PHANTOM PHANTOM STEREO PREAMPLIFIER OWNER’S REFERENCE THE LEADER IN AUDIO ENGINEERING
Phantom Stereo Preamplifier Owner’s Reference, v1.0 Krell Industries, LLC. 45 Connair Road Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA TEL 203-298-4000 FAX 203-891-2028 E-MAIL sales@krellonline.com WEBSITE http://www.krellonline.com 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.
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 P
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 4
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.
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.
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%.
(SECTION ONE: Phantom Features and Technology 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.
(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.
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.
(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.
TWO SECTION 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.
(SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement 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.
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.
(SECTION THREE: Quick Start) 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.
SECTION FOUR Anatomy of the Phantom This section describes the Phantom Preamplifier functions.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued) 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.
Preamplifier Functions 8, 9, 10 Input Select Buttons or Keys Use these buttons to select the corresponding rear panel input that is connected to a CAST (C-1, C-2), balanced (B-1, B-2), or single-ended (S-1, S-2, S-3) analog source. The front panel display shows the selected input and volume level. 11 Tape Button and LED, or Key Use this button or key to select the tape input that is connected to an analog tape source. The red tape LED illuminates when the tape input is selected.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued) 3 Using the reference channel/channel combination SPL figure, raise or lower remaining channels/channel combinations to match the reference channel/channel combinaion SPL. The range of adjustments is +/- 12dB for each channel/channel combination. 4. To exit pink noise generator mode, press and hold Mute button (12) on front panel until PINK NOISE GENERATOR disappears from front panel display (3) and the mute button LED stops blinking.
Figure 2 Phantom Remote Control Power Navigate/ Customize Input Selectors 1 5 6 8 9 10 Mute Phase Level Amplifier Functions Balance CD and DVD Functions 11 12 13 14 A B C D E F G H I J Power Key Menu Key Enter Key Single-ended Input Selection Keys Balanced Input Selection Keys CAST Input Selection Keys Tape Selection Key Mute Key Phase Key Level Keys Amp Pwr Key Amp Sel Key Bal(ance) Keys Transport Keys Menu Key Direction Keys Select Key CD Key DVD Key Title Key 20 continued
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued) Remote Control Description See Figure 2 on the previous page The Phantom remote provides the same power, preamplifier, level control, and navigate/customize functions as the preamplifier’s front panel. In addition, the remote has CD and DVD functions, and menu configuration functions. Keys Labled 1 to 14 These remote keys have the same function (and callout number) as the corresponding front panel controls described in the preceding pages.
Balance Functions C Bal(ance) Keys Use these with the level keys (14) to adjust the left and right channel balance. Compact Disc and DVD Functions The compact disc and DVD dual-purpose keys of the remote control are functional with all Krell compact disc and DVD players. H CD Key Use this to activate CD functions. I DVD Key Use this to activate DVD functions. D Transport Keys: Pause Key Use this key to temporarily suspend playing the current compact disc track.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued) Figure 3 Phantom Preamplifier and Power Supply Back Panels Inputs Outputs 15 16 17 18 19 20 Balanced Inputs: B-1, B-2 Single-ended Inputs: S-1, S-2, S-3 Tape Input CAST Inputs: C-1, C-2 Tape Output Main Outputs: Single-ended Main Output Balanced Main Output CAST Outputs 21 Subwoofer Output - Note: Subwoofer outputs are only operational when the optional crossover board is installed Configurations Remote Power Phono 22 CAN Link In/Out 23 RS-232 Port 24
Back Panel Description See Figure 3 on the previous page The preamplifier back panel provides all input and output connections, remote control inputs and outputs, and the power connection. Back panel features and their descriptions follow. Inputs 15 Balanced Inputs: B-1, B-2 These are balanced analog source inputs with XLR connectors. 16 Single-ended Inputs: S-1, S-2, S-3 These are single-ended analog source inputs with RCA connectors.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued) Remote Connections on the Back Panel 23 RS-232 The RS-232 port receives messages from a computer-based control system, providing integrated control of all preamplifier functions. The RS-232 input uses a 9-pin D-subminiature connector. See the Phantom developer's reference for more information. 24 RC-5 In The RC-5 remote connector is used with a third party remote control system that provides RC-5 (IR) data with the carrier intact, via a wired connection.
