FBI Fully Balanced Integrated Amplifier Instructions for Use Owner’s Reference
FBI Fully Balanced Integrated Amplifier Instructions for Use v 06.0 CONTACT INFORMATION Krell Industries, Inc. 45 Connair Road Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA TEL 203-298-4000 FAX 203-891-2028 E-MAIL krell@krellonline.com WEBSITE http://www.krellonline.com IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This product complies with the EMC directive (89/336/EEC) and the low-voltage directive (73/23/EEC). 1. Read Instructions. 2. Keep these Instructions. 3. Heed all Warnings. 4. Follow all Instructions. 5.
Contents Page INTRODUCTION 5 REVOLUTIONARY KRELL CAST TECHNOLOGY 6 DEFINITION OF TERMS 8 UNPACKING 10 PLACEMENT AC Power Guidelines 11 FRONT PANEL / REMOTE CONTROL DESCRIPTION 13 REMOTE CONTROL ONLY Battery Installation and Removal Remote Control Only Functions 15 BACK PANEL DESCRIPTION 18 CONNECTING THE FBI TO YOUR SYSTEM Connection Steps 20 OPERATING YOUR FBI Amplifier Operation Tape Input and Output 21 OPTIONAL CONFIGURATIONS Configuring the FBI for Theater Throughput Preamplifier Out
Illustrations Page 4 FIGURE 1 The FBI Front Panel 12 FIGURE 2 The FBI Remote Control 12 FIGURE 3 The FBI Back Panel 17 Krell FBI
Introduction Thank you for your purchase of the Krell FBI Remote Control Integrated Amplifier. This fully integrated amplifier and preamplifier has a fully balanced signal path from input to output and employs a wide bandwidth design with low negative feedback for sonic accuracy throughout the frequency spectrum. All circuits, including the amplifier output stage, operate in pure Class A mode.
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.
Revolutionary Krell CAST Technology, continued 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 Following are the definitions of key terms used in your owner’s reference manual. CONFIGURATIONS Theater Throughput Theater Throughput is a Krell configuration option that allows the signal from a surround preamp/processor to pass through a Krell preamplifier or integrated amplifier input at unity gain and suspends operation of the preamp volume control. When Theater Throughput is employed, control of the volume is accomplished through the home theater processor.
Definition of Terms, continued OPERATION Off The component is off when the AC power cord is unplugged from the wall receptacle. Stand-by Mode A low power consumption status that keeps the audio circuits at idle. When you plug the AC power cord into the wall receptacle, and turn on the rear panel breaker switch, the red stand-by LED illuminates. The component is now ready to be switched to the operational mode. Krell recommends leaving the component in the stand-by mode when it is not playing music.
Unpacking Two people are needed to remove the Fully Balanced Integrated amplifier from its shipping box safely and easily. 1. Open the shipping carton and remove the top layer of foam. The carton contains : 1 Fully Balanced Integrated Amplifier 1 AC power cord 1 12 VDC (12 V trigger) cable 1 T-10 Torx wrench 1 FBI remote control 2 AAA 1.5 V batteries 1 Packet containing the Quick Setup Guide and the warranty registration card 2.
Placement Before you install the FBI into your system, please review the following guidelines to choose the proper location for the FBI. This will facilitate a clean, trouble-free installation. The FBI does not require any type of special rack or cabinet for installation. For the dimensions of the FBI, see Specifications, on the back cover. Place the FBI on a firm, level surface, away from excessive heat, humidity, or moisture.
Figure 1 The FBI Front Panel 13 Power 1 2 3 4 Power Button or Key Power Indicator Stand-by LED Infrared Sensor Analog Devices 5 C-1 Button, Key and LED 6 B-1 Button, Key and LED 7 S-1, S-2, S-3, and B-1, Buttons, Keys and LEDs 8 Tape Button or Key 9 Tape LED 4 12 Figure 2 The FBI Remote Control Note The numbered remote control keys function with the FBI. The CD player keys on this remote control activate some Krell source components.
Front Panel/Remote Control Description See Figures 1 and 2 on page 12 Power, analog input selections, and volume control accessed via the FBI front panel buttons or remote control keys are described below. The front panel display shows volume and balance levels, and Theater Throughput status. Most front panel functions also are activated via the keys on the remote.
Front Panel Description, continued 8 Tape Button or Key Use this button or key to playback pre-recorded tapes and compare the output signal of an analog tape recorder to an audio source. See Tape Input and Output, on page 22. 9 Tape LED The red tape monitor LED illuminates when the tape monitor is activated. The LED does not illuminate when an audio source is activated. MODE INDICATORS 10 Mute Button or Key Use this button or key to interrupt the signal of the input you have selected.
Remote Control Only See Figure 2 on page 12 Battery Installation and Removal The remote control uses 2 AAA-size 1.5 Volt batteries. Batteries are included with the shipment. To install the batteries: 1. Remove the remote control backplate, using the supplied T-10 Torx wrench. 2. Install the batteries, following the battery position diagram on the plastic battery receptacle. 3. Replace and secure the backplate. Notes Replace batteries when remote control function becomes intermittent.
