Distortion..................<0.002%, 20Hz to 20kHz
Functions........................................Source selection; Tape monitor; High/Low gain
              .........................................Absolute phase; Balance; Level control
Inputs..............................................2 x balanced (can be used single-ended)
         ..............................................4 x single-ended
         ..............................................1 x tape return
Outputs...........................................1 x balanced main output (can be used single-ended)
           ............................................1 x single-ended main output
           ............................................1 x buffered tape output
Other Rear Panel Connections...........1 x DC output for KPE external phono section
                                            ...........2 x remote send/receive connectors for multi-room systems
                                            ...........1 x multi-pin connector for control of an external
                                            ...........audio/video switching system
Dimensions(w x d x h).......................48.5 x 37.5 x 7 cm
Weight.............................................6 kg

Miscellaneous :
XLR Input.........................................Yes
XLR Output......................................Yes
Remote...........................................Yes
Made In...........................................USA
Condition.........................................9/10

Product Information :
http://www.krellonline.com/ (Manufacturer's Website)
http://www.krellonline.com/assets/support/KRC2_MAN.pdf (Manual)
http://hansvt.home.xs4all.nl/pdf/brochures/krc2.pdf (Brochure)

Reviews :
http://www.stereophile.com/solidpreamps/694krc2/
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/amp/messages/14/141215.html
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/preamplifiers/krell/krc/prd_118294_1591crx.aspx

 

 
 
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