Krell Industries MASTER REFERENCE SUBWOOFER Owner's Reference Manual

Krell industries inc. owner's manual home theater system master reference subwoofer

Advertisement

M
R
S
M A S T E R
R E F E R E N C E
S U B W O O F E R
O
W
N
E
R
'
S
R
E
F
E
R
E
N
C
E

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Krell Industries MASTER REFERENCE SUBWOOFER

  • Page 1 M A S T E R R E F E R E N C E S U B W O O F E R ’...
  • Page 2 Please contact Krell if you have any questions not addressed in this manual. ® This product is manufactured in the United States of America. Krell is a registered trademark of Krell Industries, Inc., and is restricted for use by Krell Industries, Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents. Krell CAST ™...
  • Page 3 Ensuring Maximum Performance. A description of Krell’s innovative technologies and design for the Master Reference Subwoofer as well as the core technologies developed for all Krell components. Definition of Terms. Key terms used throughout the Master Reference Subwoofer owner’s reference.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    12 VDC (12 V Trigger) Connections. Describing an additional remote control option for the Master Reference Subwoofer and other components that contain a 12 V trigger. SECTION SEVEN: Optional Configurations, pages 47- 49 This section provides instructions for setting optional configurations, including turning LEDs on and off and selecting AC Mains operation.
  • Page 5 Figure 2, page 18 Master Reference Subwoofer Front Panel Figure 3, page 20 Master Reference Subwoofer Back Panel (Power) Figure 4, page 21 Master Reference Subwoofer Back Panel (Inputs and Outputs) Figure 5, page 25 Master Reference Subwoofer Remote Control...
  • Page 7 To me, the Master Reference Subwoofer is the logical next step in my personal passion for designing and developing high performance audio equipment. Innovative...
  • Page 8 Krell components for standard-setting performance. The Master Reference Subwoofer represents the next era at Krell Industries, Inc.— the era of loudspeaker design and manufacture—which will join the ongoing legacy of Krell amplifiers. For three decades, Krell C.E.O. Dan D’Agostino has built amplifiers legendary for their ability to deliver optimum performance from any loudspeaker.
  • Page 9 From the first Krell product — the KSA-100 — to the present, Dan D’Agostino has continually “pushed the envelope” of performance in his search for greater amplifier power and now, subwoofer power. His exploration of technologies, driven by his never-ending quest to elevate the standard of excellence, has resulted in break- through audio designs.
  • Page 10 The Basics of CAST Here’s how a CAST audio system works with the Master Reference Subwoofer. Each CAST source amplifies current internally, using Krell Current Mode circuitry. CAST circuitry then outputs this current signal. When the signal is received by a CAST input on a Master Reference Subwoofer, Krell Current Mode circuitry again manages the signal until the signal reaches the loudspeaker.
  • Page 11 1995. Krell has now added CAST technology, a new method of transferring the musical signal between components. In essence, Krell Current Mode maintains the integrity of the signal within the Master Reference Subwoofer and CAST pre- serves the transmitted signal between source components and the Master Reference Subwoofer.
  • Page 12 The Krell Master Reference Subwoofer sets a new standard in powered subwoofer design. At the heart of the Master Reference Subwoofer is its proprietary interface. This programmable electronic crossover provides unparalleled matching for subwoofer and system components and allows seamless integration with any loudspeaker configuration.
  • Page 13 The enclosure for the Master Reference Subwoofer is made of 1 in. thick, aircraft- aluminum billet. Each of the two driver baffles is a substantive 2 subwoofer assembly is held together by 68 machine screws, size precision machine finish is black anodized to a pearl-like luster.
  • Page 14 (SECTION ONE: About Krell continued) (Drivers continued) Two 80 oz. strontium ferrite magnets are affixed to the custom-made, cast magnesium speaker frame. The magnet assembly has been contoured to produce a powerful, focused, magnetic field. A robust, doped (reinforced) paper cone, chosen for its high strength and low weight, is affixed at one end to the speaker frame via a special rubber surround.
  • Page 15 The Master Reference Subwoofer finesses the low frequency range with totally balanced operation from input to output, employing CAST or XLR inputs. In the output stage of each Master Reference Subwoofer, independent circuit paths amplify the positive and negative output signals to exercise...
  • Page 16 “push-pull” dialogue that preserves all the characteristics of the recording. The Master Reference Subwoofer sets a new standard for ultimate subwoofer power and performance. Its ability to reproduce the impact and tonal quality of low frequency sound is unparalleled, as is the ease with which it can match any system or speaker configuration.
  • Page 17 (SECTION ONE: About Krell continued) Definition of Terms Following are the definitions of key terms used in your owner’s reference manual. Configurations Krell Link A method of configuring multiple Krell preamplifiers, amplifiers, and associated components and synchronizing their stand-by/ operational modes. Using Krell Link in/out connections and MIDI cables, the remote capabilities of the linked components are controlled by one component, called the control component.
  • Page 18 (SECTION ONE: About Krell continued) (Definition of Terms continued) Krell CAST Current Audio Signal Transmission (CAST) is a proprietary Krell circuit technology for connecting analog components, in which the audio waveform is transmitted between components in the current rather than the voltage domain. The speed and band- width that CAST provides yield astounding levels of accuracy and realism.
  • Page 19 Krell Current Mode A proprietary Krell circuit topology in which the audio gain stages operate in the current domain. Krell Current Mode provides speed and bandwidth performance that is not possible with less sophisticated voltage designs. Programmable A proprietary full-function crossover designed for the Master Electronic Crossover Reference Subwoofer.
  • Page 20: Unpacking And Placement

