EVOLUTION EVOLUTION STEREO 222 PREAMPLIFIER 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 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 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
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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 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.
(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.
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.
(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.
SECTION FOUR Anatomy of the Evolution 222 This section describes the Evolution 222 Preamplifier functions.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Evolution 222 continued) Front Panel Description See Figure 1 on the previous page The Evolution 222 preamplifier 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 1 Power Button or Key Use this button or key to switch the Evolution 222 between the stand-by and operational modes.
Display 3 Front Panel Display The front panel display provides preamplifier channel status messages, including input status, tape output status, volume level, balance offset, and menu selections. Navigate/Customize 5 Menu Button or Key Use this button or key to access the menu functions of the Evolution 222. For more information, see Customizing the Evolution 222, on page 29. 6 Enter Button or Key Use this button or key to configure the menu functions of the Evolution 222.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Evolution 222 continued) Level Control 14 Level Control Knob or Level Keys Use this knob or keys to increase or decrease system volume level or, with the balance key (C), to adjust balance. The level control knob or keys also select menu options that customize the Evolution 222. See Customizing the Evolution 222, on page 29.
Figure 2 Evolution 222 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 19 continued
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Evolution 222 continued) Remote Control Description See Figure 2 on the previous page The Evolution 222 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.
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. D Transport Keys: Pause Key Use this key to temporarily suspend playing the current compact disc track. Press pause again or press the play key, to resume playing the track at the point when pause was engaged. Play Key Use this key to begin compact disc playback. Stop Key Use this key to end compact disc playback.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Evolution 222 continued) Figure 3 Evolution 222 Back Panel Inputs Outputs Configurations Remote Phono Power 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 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 CAN Link In/Out RS-232 Port RC-5 In 12 VDC In/Out Phono Power Port IEC Power Cord Receptacle 22
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 Evolution 222 continued) Remote Connections on the Back Panel 22 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 Evolution 222 developer's reference, entitled RS-232 Port: Sending Commands and Interpreting Data, for more information.
Phono Stage Connector 25 Phono Power Port This port is used for connecting the preamplifier to a Krell KPE phono stage. Power 26 IEC Power Cord Receptacle The IEC power connector is for use with the provided IEC standard 15 amp AC power cord.
SECTION FIVE Connecting the Evolution 222 to Your System This section describes Evolution 222 preamplifier connections. Input and Output Connections Krell recommends using its proprietary Krell CAST system for unparalleled sonic performance for connections between the Evolution 222 preamplifier and other CAST-equipped components. Krell CAST uses flexible interconnecting cables that can be drawn through tight spaces and concealed. The Evolution 222 also offers balanced operation.
Connection Steps Position the preamplifier where you intend to use it in your system. The following steps describe how to connect an Evolution 222 preamplifier to your system: 1. Neatly arrange and organize wiring to and from the Evolution 222 preamplifier and all components. Separate AC wires from audio cables to prevent hum or other unwanted noise from being introduced into the system. 2.
SECTION SIX Evolution 222 Operation The Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 The Evolution 222 preamplifier easy-to-use menu allows you to configure the following functions.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Evolution 222 continued) Menu Functions AC Mains This function enables you to operate the Evolution 222 from a switched AC outlet. If AC Mains is set to ON, the preamplifier turns on immediately, by-passing standby. 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 Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 continued) (Input Trigger continued) OFF The Evolution 222 does not respond to 12 V input trigger commands. NORMAL The Evolution 222 responds to 12 V input trigger commands. THEATER The Evolution 222 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 Evolution 222 IR commands and program a learning remote control.
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 Evolution 222 continued) Output Trigger This function enables you to turn the two 12 Volt output triggers (24) 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.
RC-5 Control This function enables you to change the link transmit status of the Evolution 222. 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 Evolution 222 continued) RS-232 Control This function enables you to change the link transmit status of the Evolution 222. 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: RS-232 CONTROL. 2. Press the enter button on the preamplifier 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 Evolution 222 for home theater applications. Configuring an input for theater mode sets that input for unity gain, and suspends the level control of the Evolution 222. Volume adjustments are then made through the preamp/processor connected to the input configured for theater mode on the Evolution 222. The options are: ON, OFF.
(SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Evolution 222 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.
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 Evolution 222 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 off, remove the interconnect cables, then turn the preamplifier on.
Warranty Krell products have a limited warranty. Amplifiers, preamplifiers, preamp/processors, and receivers carry a limited warranty of five years for parts and labor on circuitry. Loudspeakers carry a limited warranty of five years for parts and labor. CD and DVD players carry a limited warranty of five years for parts and labor on circuitry, and three years for parts and labor on mechanical parts.
If the product is serviced by a distributor who did not import 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.
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 Tape outputs 1 pr. single-ended via RCA connector, buffered Control inputs 1 RS-232 input via a 9-pin D-subminiature connector 1 remote IR detector input via a 3-conductor 3.
EVOLUTION STEREO 222 PREAMPLIFIER OWNER’S REFERENCE V06.0 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 .
