KAV–280p THE LEADER IN AUDIO ENGINEERING Remote Control Preamplifier Instructions for Use Owner’s Reference
KAV–280p Remote Control Preamplifier Instructions for Use v 02.0 CONTACT INFORMATION 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 Do not place the preamplifier where it could be exposed to dripping or splashing.
Contents Page INTRODUCTION 1 DEFINITION OF TERMS 2 UNPACKING 3 PLACEMENT 4 AC Power Guidelines FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 6 BACK PANEL DESCRIPTION 9 REMOTE CONTROL DESCRIPTION Battery Installation and Removal Remote Control Functions 12 12 12 CONNECTING THE KAV–280p TO YOUR SYSTEM Connection Steps 15 15 OPERATING YOUR KAV–280p Preamplifier Operation Tape Input and Output 16 16 17 CONFIGURING THE KAV–280p FOR THEATER THROUGHPUT 19 HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT SYSTEM NOISE 20 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Illustrations Page FIGURE 1 The KAV–280p Front Panel 5 FIGURE 2 The KAV–280p Back Panel 8 FIGURE 3 The KAV–280p Remote Control iv 11 Krell KAV–280p
Introduction Thank you for your purchase of the Krell KAV–280p Remote Control Preamplifier. The KAV-280p uses current mode and surface mount technologies derived directly from the state-of-the-art Krell KCT Preamplifier. The Class A direct-coupled design of the KAV–280p means that the signal path is fully balanced from input to output. This includes a fully balanced volume control.
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 with no gain, for integrated volume and balance management of Krell home theater systems.
Definition of Terms, TECHNOLOGY continued 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. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) SMT allows individual circuit elements to be placed very close together.
Placement Before you install the KAV–280p into your system, review the following guidelines to choose the location for the KAV–280p. This will facilitate a clean, trouble-free installation. The KAV–280p does not require any type of special rack or cabinet for installation. For the dimensions of the KAV–280p, see Specifications, on the back cover. Place the KAV–280p on a firm, level surface, away from excessive heat, humidity, or moisture. The KAV–280p is not hum-sensitive.
3 1 2 POWER STAND-BY KAV–280p 4 Figure 1 The KAV–280p Front Panel S –1 5 S –2 Analog Devices 5 S-1, S-2, S-3, and B-1 Buttons and LEDs 6 Tape Button 7 Tape LED Power 1 Power Button 2 Power LED 3 Stand-by LED 4 Infrared Sensor B –1 6 7 TAPE Volume Adjustment Functions 10 Level Knob 11 Front Panel Display Mode Indicators 8 Mute Button 9 Mute LED S –3 8 9 MUTE 11 10
Front Panel Description See Figure 1 on page 5 Front Panel Functions The front panel of the KAV–280p accesses power on and off, analog input selections, volume control, and mute. The front panel display shows the volume and balance levels, and Theater Throughput status. POWER 1 Power Button Use this button to switch the KAV–280p between the stand-by and the operational modes. 2 Power LED The blue power LED illuminates when the KAV–280p is in the operational mode.
Front Panel Description continued MODE INDICATORS 8 Mute Button Use this button to interrupt the signal from the active source you have selected. When the red mute LED (9) on the KAV–280p is illuminated, there is no signal output. To unmute the signal from the active source, press the mute button again. The red mute LED extinguishes.
L R NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE R B –1 L R L R S –3 L R Analog Outputs 15 Left and Right Tape Outputs 16 Left and Right Single-ended Outputs 17 Left and Right Balanced Outputs 14 R 15 L R 16 L MAIN OUT Power 20 Line Fuse and Fuseholder 21 IEC Connector Remote Connections 18 12 VDC Out and In 19 RC-5 In L TAPE OUT Preamplifier KAV– 280p TAPE IN Analog Inputs 12 Left and Right Balanced Analog Inputs 13 Left and Right Single-ended Analog Inputs 14 Left and Right Tape Inputs
Back Panel Description See Figure 2 on page 8 Back Panel Functions The KAV–280p back panel provides connections for all inputs and outputs, power on/off, and additional remote connections. ANALOG INPUTS 12 Left and Right Balanced Analog Inputs The KAV–280p is equipped with one pair of balanced (B-1) inputs via XLR connectors. 13 Left and Right Single-ended Analog Inputs The KAV–280p is equipped with three pairs of single-ended (S-1, S-2, or S-3) inputs via RCA connectors.