    Subwoofer. The combined weight of the crate and subwoofer is 494 lb. (224.5 kg). Each Master Reference Subwoofer is 18.8 in. (47.8 cm) wide x 20.1 in. (51.1 cm) high x 28.5 in. (72.4 cm) deep, and weighs 396 lb. (180 kg). Krell recommends that you have four people to safely lift the subwoofer to its place in the listening area.
  • Page 21 In the packing crate you will find: 1 Master Reference Subwoofer In the space underneath the subwoofer, you will find: 1 power cord 1 remote control 2 AAA-size 1.5 volt batteries for the remote control 1 T-10 Torx wrench for the remote control To Remove the Subwoofer from the Packing Crate: Remove all accessories from the packing crate.
  • Page 22: Figure 1

    (SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement continued) Figure 1 Master Reference Subwoofer Placement Options Scenario 1: Stereo 1 Left Loudspeaker 2 Right Loudspeaker 3 Master Reference Subwoofer 4 Optimum Listening Position Scenario 2: Home Theater, Rear Projection 1 Left Front Loudspeaker...
  • Page 23 Each Master Reference Subwoofer requires at least two inches (5 cm) of clearance on each side and in front, and at least two inches (5 cm) of clearance above and to the rear of the subwoofer for adequate ventilation.
  • Page 24: Figure 2

    THREE SECTION Features This section provides illustrations of the Master Reference Subwoofer front panel, back panel, and remote control, and descriptions of front panel, back panel, and remote control features. Front Panel Description See Figure 2. The Master Reference Subwoofer front panel provides power on and subwoofer status displays.
  • Page 25 1 Power Button Use this button to switch the Master Reference Subwoofer from the stand-by to the operational mode. 2 Power LED The blue power LED illuminates when the Master Reference Subwoofer is in the operational mode and flashes when any remote control key is pressed.
  • Page 26: Figure 3

    (SECTION THREE: Features continued) Figure 3 Master Reference Subwoofer Back Panel (Power) Figure 3 Power 6 Power Switch 7 AC Input Specification 8 IEC Power Connector Figure 4 Back Panel Remote Connections 9 Krell Link In and Out 10 12 VDC In and Out...
  • Page 27: Figure 4