Phono Stage Connector 29 Phono Power Port This port is used for connecting the preamplifier to a Krell KPE phono stage. Power 25 DC Power Connector This is used to connect the preamplifier chassis and the power supply chassis, using the provided 12-pin DC power cable. 27 Analog and Digital Power Supply Fuses Always unplug the power cord before inspecting these fuses. Always replace the fuses with the exact style and rating.
SECTION FIVE Connecting the Phantom to Your System This section describes Phantom Preamplifier connections. Input and Output Connections Krell recommends using its proprietary Krell CAST system for unparalleled sonic performance for connections between the Phantom preamplifier and other CASTequipped components. Krell CAST uses flexible interconnecting cables that can be drawn through tight spaces and concealed. The Phantom also offers balanced operation.
Connection Steps Position the power supply and preamplifier where you intend to use them in your system. Do not move the connected chassis after they are assembled. The following steps describe how to connect an Phantom preamplifier to your system: 1. Connect the power supply chassis and preamplifier chassis with the 12-pin DC cable provided, using the DC power connectors (24) on the back panels. 2. Neatly arrange and organize wiring to and from the Phantom preamplifier and all components.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued) Figure 4 Connection Diagram 28
SECTION SIX Phantom Operation The Phantom Preamplifier is easy to operate. Instructions follow for on/off and stand-by operation. IMPORTANT Always mute or fully attenuate the preamplifier level when switching sources. Do not change input connections to the amplifier when the amplifier is on. Use care when setting high playback levels. Always lower the volume level at the first sign of loudspeaker distress. On/Off and Stand-by Operation When powering on any system, turn on amplifiers last.
SECTION SEVEN Customizing the Phantom The Phantom Preamplifier easy-to-use menu allows you to configure the following functions.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) Menu Functions AC Mains This function enables you to operate the Phantom from a switched AC outlet. If AC Mains is set to ON, the preamplifier turns on immediately, by-passing stand-by. Thereafter, you may switch the preamplifier to and from stand-by, using the power button or pwr key (1). The options are: OFF, ON. Enter the menu, then: 1.
Balance (channel) This function enables you to adjust the balance between the left and right output channels. The options are: CENTER, L .5-5 dB <, R .5-5 dB >. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: BALANCE. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) shows the default mode: CENTER. 3.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) Display This function enables you to turn on the front panel display (3) all the time, or turn it off after a time out. The options are: ON, TIMED. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or the up and down keys on the remote control (14) to select: DISPLAY. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) reads: MODE. 3.
Info This function enables you to access information about the preamplifier software, EEPROM, and PC Boards. The PC Boards are listed in the left margin, on this page. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: INFO. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) shows the software version number. 3.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) Input Level Trim This function enables you to select an input offset for a particular input. The options are: +/-6 dB, in 1 dB increments. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or the up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: INPUT LEVEL TRIM. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control.
Input Phase This function enables you to invert the absolute polarity of the selected input 180 degrees. The selections are: NORMAL, INVERT. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or the up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: INPUT PHASE. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) shows the default mode: B-1. 3.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) (Input Trigger continued) OFF The Phantom does not respond to 12 V input trigger commands. NORMAL The Phantom responds to 12 V input trigger commands. THEATER The Phantom responds to 12 V input trigger commands, and the theater mode enabled input is selected automatically. See Theater Mode, on page 41. IR Out Control This function enables you to access Phantom IR commands and program a learning remote control. Enter the menu, then: 1.
Link Control (CAN Link) This function enables you to link and unlink CAN Link-enabled Krell products. The options are: LINKED, UNLINKED. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or the up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: LINK CONTROL. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) shows the default mode: LINKED. 3.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) Output Trigger This function enables you to turn the two 12 Volt output triggers (25) on or off, or configure them with independent delays of up to 20 seconds. The options are: ON, OFF, DELAY. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: OUTPUT TRIGGER. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control.
