Krell Industries Five-Channel Power Amplifier KAV-1500 User manual

Leaderin AudioEngineering
KAV-1500
Five-ChannelPowerAmplifier
Instructions for Use
Owner’s Reference

KAV-1500
Five-ChannelPowerAmplifier
Instructionsfor Use
v 00.0
Krell Industries,Inc.
45 Connair Road
Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA
TEL[phone]
FAX[phone]
E-MAIL[email protected]
WEBSITEhttp://www, krellonline.com
Thisproductcomplieswith the EMCdirective (89/336/EEC)andthe low-voltagedirective (73/23/EEC).
WARNINGS
Theamplifier mustbeplacedona firm,/eve/surface whereit is not exposedto dt~ppingor splashing.
Theventilation grids onthe top of the amplifier andthe spaceunderneaththeamplifier mustbeunobstructed
at all timesduringoperation.Donot placeflammablematerialaboveor beneaththe amplifier.
ContactyourauthorizedKrel/ dealer, distributor, or Krell beforeusinganydevicesdesignedto alter or stabi-
lize the ACpowerfor the KAV-1500.
Beforeconnectingthe KAV-1500,makesure the amplifier is turned off andanyoutputdevice(such as
preamplifier) is in muteor stand-bymode.Makesureall cableterminationsare of the highestquality and
free fromfrayedends,shortcircuits, or coldsolderjoints.
Useonlyoneset of inputsto the amplifier at a time.
After reconfiguringfor MAT,donot usemorethanoneinput at a time.
After bridging, onechannelmustremainunbridged.
THEREARENOUSERSERVICEABLEPARTSINSIDE ANYKRELL PRODUCT.
PleasecontactyourauthorizedKrell dealer,distributor, or Krell if youhaveanyquestionsnot addressedin
this referencemanual.
Thisproductis manufacturedin theUnitedStatesofAmedca.Krell® is aregisteredtrademarkof Krell Industries,Inc., andis restrictedfor usebyKrell
Industries,Inc., its subsidiaries,andauthorizedagents.MultiAmpThroughput
TM
is atrademarkofKrell Industries,Inc. All othertrademarksandtradenames
areregisteredto their respectivecompanies.
©2000byKrellIndustries,Inc.All rightsreserved P/N303961

Contents
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF TERMS
UNPACKING
PLACEMENT
ACPowerGuidelines
FRONTPANELDESCRIPTION: KAV-1500
BACKPANELDESCRIPTION: KAV-1500
CONNECTINGTHE KAV-1500 AMPLIFIER
TO YOURSYSTEM
Input andOutputConnections
OPTIONAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
Multi AmpThroughput
Bridged Operation
Exampleof ConnectionScenario: Multi PowerMode
AMPLIFIER OPERATION
On/Off and Operation
TROUBLESHOOTINGSYSTEM NOISE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WARRANTY
RETURN AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURE
SPECIFICATIONS
Page
1
1
3
4
4
6
8
10
10
12
12
16
18
19
19
19
20
21
22
23
Krell KAV-1500Amplifier iii

Illustrations
FIGURE1
FIGURE2
FIGURE3
FIGURE4
The KAV-1500Front Panel
The KAV-1500Back Panel
Reconfiguring the KAV-1500for MATOperation
Reconfiguring the KAV-1500for Bridged Operation
Page
5
7
13
15
iv Krell KAV-1500Amplifier

