Introduction - Krell Industries Foundation Processor Owner's Reference Manual

Introduction to the KRELL Foundation Processor
Thank you for your purchase of the Foundation Surround Sound Preamplifier/Processor. From decoding the latest lossless
audio formats, extensive digital switching, 3DTV pass-through, and more, the Foundation is fully compliant with the digital
age. Yet the 7.1-channel processor also features balanced audio outputs, automatic setup and room EQ, and Krell's legendary
robust hardware. A slim new form factor exudes the Krell aesthetic, while allowing placement in smaller equipment racks.
The heart of Krell surround sound preamp/processors is sound quality that is paired to the latest in surround processing
technology. At the hub of the Foundation digital signal processing is a pair of dual core 32 bit Cirrus Logic CS497024 DSP's
performing 1.8 giga operations per second. Digital signals are then routed to 32 bit ESS Sabre DACS.
Based on award-winning preamplifier technology, all Foundation analog output stages are built to the same exacting
standard and feature balanced and single-ended cable connections. Only Krell designed preamplifier circuitry is employed
within every channel utilizing discrete current based Class A, direct coupled circuitry for the greatest signal purity and
highest bandwidth. Performance robbing op amps or integrated circuits are not used anywhere in the audio path. Preamp
mode bypasses all digital circuitry and routes analog stereo inputs directly to a balanced resistor ladder volume control for
ultimate music reproduction.
In addition to 10 HDMI 1.4a inputs, the Foundation has 2 HDMI outputs, both of which feature Audio Return Channel.
With ARC, a display device is able to send audio back down the HDMI cable to the processor. This is beneficial for those
with televisions with built-in web streaming capability like Netflix or Pandora, so the streaming audio can use the full home
theater system instead of just the TV's speakers.
The Foundation passes video signals directly without any video processing, ensuring bit-for-bit accuracy of the signal, up
to 1080p/60. However, to simplify cabling, setup, and use, there is full transcoding of the 2 composite and 3 component
analog video inputs to the HDMI outputs.
The Foundation includes a new Krell development - Intelligent HDMI switching. Intelligent HDMI switching is a
combination of circuitry and innovative software that optimizes HDMI operation. Various parameters including the monitor's
electronic ID and source video resolution are stored in non-volatile memory. All 10 source inputs are always active so
source, channel, video resolution, and audio format changes are instantaneous. The Intelligent HDMI design provides the
fastest signal recognition possible.
Krell designed the Foundation with flexibility and ease-of-use in mind, with extensive routing capability of the audio inputs
to the various outputs. During setup, the specific paths will be chosen based on how the user intends to use each source,
displays, and audio output channels.
The Foundation will allow owners to take full advantage of the best audio soundtracks available, with decoding of Dolby
Digital, Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete, Matrix, and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, a full suite of
post-processing modes are included, including Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo 6. Krell's proprietary surround modes,
Party, General Admission, Front Row, and On Stage, offer a different way to listen to favorite tracks.
The Foundation also features Krell's Automatic Room Equalization System (ARES), to ensure the best possible performance
from every theater. ARES analyzes all the speakers in the system, their location, phase, and distance from each other, to
determine the best crossover frequency, delay, and more. In addition, ARES incorporates the acoustics of the room to
determine unique EQ curves for each of the 7.1 output channels. Unlike other room EQs, ARES can be programmed to only
adjust the troublesome low frequencies, leaving high frequencies unaltered.
To allow full integration into a home automation system, the Foundation has Ethernet control, RS-232, 4 12v triggers
(2@0.5A and 2@60mA), and RC-5.
Foundation Processor 4