EVOLUTION EVOLUTION MONAURAL POWER OWNER’S ONE AMPLIFIER REFERENCE
Evolution One Monaural Power Amplifier Owner’s Reference, v05.0 Krell Industries, Inc. 45 Connair Road Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA TEL 203-799-9954 FAX 203-891-2028 E-MAIL krell@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). WARNINGS The amplifier must be placed on a firm, level surface where it is not exposed to dripping or splashing.
Contents List of Illustrations, page iv A Letter from Dan D’Agostino, page 1 SECTION ONE: About Krell, page 3 The Krell Legacy, Revolutionary Krell CAST Technology, Ensuring Maximum Performance, and Definition of Terms SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement, page 12 Opening the Evolution One Shipping Cartons SECTION THREE: Anatomy of an Amplifier, page 15 Features and Benefits of the Evolution One Design SECTION FOUR: Connecting an Evolution One Amplifier to Your System, page 19 CAST and Voltage Connections,
List of Illustrations Figure 1, page 15 Evolution One Amplifier and Power Supply Chassis Front Panels Inset Evolution One Amplifier Channel: Front Panel View Figure 2, page 16 Evolution One Amplifier and Power Supply Chassis Back Panels Figure 3, page 17 Evolution One Amplifier Chassis Top Figure 4, page 18 Evolution One Power Supply Chassis Top iv
A Letter from Dan D’Agostino Dear Audio Enthusiast, Thank you for your purchase of the Evolution One. The Evolution One Monaural Power Amplifier represents a watershed in my design philosophy and in my quest for amplifiers that deliver absolute truth in music reproduction. This new amplifier operates solely in the current domain, with only one voltage gain stage at its output.
(A Letter from Dan D’Agostino continued) I have some exciting news for you. Work on a new source component for the Evolution Series is ongoing as of this writing. Possessed of the unique Evolution technologies that power the amplifier and preamplifier, this Evolution source will expose the real advantages of the latest recording formats while taking compact disc playback to the next level. I encourage you to audition it as soon as it is released.
SECTION ONE About Krell This section describes the Krell Legacy, innovative Krell amplifier design and technology, and defines key terms used in this reference. The Krell Legacy “I design every Krell component to set the standard for workmanship, style, and performance.” Dan D’Agostino High-end audio is a demanding pursuit—an ongoing quest for excellence in music reproduction that drives equipment manufacturers to strive for the absolute in design and performance.
(SECTION ONE: About Krell continued) From the KSA–100 to the present, Krell C.E.O. Dan D’Agostino has continually “pushed the envelope” of performance in his search for greater amplifier power. His exploration of new technologies, driven by his never-ending quest to elevate the standard of excellence, has resulted in breakthrough audio designs.
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: About Krell continued) (How CAST and Krell Current Mode Interact continued) 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.
Ensuring Maximum Performance “My pursuit of excellence in sound reproduction and my love of great musical performance has led me to the Evolution One Amplifier, and fuels the ongoing Evolution design effort at Krell.” Dan D’Agostino The Krell Evolution One Monaural Power Amplifier, built upon the foundation of huge, regulated power supplies and output stages, is designed to drive any loudspeaker with complete control.
(SECTION ONE: About Krell continued) Impedance Advantage The output impedance of the final gain stages is one hundredth that of the final gain stage in most power amplifiers. This provides extremely wide bandwidth and very high current capability. The amplifier does not employ global negative feedback—the final gain stages use only 8 dB of local, nested negative feedback. This is one fivehundredth the amount used in most solid-state power amplifiers.
Separate Power Supplies Are Quiet and Powerful Housed in a separate chassis, the power supply makes use of extensive electrical and magnetic shielding to keep radiated interference out of critical amplifier circuits. Internal high current line conditioning circuitry filters RF noise on the AC mains, as well as compensating for asymmetric power waveforms and DC on the mains.
(SECTION ONE: About Krell continued) Definition of Terms Following are the definitions of key terms used in your owner’s reference manual. 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.
(Operation continued) Operational Mode When the power/stand-by LEDs (4), the backlight (5), and the power meter scale (6) are illuminated in blue, the amplifier is in the operational mode and ready to play music. 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.
SECTION TWO Unpacking and Placement This section describes the procedures for safely unpacking and placing your Evolution One Monaural Power Amplifier. Each Evolution One amplifier channel is shipped in 2 cartons: a power supply chassis in 1 carton and an amplifier chassis in the other carton. Opening the Amplifier Shipping Carton Each Evolution One shipping carton measures 27.5 in. (69.9 cm) wide by 12 in. (30.5 cm) high by 20.8 in. (52.
3. Simultaneously grasp the pair of cardboard handle cutouts at the front and back of the carton and lift the chassis straight up out of the carton. 2 people needed 4. Place the chassis in a safe location and remove the protective plastic wrapping. 2 people needed 5. Open the remaining 3 cartons of the Evolution One, using steps 1-4 above as a guide. 2 people needed 6. Place the power supply chassis where you intend to use the assembled amplifier channel.
(SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement continued) Placement Before you install an Evolution One amplifier into your system, please follow the guidelines in this section to choose its proper location. This will facilitate a clean, trouble-free installation. Each Evolution One amplifier requires at least two inches (5 cm) of clearance on each side and at least eight inches (20 cm) of clearance above the component to provide adequate ventilation. An Evolution One amplifier channel measures 15.8 in.