Introduction
Thankyoufor your purchaseof.the Krell KAV-1500Five-ChannelPowerAmplifier.
TheKAV-1500amplifier providessubstantialfive-channeloutputpowerthat delivers
realistic musicreproductionat anexceptionalvalue.Theamplifiercanbecustomized
with a variety of optionalsystemconfigurations,includinga multi powermodeusingthe
Multi AmpThroughput(MAT)feature, andbridgedoperation. TheKAV-1500amplifier
hasbalancedandsingle-endedinputsfor compatibility with othercomponents.The
multi-channel(DB-25)inputalsoallowsyouto integratetheamplifiereasilyand
seamlesslyinto hometheateror wholehousesystems.Theamplifier canbeoperated
usingthe 12VDCpoweron/off (12 Vtrigger) signalsfromothercomponents.
Thisreferencemanualcontainsimportantinformationonplacement,installation, and
operationof theKAV-1500amplifier. Pleasereadthis informationcarefully. Athorough
understandingof thesedetails helpsensuresatisfactoryoperationandlonglife for your
KAV-1500amplifier andrelated systemcomponents.
Definition of Terms
Followingarethe definitions of keytermsusedin yourowner’sreferencemanual.
CONNECTIONS
Bridging
Amethodof linking twoamplifierchannelsbydistributing the speakerloadbetweenthe
positive bindingposts.Bridgingthe channelsquadruplesthe powerrating at 8 Ohms.
Bridgedconfigurationsshouldnot beusedwith loadsunder4 Ohms.
Krell Multi AmpThroughput(MAT)
Aninternal connectionoptionthat sendsthe samemusicsignalto all amplifier channels
usingonebalancedor single-endedconnection.MATreducesinstallation complexity
andcablingrequirementsin systemscontainingmultipleamplifiers. MATalsoallowsa
varietyof connectionscenarios,includingpoweringmultiplepairs of loudspeakersto
extendthe listening environmentthroughoutyourhome.
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Balanced
Asymmetricalinput or outputcircuit that hasequalimpedancefrombothinput terminals
to a commongroundreferencepoint. Theindustry standardfor professionalandsound
recordinginstallations, balancedconnectionshave6 dBmoregainthansingle-ended
connectionsandallowthe useofr longinterconnectcables.
KrellKAV-1500Amplifier 1

Definition of Terms, continued
Single-ended
Atwo-wireinput or output circuit, Usecare whenusing single-endedconnections,in
whichthe ground,connectionis madelast andbrokenfirst. Turnthe systemoff prior to
makingor breaking single-ended connections. Single-endedconnectionsare not
recommendedfor configurations requiring long cable runs.
Multi-channel (DB-25)
Abalancedinput or output circuit that allowsfor the simultaneousconnectionof all
audiooutputs plus one5 VDC(5 Volt tdgger) via a single cable. DB-25inputs and
outputs are becomingpopular for connecting multi-channel ANprocessorsandpower
amplifiers, simplifying the integration of the two componentsinto your system.
OPERATION
Off
Whenthe powerbutton on the front panel is pressedandthe blue powerLEDturns off,
the componentis off.
Operational Mode
Whenthe powerbutton on the front panel is pressedandthe blue powerLED
illuminates, the componentis in the operational modeandreadyto play music.
Stand-by Mode
A lowpowerconsumptionstatus that keepsthe audioandregulator circuits at idle. Krell
recommendsleaving the componentin the stand-by modewhenit is not playing music.
2Krell KAV-1500Amplifier

Unpacking
Openthe shipping box, whichcontains:
1 amplifier unit (packedin foamend-caps)
4 ribbon connectioncables
Fuses
2 AGC-~ (~-amp) speaker fuse
1 slow-blow(20 ampfor 100/120Vor 12 ampfor 220/240V)line fuse
1 12 VDCoutput (12 Vtrigger) cable
1 T-15 Torx wrench
1 packetcontaining the owner’sreferencemanualandthe warrantyregistration
card.
IMPORTANT
Twopeopleare neededto removethe amplifier fromthe shipping box.
1. Onepersongraspsthe undersideof the foamend-capsat oneendof the amplifier;
at the sametime, the secondpersongraspsthe undersideof the foamendcapsat
theother endof the amplifier.
2. Slowlylift theamplifierstraight outof theshippingbox.
3. Placethe amplifier in a safelocation andremovethe protective plastic wrapping.
Notes
/f anyof theseitemsare not includedin the shippingbox, pleasecontactyour
authorizedKrell dealer,distributor, or Kre// for assistance.
Saveall packingmaterials.If youshipyouramplifier in the future, repackthe unit in its
original packagingto prevent transit damage.SeeReturnAuthorization Procedure,
on page22, for moreinformation.
Krell KAV-1500Amplifier 3