    Figure 4 Master Reference Subwoofer Back Panel (Inputs and Outputs) INPUT LEFT HIGH-PASS OUTPUT LEFT BY-PASS OUTPUT LEFT CAST PAT. PENDING 11 12 13 KRELL 12VDC RC-5 LINK INPUT INPUT RIGHT HIGH-PASS OUTPUT RIGHT BY-PASS OUTPUT RIGHT Master Reference Subwoofer...
  • Page 28 Master Reference Subwoofer. 11 12 VDC LFE In The Master Reference Subwoofer is equipped with a 12 VDC (12 V trigger) LFE input. This input allows you to activate low frequency effect using the 12 V trigger setup of another preamplifier or preamp/processor.
  • Page 29 (1) or RS-232 cannot power it off. You must use the 12 V trigger. Inputs 14 Left and Right CAST Inputs The Master Reference Subwoofer is equipped with one pair of left and right CAST inputs via 4-pin bayonet connectors for use with Krell CAST-equipped preamplifiers or surround preamp/processors.
  • Page 30 You can connect to any input (CAST, balanced, or single-ended) and output at any high-pass output. All high-pass outputs are active at once. For example, a signal from a source con- nected to the Master Reference Subwoofer through a CAST input can be output as CAST, balanced, and single-ended.
  • Page 31: Figure 5

    Figure 5 Master Reference Subwoofer Remote Control Power 26 Power Key Operation Keys 27 CAST Key 28 Phase Key 29 Preset Key 30 Thtr (Theater) Key 31 Save Key 32 Unit Key 33 All Key 34 Mute Key Filter Selection Keys...
  • Page 32: Remote Control Description

    (SECTION THREE: Features continued) Remote Control Description Battery Installation and Removal The Master Reference Subwoofer control uses two AAA-size 1.5 Volt batteries. Batteries are included with the shipment. To install the batteries: Remove the backplate, using the supplied T-10 Torx wrench.
  • Page 33: Remote Control Functions

    Master Reference Subwoofer to Your System, on page 32, for information on CAST input options. Note The Master Reference Subwoofer will not switch to CAST unless a CAST input is connected. 28 Phase Key Use this key to invert the phase of the low-pass filter output.
  • Page 34 (SECTION THREE: Features continued) (Operation Keys continued) 32 Unit Keys Use these keys to assign an ID to each component when multiple subwoofers are installed in a configuration. For instructions on assigning an ID, see Optional Configurations, on page 48, for more information. 33 All Key Use this key to control all subwoofers at once, for example, to mute, power on, or set preset configurations for all subwoofers in a configuration.
  • Page 35 Filter Parameter Keys 39 Type Key Use this key to select the filter profile desired. The front panel display (4) shows the current selection. See Step III. Configure the Programmable Electronic Crossover, on page 36, for filter options and instructions. 40 Slope Key Use this key to adjust the slope of the high-pass or low-pass filter.
  • Page 36 This page outlines the connections (Steps I and II ) and configurations ( Steps III through VI ) for the Master Reference Subwoofer. These instructions let you set up your subwoofer for optimum performance. Detailed instructions begin on page 31.
  • Page 37 Connections and Configurations The remote control is the main input device for the Master Reference Subwoofer. All initial setup and subsequent system configuration adjustments must be made through the remote control or via the RS-232 port. For maximum performance, the Master Reference Subwoofer must be connected to other components in the system via the appropriate CAST, balanced, or single- ended inputs and outputs;...
  • Page 38: Section Four: Connections And Configurations