SECTION THREE Anatomy of an Amplifier This section describes Evolution One features and benefits.
(SECTION THREE: Anatomy of an Amplifier continued) Figure 2 Evolution One Amplifier and Power Supply Chassis Back Panels 1 BALANCED INPUT CAST INPUT IN IN OUT EVOLUTION ONE KRELL INDUSTRIES, INC. 45 CONNAIR ROAD ORANGE, CT 06477-3650 USA MADE IN USA NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE 15 16 18 19 17 2 50/60 Hz EVOLUTION ONE KRELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Figure 3 Evolution One Amplifier Chassis Top 17 17 Amplifier Binding Posts 22 Amplifier Front 22 17 continued
(SECTION THREE: Anatomy of an Amplifier continued) Figure 4 Evolution One Power Supply Chassis Top 23 24 23 23 Locating Pin 24 Power Connector 25 Power Supply Front 25 18
SECTION FOUR Connecting the Evolution One to Your System This section describes Evolution One amplifier connections and outlines remote control options. Each Evolution One has a CAST 4-pin connector, a balanced input via an XLR connector, a 12 Volt trigger In/Out connection, and an RC-5 input on the back panel. CAST Connections Krell recommends using its proprietary Krell CAST system for unparalleled sonic performance for connections between an Evolution One amplifier and other CAST-equipped components.
(SECTION FOUR: Connections, continued) 3. Connect the Krell CAST cables from your CAST-enabled preamplifier or source component to the left and right Krell CAST 4-pin bayonet inputs (16) on the amplifier (1) back panel. For balanced operation, connect the interconnect cable from your preamplifier to the balanced XLR input (15) on the amplifier back panel. 4. Connect the loudspeaker cables to the amplifier binding posts (17), located on the amplifier back panel.
Remote Control Options The Evolution One amplifier is compatible with the remote controls included with the Krell Evolution Two preamplifier, other Krell preamplifiers or preamplifier/ processors, and it is compatible with the Universal Krell Touch Screen Remote. Please contact your authorized Krell dealer, distributor, or Krell, if you wish to purchase a separate remote control for the Evolution One amplifier.
SECTION FIVE Amplifier Operation Evolution One amplifiers are easy to operate. However, it is important to exercise care during operation due to the enormous power output of each amplifier. Switching between active sources (such as a CD player or a recording device) without muting the preamplifier output, or bumping or miscuing a source can generate large transients at low frequencies. Evolution One amplifiers may generate enough power with these transients to damage loudspeakers.
3. Press the power button (3), located underneath the far left edge of the amplifier chassis front panel. The power/stand-by LEDs (4) on the amplifier and power supply chassis illuminate in blue. The backlight (5) and the meter scale (6) on the amplifier chassis illuminate in blue. You may now switch between CAST and balanced operation. For more information, see Switching between Cast and Balanced Inputs, below. 4. With the preamplifier muted, or the volume control completely lowered, select a source.
(SECTION FIVE: AMPLIFIER OPERATION continued) Adjusting Power Meter Modes The Evolution One amplifier uses microprocessors to monitor RMS output voltage and current signals. This information is output to a custom front panel power meter (6) (7), which displays an accurate power measurement for the selected meter range on the power meter scale (6). The power meter has 4 modes of operation accessed by the meter range button (12): 50 WATT range, 500 WATT range, 5000 WATT range, and OFF.
Amplifier Care An Evolution One amplifier is capable of enormous power output, and it is important to exercise care during system operation. Avoid any action that can generate large transient signals. Always mute the preamplifier output before switching between active sources or cuing an LP. Do not change inputs to the amplifiers while the amplifiers are on. Use care when listening at high volume levels.
SECTION SIX Amplifier Troubleshooting System Protection Each Evolution One amplifier has a built-in DC monitor that continuously monitors the audio signal at the input, as well as other sophisticated protection circuits that monitor other areas of the topology, in order to safeguard the amplifier. This circuitry constantly evaluates the operation of the amplifiers and provides protection against potentially damaging DC input or output and short circuits.
Evolution One amplifiers report operational issues by flashing the power/stand-by LEDs (4) in red, in a specific sequence, or by tripping the rear panel breaker (21), as follows: Diagnostic Codes Possible Condition Course of Action 1 flash, pause, 2 flashes, repeat; then the amplifier reverts to stand-by mode Amplifier is over temperature Allow the amplifier to cool. When the LEDs stop flashing, the amplifier has cooled down.
Warranty Each Evolution Series amplifier has a limited warranty of five years for parts and labor on circuitry. 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. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by acts of God or nature.
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 file claims for damages as necessary for units damaged in transit to the factory. You are responsible for filing claims for shipping damages during the return shipment.
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 203-799-9954, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST FAX 203-799-9796 E-MAIL service@krellonline.
Specifications Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB 0.6 Hz to 220 kHz +0, –3 dB Inputs 1 balanced via XLR connector 1 CAST via 4-pin bayonet connector Signal-to-noise ratio 118 dB, “A”-weighted Outputs 1 pair Krell binding posts Gain 25.8 dB Dimensions Amplifier chassis: 15.8 in. W x 6.2 in. H x 21.5 in. D 40 cm W x 15.8 cm H x 54.7 cm D Total harmonic distortion <0.01% at 1 kHz, at 450 W, 8 Ohms <0.1% at 20 kHz, at 450 W, 8 Ohms Power supply chassis: 15.8 in. W x 6.4 in. H x 20.5 in.