Placement
Beforeyouintegrate the KAV-1500into your system,reviewthe following guidelines to
choosethe location for the component.Thiswill facilitate a clean, trouble-free
installation.
TheKAV-1500requires at least twoinches (5 cm)of clearanceon eachside and
least two inches (5 cm)of clearanceabovethe componentto provide adequate
ventilation.
TheKAV-1500doesnot require anytypeof special rack or cabinet for installation. For
the dimensionsof your amplifier seeSpecifications, on page23.
Placethe amplifier as close to the loudspeakersas possible andkeepthe speaker
cable length to a minimum.Speakercable addsimpedanceto the load the amplifier
mustdrive, regardlessof the cable’s gauge.Krell amplifiers drive the lowest
impedanceswith ease, but long speakercables reducethe maximumpowerthat is
delivered to the loudspeakers.
AC POWERGUIDELINES
Krell recommendsoperating eachamplifier from a dedicated15-ampACpowerline.
For maximumpoweroutput, operate the KAV-1500amplifier from a dedicated 20-amp
ACpowerline.
4Krell KAV-1500Amplifier

FIGURE1 THE KAV-1500 FRONTPANEL
KAV-1500
1 PowerButton
2 PowerLED

Front Panel Description: KAV-1500
SeeFigure 1 on page5
1 PowerButton
Usethis button to switch the KAV-1500powerfrom off to the operational modeand
also to switch the 12VDCoutput (12 Vtrigger) onandoff.
2 Power LED
Theblue powerLEDilluminates whenthe amplifier is in the operational mode,
6 Krell KAV-1500Amplifier

FIGURE2 THE KAV-1500 BACKPANEL
3 8
AGC-12
20 23 19 14
9
INPUT---~
/
AGC-12
5 10
/
r-~ ~ INPUT ~
/
6 11 7 12
KAV-1500
PowerAmplifier
21 22
OUTPUT
(LIEF’I"SURROUNO)
1915 1916 1917
AGC42
OUTPUT
(LEF’r)
1918
BalancedInputs
3 RightSurroundInput
4 Left SurroundInput
5 CenterInput
6RightInput
7 LeftInput
Single-endedInputs
8 RightSurroundInput
9Left SurroundInput
10CenterInput
11RightInput
12LeftInput
Multi-ChannelInput
13Multi-channelInput
AmplifierChannelOutputs
14RightSurroundOutput
15Left SurroundOutput
16CenterOutput
17RightOutput
18Left Output
Fuses
19 AGC-~uses "-,
20LineFuse
RemoteConnections
21 12 VDCRemote
PowerOut
22 12 VDCRemote
PowerIn
Power
23ACPowerCord

BackPanelDescription: KAV-1500
SeeFigure2 onpage7
TheKAV-1500backpanelprovidesconnectionsfor all inputs andoutputs, remote
connectioninput andoutputlinks, andACpowersupply.
Balanced Inputs
3, 4, 5, 6, 7Inputs
Thesearetheright surround(3), left surround(4), center(5), right (6), and
KAV-1500channelinputs for outputdeviceswith balancedXLRconnectors.
Single-ended Inputs
8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Inputs
Thesearetheright surround(8), left surround(9), center(10),right (11),andleft
KAV-1500channelinputs for output deviceswith single-endedRCAconnectors.
SeeReconfiguringthe KAV-1500for MAT,on page14, andReconfiguringthe
KAV-1500for BridgedOperation,onpage16, for informationonoptional system
configurations.
Multi-channel Input
13 Multi-channelInput
Thisis the DB-25input, for connectingto the DB-25outputof a preamp/processor.The
DB-25input incorporatesall five channelsplusa 5 VDC(5 Volt trigger), andallowsyou
to sendall audiosignalsandturn theamplifieronandoff via a singlecable.
Amplifier Channel Outputs
14, 15, 16, 17, 18Outputs
Thesearetheright surround(14), left surround(15),center(16),right (17), andleft
KAV-1500amplifier channeloutputswith five-wayloudspeakerbindingposts. The
loudspeakerbindingpostterminalsacceptspadelugs, barewire, bananaplugs,or
pins.Usethe redterminalfor thepositiveconnectionandtheblackterminalfor the
negativeconnection.
SeeInput andOutputConnections,onpage10, Connectingthe KAV-1500
Reconfiguredfor MAT,on page14, andConnectingthe BridgedKAV-1500,on
page17, for moreinformationonamplifier channeloutputconnections.
8KrellKAV-1500Amplifier