Remote Control Functions, continued Remote Control Only Functions The FBI remote control accesses complete power amplifier and preamplifier functions. The volume adjustment function is unique to the FBI remote control. VOLUME ADJUSTMENT FUNCTION 14 Bal (Balance) Keys Use these keys to shift the balance to the left or the right channel. Balance level is indicated in the front panel display (13). To display balance, push any key on the remote.
Figure 3 The FBI Back Panel Amplifier Channel Outputs 15 Left and Right Loudspeaker Outputs Analog Inputs 16 Left and Right CAST Inputs 17 18 19 Left and Right Balanced Analog Inputs Left and Right Singleended Analog Inputs Left and Right Tape Inputs Remote Back Panel Connections 22 RC-5 In 23 12 VDC In/Out (12 V Trigger) Power 24 Back Panel Power Breaker Switch 25 IEC Connector Convenient Lifting Device 26 Handles Analog Outputs 20 Left and Right Tape Outputs 21 Left and Right Preamplifier Outputs Kre
Back Panel Description See Figure 3 on page 17 The FBI back panel provides connections for all inputs and outputs, power on/off, and additional remote connections. AMPLIFIER CHANNEL OUTPUTS 15 Left and Right Loudspeaker Outputs Two pairs of loudspeaker binding posts are available for each channel of amplification, facilitating a power-bi-wire connection to the loudspeaker. Each pair of binding posts is connected internally via copper buss bars.
REMOTE CONNECTIONS 22 RC-5 In The FBI is equipped with an RC-5 input that makes custom installation easy and secure by accepting baseband RC-5 input commands from hardwired remote controllers. 23 12 VDC In/Out (12 V Trigger) The FBI has one output that sends, and one input that receives 12 VDC power on/off (12 V trigger) signals to and from other Krell components, and other devices that incorporate a 12 V trigger. This allows you to turn other components on or off, or to and from stand-by.
Connecting the FBI to Your System USING BALANCED CONNECTIONS Krell recommends using balanced interconnect cables. Balanced interconnect cables not only can minimize sonic loss but are also immune to induced noise, especially with installations using long cables. Balanced connections have 6 dB more gain than singleended connections. When level matching is critical, keep this gain value in mind. Connection Steps Follow these steps to connect the FBI to your system. 1.
Operating Your FBI This section provides information about operating the Fully Balanced Integrated amplifier. The FBI provides basic input selection and volume control operation from the front panel. The remote control includes additional preamplifier and volume functions as well as compact disc transport and amplifier controls. See Remote Control Functions, on page 16, for more information. Amplifier Operation Note The FBI is easy to operate.
Operating Your FBI, continued ON/OFF AND STAND-BY OPERATION, continued 5. Set the volume to a comfortable listening level using the level knob on the front panel or the level keys on the remote control (12). 6. To turn the FBI off, press the power button on the front panel or the power key on the remote control (1). The red stand-by LED (3) illuminates, and the FBI is in the stand-by mode. It is now safe to turn off the rest of the system.
Optional Configurations Configuring the FBI for Theater Throughput To simplify the integration of an audio/video surround sound processor into your system, set any input on the FBI (C-1, B-1,S-1, S-2, or S-3) to operate as a unity gain stage. Krell calls this configuration Theater Throughput. HOW TO ACTIVATE AN INPUT FOR THEATER THROUGHPUT 1. Turn on the FBI power.
Optional Configurations, continued Preamplifier Outputs The FBI is equipped with a pair of single-ended preamplifier outputs (19). These outputs enable the FBI to be used as a preamplifier when it is connected to a separate amplifier. Note The amplifier channel outputs are always active, even when the FBI is being used only as a preamplifier.
How to Troubleshoot System Noise AC grounding becomes critical when connecting high performance audio components. When you mix and match audio components, each with its own ground potential, a low frequency hum may occur in one or both loudspeakers. This sometimes occurs when introducing a new component into a system. If a low frequency hum emanates from the loudspeakers when you place the FBI amplifier into the system, follow these simple troubleshooting steps: 1.
Questions and Answers Q. Should I leave my FBI on at all times? A. Krell recommends leaving the amplifier in the stand-by mode, ready to play music. If you are not going to play music for a long time, you may disconnect the amplifier from AC power supply. Q. When I turn on the amplifier there is a loud hum through the loudspeakers. What should I do? A. When a new component is introduced into a system, a low frequency hum may occur in one or both loudspeakers.
Warranty To register your product for warranty benefits, please complete and return the Warranty Registration Card enclosed in the shipping box within 15 days of purchase. Thank you. 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.
Warranty, continued 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.
Return Authorization Procedure HOW TO EXPEDITE SERVICE 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.
FBI Krell Industries, Inc. 45 Connair Road Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA Remote Control Integrated Amplifier TEL 203-298-4000, FAX 203-891-2028 E-MAIL krell@krellonline.com WEB SITE www.krellonline.com v 06.0 Specifications All operational features, functions, specifications, and policies are subject to change without notification. FREQUENCY RESPONSE OUTPUTS 20 Hz–20 kHz 4 loudspeaker via 5-standard +0.0 -0.