    (SECTION FOUR: Connections and Configurations continued) Switching Between CAST and Balanced Inputs The Master Reference Subwoofer offers a number of user-controlled options for choosing inputs and for switching from one input to another, using the remote control in conjunction with the menu option. See B. To Activate CAST Inputs, on page 34 for more information.
  • Page 39 Notes The Master Reference Subwoofer allows the connection of two independent preamplifier/source components to the CAST and either the balanced or the single-ended inputs. For example, you may want to connect two discrete front-end systems: Use the CAST input as the connection to a dedicated two-channel system in which the KPS 25sc Krell Playback System is the CAST source.
  • Page 40 (SECTION FOUR: Connections and Configurations continued) ( Step II. Connecting the Master Reference Subwoofer to Your System continued) Plug the AC power cord into the IEC connector on the subwoofer back panel. Plug the other end into the AC outlet.
  • Page 41 Press the menu key to exit the menu mode. Notes To confirm that the Master Reference Subwoofer output is operational, activate the noise generator for the sub output of your surround sound preamplifier/processor. Krell recommends configuring one of the triggers on the Home Theater Standard to turn off the LFE when the surround processor is in stereo mode, to avoid generating unwanted noise.
  • Page 42 B. Select the Low-pass Filter Profile Press the type key (39) to access the filter profile. Press the adjust keys (43) to select the profile you want. The Master Reference Subwoofer has three low-pass filter profiles available: Bessel, Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley.
  • Page 43 E. Select the High-pass Filter Profile Press the type key (39) to access the filter profile. Press the adjust keys (43) to select the profile you want. The Master Reference Subwoofer has three filters profiles available: Bessel, Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley.
  • Page 44 Press the up adjust key to select Press the enter key. After a two second delay, you will hear noise generator output through both the Master Reference Subwoofer and your front speakers. Use the up adjust key to select Press the enter key. The front panel display shows the current setting for mute.
  • Page 45 Press the menu key to exit the menu mode. Press the mute key (34) to mute the high-pass filter. You hear noise only from the Master Reference Subwoofer. Press the section sub key (35). Press the parameter level key (42).
  • Page 46 Saving Your Settings to Presets You can save the settings selected in Steps I – V in the subwoofer memory, using one of the five presets (29, 30) on the Master Reference Subwoofer Remote Control. Notes Krell recommends using preset Thtr (30), the theater key, to save your stereo/LFE configuration settings.
  • Page 47 To save a setting configuration to a preset: Press the save key (31). Press the preset number to which the settings will be assigned. The front panel display (4) shows SAVING Note If you press save then decide you do not wish to save, press the save key again before pressing the preset key.
  • Page 48 Power on the preamplifier and surround processor. Power on your amplifiers. Move the power switch (6) on the back panel of the Master Reference Subwoofer to the up position. You will hear a series of clicks. The red stand-by LED (3) on the front panel illuminates.
  • Page 49 Turn your system off if it will not be used for a long period of time. It is critical that you turn off your system in the following order. Press the power button (1) to return the Master Reference Subwoofer to the stand-by mode. The red stand-by LED illuminates (2).
  • Page 50: Optional Connections

    The Master Reference Subwoofer cannot be used as the control component. The Master Reference Subwoofer remote control takes priority over Krell Link commands. The CAST features of the Master Reference Subwoofer cannot be switched via Krell Link. Krell Link uses standard five-pin MIDI communication cables, sometimes called MIDI Plus cables.
  • Page 51 Connect one end of a MIDI cable to the Krell Link out connector, on the control component back panel. Connect the other end of a MIDI cable to the Krell Link in connector, on the back panel of the next component. To link another component, connect another MIDI cable to the Krell Link out connector on the back panel of the second component.
  • Page 52: Section Six: Optional Connections

    The 12 VDC LFE input (11) for the Master Reference Subwoofer can be used to turn the LFE inputs (17, 18, 19) on or off. See C. Choosing Stereo, LFE, or...
  • Page 53 Instructions for optional configurations follow. AC Mains Menu This option allows the Master Reference Subwoofer to be powered on from an AC wall receptacle with a dedicated switch, rather than from the back panel switch or other remote option.
  • Page 54: Section Seven: Optional Configurations

    (SECTION SEVEN: Optional Configurations continued) Mute Menu This option allows you to customize the mute key to mute all subwoofer outputs or only selected outputs. Also see Step IV. Match the High-pass and Low-pass Filter Levels, on page 38, for more information on mute key configuration. Press the menu key (37).
  • Page 55: Exit Menu

    Exit Menu This option allows you to exit the menu mode. Press the menu key (37) or use the adjust keys (43) to select the exit menu. The front panel display (4) shows Press the enter key (38). You exit the menu mode. EXIT...
  • Page 56: Warranty

    Warranty Each Krell Master Reference Subwoofer has a limited warranty of five years for parts and labor on circuitry, for all sections except the loudspeaker driver assemblies. The loudspeaker driver assemblies have a warranty of one year, for defects due to man- ufacture only.
  • Page 57: Warranty

    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. Krell does not supply replacement parts and/or products to the owner of the unit. Replacement parts and/or products will be furnished only to the distributor perform- ing service on this unit on an exchange basis only;...
  • Page 58: Return Authorization Procedure

    To contact the Krell Service Department E-MAIL WEBSITE http://www.krellonline.com Krell Master Reference Subwoofer PRODUCT To return a product to Krell, please follow this procedure so that we may serve you better. Obtain a Return Authorization Number (R/A number) and shipping address from the Krell Service Department.

This manual is also suitable for:

Mrs

Table of Contents