BackPanelDescription, continued
Fuses
19 AGC-12Fuses
TheAGC12 Volt loudspeakerfuses protect the KAV-1500against short circuits in
loudspeakeroutput.
20 Line Fuse
Theline fuseprotects the KAV-1500againstshort circuits in internal powersupplies,
Note
Fusesmustbe replacedwith the fuse value specified on the KAV-1500backpanel
Usea 20 ampslow-blowline fuse for 100/120V systemsor a 12 ampslow-blowline
fuse for 220/240V systems,
RemoteConnections
21 12 VDCRemotePower Out
TheKAV-1500is equippedwith an output that sends12 VDCpoweron/off (12
trigger) signals to other Krell componentsandother devicesthat incorporatea 12
trigger.
22 12 VDCRemotePowerIn
TheKAV-1500is equippedwith an input that receives 12 VDCpoweron/off (12
trigger) signals fromother Krell componentsandother devicesthat incorporatea 12
trigger. This allows youto turn the KAV-1500onandoff usinga Krell or other
componentin a custominstallation.
Notes
12 VDCOut~In(12 V trigger) remotepoweris limited to 30ma.
Consultthe owner’smanualof eachcomponentusedin a custominstallation to take full
advantageof the KAV-1500remotecapability.
Power
23 ACPower Cord
TheKAV-1500is equippedwith a hardwired ACpowercord,
Krell KAV-1500Amplifier

Connectingthe KAV-1500Amplifier to Your System
INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
Followthesestepsto connectthe KAV-1500amplifier to yoursystem.
1. Makesureall powersourcesandcomponentsare off beforeconnectinginputs and
outputs=
2. Neatlyorganizethe wiring betweenthe amplifier andall systemcomponents.
SeparateACwiresfromaudiocablesto preventhumor other unwantednoisefrom
beingintroducedinto the system,
3. Connectthe interconnectcablesfromyouroutputdeviceto the amplifier inputs.The
KAV-1500is equippedwith balanced(3, 4, 5, 6, 7) or single-ended(8, 9, 10,11,
inputslocatedonthe backpanel.Thebalancedinputs usethree-pinXLR
connectors;the single-endedinputs useRCAconnectors.
or
Usethe multi-channel(DB-25)connectorto simplify the integrationof the KAV-1500
into yoursystem.
Connectthe DB-25output onyourpreamp/processorto the DB-25input (13)
locatedonthe backpanelof the KAV-1500.TheDB-25cablesimultaneously
transmitsaudiooutputsandTrigger1 signalsfromthe Krell HomeTheaterStandard
SurroundPreamp/processor(HTS)DB-25outputto all inputs anda 5 VDC(5 Volt
trigger) onthe KAV-1500via the DB-25input.
Note
Youneedto configureTrigger1 onthe HTSbeforeoperation.
IMPORTANT
Donot connectthe multi-channelinput andsingle-endedor balancedinputsat the
sametime.
4. Connectthe loudspeakercablesto the KAV-1500amplifier channeloutputspeaker
bindingposts(14, 15,16, 17, 18)locatedonthebackpanel.
Theamplifier channeloutputsfor the KAV-1500usefive-wayloudspeakerbinding
posts. Theloudspeakerbindingpostterminalsacceptspadelugs, barewire, banana
plugs,or pins. Usethe redterminalfor thepositiveconnectionandtheblack
terminalfor thenegativeconnection.
5. Plugthe endof the ACpowercordinto the ACoutlet.
Theamplifier is nowreadyfor operation.SeeAmplifier Operation,onpage19.
1o KrellKAV-1500Amplifier