Back Panel Description, continued BACK PANEL REMOTE CONNECTIONS, continued Notes 17 12 VDC In The KAV–280p is equipped with an input that receives 12 VDC (12 V trigger) power on/off signals from other Krell components and other devices that incorporate a 12 V trigger. This allows you to turn the KAV–280p on or off, or to and from stand-by, from other components. The 12 VDC output current is limited to 30 ma.
Figure 3 The KAV–280p Remote Control Power 22 Power Key 23 Pre Key Analog Functions 24 Analog Input Keys 25 Tape Key Output Control Functions 26 Mute Key 27 Vol (Volume) Keys 28 Bal (Balance) Keys 22 23 25 26 27 24 28 Note Krell KAV–280p The remote control keys listed above function with the KAV–280p. Other keys on this remote control may activate other Krell components, for example, other compact disc players.
Remote Control Description See Figure 3 on page 11 Battery Installation and Removal The KAV–280p remote control uses one CR2025 lithium battery, which is included with the shipment. To open the battery compartment on the back of the remote control: 1. Place the remote face down on the table. 2.
Remote Control Functions continued POWER, continued 23 Pre Key Use this key to activate the KAV–280p remote and access other preamplifier commands. You can then access preamplifier commands until you press a different activation key, for example the CD key to access commands for a Krell compact disc player. To return to the preamplifier commands, press the pre key again. You only need to press an activation key once. The remote “remembers” whether the pre key or the CD key has been pressed most recently.
Remote Control Functions continued Analog Functions, continued To access and display balance, push either the “L” or the “R” balance key on the remote. The front panel display indicates the balance setting. After 3 seconds of inactivity or after a volume adjustment, the front panel display reverts to the volume setting. The front panel display indicates: –C– when the balance is centered.
Connecting the KAV–280p 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 KAV–280p to your system. 1.
Connecting the KAV–280p to Your System continued Pin assignments for the XLR connectors Pin 1 Shield (ground) Pin 2 Non-inverting (hot) (0°) Pin 3 Inverting (cold) (180°) Additional Connections RC-5 IN This input accepts baseband RC-5 input commands. It facilitates custom installations by allowing the KAV–280p to be controlled via hard-wired signals from various remote devices.
Operating Your KAV–280p This section provides information about operating the KAV–280p. The KAV–280p provides basic input selection and volume control operation from the front panel. The remote control includes additional preamplifier functions as well as CD transport and amplifier controls. See Remote Control, on page 12, for more information. Preamplifier Operation The KAV–280p Remote Control Premplifier is easy to operate. 1.
Operating Your KAV–280p, continued Tape Input and Output The KAV–280cd has a discrete tape input and output. The tape output is used to send an input signal from S-1, S-2, S-3, or B-1 to a recording device or processor. You can use the tape feature in three ways: 1. Use this button to playback pre-recorded tapes. 2. Use the tape input to compare the output signal of a threehead analog tape recorder to the output signal of an audio source, when making a recording.
Configuring the KAV–280p for Theater Throughput To simplify the integration of an audio/video surround sound processor into your system, set any input on the KAV–280p (S-1, S-2, S-3, or B-1) to operate as a unity gain stage. Krell calls this configuration Theater Throughput. When you configure a KAV–280p input for Theater Throughput, the KAV–280p volume and balance controls are transferred to the audio/video surround sound processor, for integrated volume and balance management as well as ease of operation.
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 KAV–280p preamplifier into the system, follow these simple troubleshooting steps: 1.
Questions and Answers Q. Should I leave my KAV–280p on all the time? 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. This Krell product 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. The warranty does not apply to damage caused by acts of God or nature.
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.
Krell Industries, Inc. 45 Connair Road Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA KAV–280p Remote Control Preamplifier TEL 203-799-9954, FAX 203-891-2028 E-MAIL krell@krellonline.com WEB SITE www.krellonline.com v 02.0 Specifications All operational features, functions, specifications, and policies are subject to change without notification. FREQUENCY RESPONSE INPUTS 20 Hz-20 kHz (ALL INPUTS MAY BE SET UP FOR THEATER THROUGHPUT) +0 dB, -0.04 dB 0.