RC-5 Control This function enables you to change the link transmit status of the Phantom. The options are: LINK TRANSMIT, LINK RECEIVE. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: RC-5 CONTROL. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) shows the default mode: LINK TRANSMIT. 3.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) RS-232 Control This function enables you to change the link transmit status of the Phantom. The options are LINK TRANSMIT, LINK RECEIVE. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier channel front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: RS-232 CONTROL. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier channel front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control.
Theater Mode This function enables you to select theater mode volume for a particular input. Use this function when connecting the output of a preamp/processor to the Phantom for home theater applications. Configuring an input for theater mode sets that input for unity gain and suspends the level control of the Phantom. Volume adjustments are then made through the preamp/processor connected to the input configured for theater mode on the Phantom. The options are: ON, OFF. Enter the menu, then: 1.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) Volume Display This function enables you to select the numeric mode for the volume display, displaying values from softest to loudest: 0 to 151. Alternatively, you can select the dB mode for the volume display, displaying values from softest to loudest: -inf to +12 dB. The options are: NUMERIC, dB. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: VOLUME DISPLAY.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) 8. Press the enter button or key to confirm the selection. The front panels display (3) shows: BACK. 9. Press the enter button or key to go back to the main menu. 10. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or the up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select LOW PASS FILTER and repeat steps 2-9 for Low Pass. Subwoofer Level Trim This function sets the subwoofer output level relative to the main output level.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) Stereo/Mono 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: STEREO/MONO. 2. Press the enter button or key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) shows the default mode: STEREO. 3. Use the level control knob or the up and down keys to select the desired option: STEREO or MONO L+R. 4. Press the enter button or key to conirm the selection.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) Infrasonic Filter 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: INFRASONIC FILTER. 2. Press the enter button or key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) shows the default mode: OFF. 3. Use the level control knob or the up and down keys to select the desired mode: ON or OFF. 4. Press the enter button or key to conirm the selection.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom continued) Tape This function enables you to configure the tape input as a standard input labeled S-4. The options are: TAPE, S-4. Enter the menu, then: 1. Use the level control knob on the preamplifier front panel or up and down keys (14) on the remote control to select: TAPE. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier front panel or the enter key (6) on the remote control. The front panel display (3) shows the default mode: TAPE. 3.
SECTION EIGHT Troubleshooting System Noise When you mix and match high-performance audio components, each with its own ground potential, a low frequency hum may occur in one or both loudspeakers. If this happens when you place the Phantom preamplifier into your system, follow these simple troubleshooting steps. 1. Check that all input and output connections are of sound construction. 2. With the preamplifier channel off, remove the interconnect cables, then turn the preamplifier channel on.
Warranty Krell products have a limited warranty. Amplifiers, preamplifiers, preamps/processors, and receivers carry a limited warranty of five years from date of purchase or six years from date of manufacture for parts and labor circuitry. Loudspeakers carry a limited warranty of five years from date of purchase or six years from date of manufacture for parts ans labor.
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 product from the freight forwarder to you are also your responsibility.
Return Authorization Procedure If you believe there is a problem with your component, please contact your dealer, distributor, or the Krell factory to discuss the problem before you return the component for repair. To expedite service, you may wish to complete and e-mail the Service Request Form in the Service Section of our website at: http://www.krellonline.com To contact the Krell Service Department TEL 203-298-4020, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST FAX 203-795-2287 E-MAIL service@krellonline.
Specifications Inputs 2 pr. CAST via 4-pin bayonet connectors 2 pr. balanced via XLR connectors 3 pr. single-ended via RCA connectors Tape input 1 pr. single-ended via RCA connector Main outputs 2 pr. CAST via 4-pin bayonet connectors 1 pr. balanced via XLR connector 1 pr. single-ended via RCA connector Subwoofer outputs 1 pr. balanced via XLR connector 1 pr.
Phantom STEREO PREAMPLIFIER OWNER’S REFERENCE V1.0 KRELL 45 INDUSTRIES, CONNAIR ORANGE, TEL: CT 203-298-4000 E-MAIL: INC. ROAD 06477-3650 • FA X : USA 203-891-2028 sales@krellonline.com h t t p : / / w w w. k r e l l o n l i n e .