TheKAV-1500amplifier is shippedwith shortingpins in the XLRinputs. Thesepins
shouldremainin theXLRinputsif the amplifieris operatingin the single-endedmode.
Whentheshortingpin is insert,ed,pins1 (lowerleft) and3 (top)areshortedtogether.
Removethe shortingpinsto connecttheamplifier for balancedoperation.
TheXLRpin configurationis describedbelow:
Pin1 Ground
Pin2 Non-inverting(0
°)
Pin3 Inverting(180
°)
Krell recommendsusingbalancedinterconnectcables. Balancedinterconnectcables
not onlycanminimizesonicloss but arealsoimmuneto inducednoise,especiallywith
installations usinglongcables.Balancedconnectionshave6 dBmoregainthansingle-
endedconnections.Whenlevel matchingis critical, keepthis gainvaluein mind.
Krell KAV-1500Amplifier 11

Optional SystemConfigurations
TheKAV-1500can be reconfigured for either Multi AmpThroughput(MAT)or bridged
operation.
IMPORTANT
Removingthe coverto reconfigure for MATor for bridgedoperation is the ONLY
instance you are authorized to removethe cover of ANYKrell componentwithout
voiding your Warranty.Formoreinformationon productlimitations andrestrictions, see
Warranty, on page21.
BeforeReconfiguringfor MATor BridgedOperation
Readthe following importantsafety instructions beforeyouattemptto reconfigureyour
amplifier for either MATor bridgedoperation:
1. Unplugthe powercord. Unplugthe ACpowercord (23) from ACpower.
2. Avoidthe powersupply. After removingthe screws(see instructions below) and
the cover,locate andstay awareof the location of the powersupply(round,silver
structuresbehindthe amplifier front panel). Avoidmakingcontactwith that areaof
theamplifier.
3. Removejewelry. Rings, necklaces,bracelets, andother pieces of metal jewelry
canconductan electrical charge. Considerremovingthembefore attempting any
reconfiguration.
4. Alwaysreplacecover, Makesure the amplifier’s cover is properly replacedand
securedby all 14 cover screwsbefore resumingoperation.
IMPORTANT
Operatingthe amplifier without the cover properly replacedandsecuredmay
void your warranty.
MULTI AMP THROUGHPUT
Multi AmpThroughput(MAT)is an internal connectionoption for the KAV-1500that
lets yousendthe samemusicsignal to all amplifier channelsusing onebalancedor
single-endedconnection. MATreducesinstallation complexityandcabling requirements
in systemscontainingmultiple amplifiers.
12 Krell KAV-1500Amplifier

FIGURE3 RECONFIGURINGTHE KAV-1500 FORMATOPERATI()N
PC Input Board showing MAT jumper configuration
Left ToSlow
Channel Start
J1M 8oard
For J For~,~eff.SurroundJ For~ Right
Bridging Surround
J6fl J4N ,,,J5 J7111J12,, J11,llJ1,II J13,1, J1811Jr6111 CRj17 I~L~piiTB~5/~ESJ~i’ng J19~~J23~:0~i~2~ I]J29IIIJ25
PRC- Permanent ribbon connections (Do Not Remove)
MAT- Multi AmpThroughput (MAT) ribbon connections

Reconfiguring the KAV-1500for MAT
SeeFigure 3 on page13
Tools needed:T-15 Torx wrenchandfour ribbon connectioncables
1. Turnthe KAV-1500off by pressing the powerbutton (1) on the front panel. Theblue
powerLED(2) extinguishes. Unplugthe ACpowercord (23) from ACpower.
2. Usingthe T-15Torx wrench,removethe 14 screwsthat securethe amplifier cover.
Carefully removethe cover.
3. Locatethe PCinput boardandjumperpins at the rear of the amplifier.
IMPORTANT
Donot removeor changethe ribbon connectioncablesalready in place. These
connectionsare polarized to ensurethe correct phase.
4. Connectoneendof the first ribbon connectioncableto jumperpin J5. Connectthe
other endof the ribbon connectioncableto jumperpin J11.
5. Usethe remainingribbon connectioncables to connect:
J10to J16
J 17to J22
J23to J28
6. Replacethe cover,sliding the front panelendin first and,usingthe T-15Torx
wrench,secureall 14 cover screws.
TheKAV-1500amplifier is nowreconfigured for MAToperation.
Connectingthe KAV-1500Reconfigured for MAT
SeeFigure 2 on page7
1. Connectyouroutput deviceto oneof the balancedinputs (3, 4, 5, 6, or 7) or one
the single-endedinputs (8, 9, 10, 11, or 12) on the KAV-1500backpanel.
IMPORTANT
Donot usethe multi-channel input if youhavereconfiguredthe KAV-1500for MATor
bridgedoperation.
2. Connecteachamplifier channeloutput (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to a separate
loudspeaker,usingthe positive andnegativeterminals on the speakerbinding posts.
14 Krell KAV-1500Amplifier

