11. The ventilation grids on the top of every Evolution amplifier, the ventilation grids on the back of the Evolution 302 and 400 amplifiers, and the space underneath every Evolution amplifier must be unobstructed at all times during operation. Do not place flammable material above or beneath an Evolution amplifier.
Contents List of Illustrations, page 4 A Letter from Dan D’Agostino, page 5 SECTION ONE: Evolution Amplifier Features and Technology, page 6 Features, Revolutionary Krell CAST Technology, Definition of Terms SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement, page 11 Opening the Evolution Amplifier Shipping Carton SECTION THREE: Anatomy of the Evolution Amplifier, page 13 Front Panel Description, and Back Panel Description SECTION FOUR: Connecting an Evolution Amplifier to Your System, page 22...
A Letter from Dan D’Agostino Dear Audio Enthusiast, Thank you for your purchase of a Krell Evolution Series amplifier. Evolution Series amplifiers continue my quest for amplifiers that deliver absolute truth in music reproduction. Active Cascode Topology is a unique circuit technique that minimizes distortion by applying from 2 to 3 times more active devices to each gain stage.
There are six amplifier models in the Evolution Series: the 302 Stereo Power Amplifier, the 402 Stereo Power Amplifier, the 403 Three-channel Power Amplifier, the 400 Monaural Power Amplifier, the 600 Monaural Power Amplifier, and the 900 Monaural Power Amplifier. The compact chassis of the 400 Monaural Power Amplifier contains all of the high power, wide bandwidth, and low noise character- istics designed into all Evolution Series amplifiers.
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.
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(SECTION ONE: Evolution Amplifier Features and Technology continued) Krell Current Mode 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.
Definition of Terms The following are definitions of key terms used in this owner’s reference: 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 profes- sional and sound recording installations, balanced connections have 6 dB more gain than single-ended connections and allow the use of long interconnect cables.
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(SECTION ONE: Definition of Terms continued) Technology Active Cascode Topology A unique circuit technique that minimizes distortion by applying from 2 to 3 times more active devices to each gain stage thereby reducing the load on individual devices and improving circuit-wide linearity. Krell Current Mode A proprietary Krell circuit topology in which the audio gain stages of a component operate in the current domain rather than the voltage domain.
SECTION Unpacking and Placement This section describes the procedures for safely unpacking and placing your Evolution amplifier. The amplifier and accessories are shipped in 1 carton. The dimensions of the amplifier are shown in the specifications section starting on page 31. Two people are needed to remove the Evolution amplifier from its shipping box safely and easily.
(SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement continued) Placement Before you install an Evolution amplifier into your system, please follow the guide- lines in this section to select a location for your component. This will facilitate a clean, trouble-free installation. Place the amplifier on a firm, level surface, away from excessive heat, humidity, or moisture.
THREE SECTION Anatomy of an Evolution Amplifier This section describes Evolution amplifier functions. Figure 1 Evolution Amplifier Front Panel (Evolution 402 shown) 1 Power Button Power 2 Power Status Indicator continued...
(SECTION THREE: Anatomy of an Evolution Amplifier continued) Front Panel Description See Figure 1 on the previous page Evolution amplifier front panel functions are described below: Power 1 Power Button Press this button to place the Evolution amplifier in operational mode. 2 Power Status Indicator The power status indicator is illuminated in red when the amplifier is in stand- by mode.
(SECTION THREE: Anatomy of an Evolution Amplifier continued) Back Panel Description See Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 on the previous pages The amplifier back panel provides access to the input and output connections, 12 V trigger inputs and outputs, and the AC power connection and switch. Back panel features and their descriptions follow: Outputs 3 Loudspeaker Binding Posts (one pair per channel)
Remote Connections 7 12 VDC In/Out (12 V Trigger) The 12 V trigger allows you to turn the Evolution amplifier on or to stand-by from other components. Out. The output sends 12 VDC (12 V trigger) power on/off signals to other Krell components and other devices that incorporate a 12 V trigger, allowing whole systems or parts of systems to be easily controlled remotely.