FIGURE4 RECONFIGURINGTHE KAV-1500 FORBRIDGEDOPERATI( )N
Do not attempt to bridge channelsin any wayother than specified below.
OptI
Opt~ Opti°n 2
Right For CenterFor For
ChannelBridging ChannelBridging KRELLINDUSTRIESBridging
J,~ J12fl J11~11(~],13~J18
HJ16flHJ171"%7BOA05B
RD
J24N
!
Left ToSlow For
Channel Stad Bridging
mBoard
Option 4
i
LeftSurroundFor Right
Option1: Bridging r----BRG
the Left and
Right Channels
,~ Bri~ (~l~;~e, Bri~ing~
/ J6111J411II
J5 J7111J1211 J11111
~__~-- PRC
Option 3: Bridging I-~-BRG
the Center and Left ~....-L....~..~
Surround Channels f -~
1418111J1611II317 P10705B J2411J19111J2211111423I
~__~---PRC
Option2: Bridging r----BRG
the Right and ~
Center Channels f ~
IFor /.....=..X /
/ J12111 J1111J1qlJ13111J1811J1611IIIJ17
Option4: Bridging I---BRG
the Left Surroundand ~
Right Surround Channels /
~
For ~ Left For~
~Bridgin~"~Su~und n n Bd~]ing n~
|324111 31911132211ii323 3301132811iii329
~__~-PRC
PRC-- Permanentribbon connections (Do Not Remove) BRG-- Bridging

BRIDGED OPERATION
TheKAV-1500canbereconfiguredto bridgefour of its amplifier channelsto operate
astwocombinedamplifier channels.Thebridgedamplifier channelseachdeliver 1,100
Wattsinto an8 Ohmload. Theunbridgedamplifier channelcanbeconnectedto a
separateloudspeaker.
IMPORTANT
Onechannelmustremainunbridged.
Reconfiguring the KAV-1500for Bridged Operation
SeeFigure4 onpage15
Toolsneeded:T-15Torxwrenchandtworibbon connectioncables
1. Turnthe KAV-1500off bypressingthe powerbutton(1) onthe front panel.Theblue
powerLED(2) extinguishes.Unplugthe ACpowercord(23) fromACpower.
2. Usingthe T-15Torxwrench,removeall 14coverscrewsthat securethe amplifier
cover.Carefullyremovethe cover.
3. LocatethePCinputboardandjumperpinsat therearof theamplifier.
4. Followthe directionsbelow.Youmaybridgechannelsusing:
Options1 and3 or Options1 and4 or Options2 and4
IMPORTANT
Donot attemptto bridgechannelsin anywayotherthanspecifiedin thesedirections.
Option1: Tobridgethe left andright channels,connectoneendof the ribbon
connectioncableto jumperpin J6. Connectthe otherendof the ribbonconnection
cableto jumperpinJ11.
Option2: Tobridgethe right andcenterchannels,connectoneendof the ribbon
connectioncableto jumperpin J12.Connectthe otherendof the ribbonconnection
cableto jumperpin J17.
Option3: Tobridgethe centerandleft surroundchannels,connectoneendof the
ribbonconnectioncableto jumperpin J18.Connectthe otherendof the ribbon
connectioncableto jumperpin J23.
Option4: Tobridge the left surroundandright surroundchannels,connectone
endof the ribbonconnectioncableto jumperpin J24.Connectthe otherendof the
ribbonconnectioncableto jumperpin J29.
5. Replacethe coverand,usingthe T-15Torxwrench,secureall 14coverscrews.
TheKAV-1500amplifier is nowreadyfor bridgedoperation.
16 Krell KAV-1500Amplifier