FOUR SECTION Connecting an Evolution Amplifier to Your System This section describes Evolution amplifier connections. Each Evolution amplifier channel has a CAST 4-pin connector, a balanced input via an XLR connector, a single-ended RCA connector, and a pair of loudspeaker binding posts. The rear panel also has 12 VDC trigger input and outputs, and a backlight remote trigger input.
Evolution DC Protection Circuitry/Using Tube Preamplifiers The high DC output of tube preamplifiers may exceed the active DC protection circuitry of the Evolution amplifiers. Excessive DC level in a signal can damage amplifiers, loudspeakers, or both. The single-ended inputs of the Evolution ampli- fiers are capacitor-coupled and DC does not pass through.
FIVE SECTION Evolution Amplifier Operation The Evolution amplifiers are easy to operate. IMPORTANT When powering up any system, turn the amplifier on last. When powering down, turn it off first. This will prevent any turn-on and turn-off thumps in your loudspeakers. Always mute or fully attenuate the preamplifier level when switching sources.
SECTION Troubleshooting System Noise AC grounding becomes critical when connecting high-performance audio compo- nents. When you mix and match high-performance audio components, each with its own ground potential, a low frequency hum may occur in one or both loud- speakers. This often occurs when introducing a new component into a system. If this happens when you place the Evolution amplifier into your system, follow these simple troubleshooting steps.
(SECTION SIX: Troubleshooting continued) Error Codes In the event of a problem, the power status indicator (2) will flash error code(s) in red. Errors are identified by a sequence of 3, 4, or 5 flashes. There is a pause between codes, and in the case where there is only one error code, the same code is repeated.
SEVEN SECTION Questions and Answers Q. Should I leave my Evolution amplifier on at all times? A. For maximum amplifier performance, leave the back panel power breaker switch on at all times. This places the amplifier in stand-by mode. Evolution amplifiers are designed to be powered on and off from stand-by, using the front panel power button.
Warranty 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. CD and DVD players carry a limited warranty of five years for parts and labor on circuitry, and three years for parts and labor on mechanical parts.
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If the product is serviced by a distributor who did not import the unit, there may be a charge for service, even if the product is within the warranty period. Freight to the factory is your responsibility. Return freight within the United States (U.S.A.) is included in the warranty.
Return Authorization Procedure How to Expedite Service If you believe there is a problem with your component, please contact your deal- er, 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:...
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, –0.18 dB <0.5 Hz to 120 kHz +0, –3 dB >106 dB >116 dB 25.4 dB <0.02% at 1 kHz, at 400 W, 8 Ohms <0.15% at 20 kHz, at 400 W, 8 Ohms 100 kOhms 200 kOhms 70 Ohms 3.04 V rms...
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20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, –0.18 dB <0.5 Hz to 120 kHz +0, –3 dB >106 dB >116 dB 25.4 dB <0.02% at 1 kHz, at 400 W, 8 Ohms <0.15% at 20 kHz, at 400 W, 8 Ohms 100 kOhms 200 kOhms 70 Ohms 3.04 V rms...
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(Specifications continued) Measurement FREQUENCY RESPONSE SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO Wideband, unweighted, referred to full power output “A” weighted GAIN TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION INPUT IMPEDANCE Single-ended Balanced CAST INPUT SENSITIVITY Single-ended or balanced CAST OUTPUT POWER OUTPUT VOLTAGE OUTPUT CURRENT SLEW RATE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE DAMPING FACTOR Referred to 8 Ohms POWER CONSUMPTION...
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E V O L U T I O N A M P L I F I E R S 3 0 2 A N D 4 0 2 S T E R E O 4 0 3 T H R E E - C H A N N E L 4 0 0 , 6 0 0 , A N D...
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