Krell Industries KRC-3 Quick start guide

KRC-3
REMOTE CONTROL LINE-LEVEL
PREAMPLIFIER
OWNER’S REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
3
3
4
5
6
8
10
11
12
13
INTRODUCTION
UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
BASIC INSTALLATION
INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
BASIC PREAMPLIFIER OPERATION
OPTIONAL CONFIGURATIONS
REMOTE CONTROL
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
SPECIFICATIONS
WARRANTYAND SERVICE

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of the KRELL KRC-3 remote control
preamplifier. KRELLhas built a reputation for blazing the evolutionary path in
audio technology. Our new KRC-3 continues this tradition by mating the
essential KRELLtechnologies of Class A operation and discrete circuitry with
current mode amplification and our High Resolution volume control.
First developed for our Reference 64 D/A processor, current mode amplification
utilizes gain stages that operate exclusively in the current domain. This
inherently linear and ultra-fast circuit topology effortlessly captures the most
extreme transients while preserving all the nuances and subtleties of the
musical performance.
The KRC-3uses our new High Resolution sixteen bit system to resolve line level
attenuation. This control selects from over 300 discrete resistor network
combinations to provide a perfectly proportioned and highly precise attenuation
curve. This system allows for a fine vernier of adjustment and the creation of a
custom logarithmic level taper perfectly suited for audio. KRELL-written
control software inserts only the appropriate individual resistor values into the
signal path rather than subjecting the musical signal to the sonic degradations
inherent in a conventional resistive potentiometer. This translates into
resolving power that delivers an even quieter, or "blacker", background to all
forms of music, allowing more of the natural textures of the music to be
brought forth.
To obtain the best performance from your KRC-3, careful attention should be
paid to its placement, installation, and operation. A thorough understanding of
these details will help insure satisfactory operation and a long life for the
KRC-3 and related system components.
This Owner’s Reference is divided into several sections, each designed to
perform a different function. As you read through the Owner’s Reference you
will become better acquainted with the features and functions that make the
KRC-3 an outstanding performer and a superb value. A Question and Answer
section is included where answers to commonquestions are provided. Should
you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact your
authorized dealer or the KRELLstaff for assistance.
In the unlikely event that your KRC-3 should require service, you will be
pleased to know that it is backed by a comprehensive Customer Satisfaction
policy and one of the most advanced service facilities in the industry. For
detailed information on the terms and conditions of service, please consult your
warranty registration card, your KRELLDealer or Distributor.
2

UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
1. After opening the box and removing the top layer of foam, the KRC-3and the
following items will nowbe visible:
1 KRC-3 remote control
1 T- 10 Torx wrench
1 AC power cord
1 Owner’s Reference
1 Warranty card
NOTE: If any of these items are not included please contact your authorized
dealer immediately for assistance.
NOTE:Save all packing materials. If you must ship your KRC-3 in the future,
repack the unit in its original packing to prevent damagein transit.
BASIC INSTALLATION
\
1. Place the unit on a firm level surface free from excessive dirt or moisture.
The KRC-3is not particularly hum sensitive, therefore other components can
be placed on or around the KRC-3.
NOTE: While the KRC-3 has a superb power supply and does not require a
dedicated circuit, we strongly advise against any connections through extension
cords or multiple AC adapters. High quality 15 amp line conditioners or
grounded ACstrips are acceptable.
3

INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
CAUTIONS:When making connections to this or any other component, make sure
all components are OFF. Make sure all cable terminations are of the highest
quality, free from frayed ends, shorts, or cold solder joints.
1. Connect the left and right outputs of your source components to the input
on the KRC-3.
The KRC-3 is equipped with four single-ended inputs (S1, $2, S3/proc, and
S4/tape) and one balanced input (B1). The S1 and $2 inputs are standard
single-ended inputs while S3/proc and S4/tape have user-configurable
options. The S3/proc and S4/tape are set as standard inputs from the
factory. The S3/proc input can be set for use as a surround processor
throughput and the S4/tape can be set as a tape monitor input. Both
options will be discussed on page 6 in Optional Configurations.
2. Connect the output of the KRC-3 to the input of your power amplifier.
The KRC-3 has balanced outputs via XLR type connectors and single-ended
outputs via RCAtype connectors. Both outputs are active at all times,
allowing simultaneous connection to separate amplifiers. Only one of these
outputs should be connected to a single stereo amplifier.
NOTE: When connecting inputs or outputs to the KRC-3, remember that the
balanced connections will have 6dB more gain than the single-ended
connections. When level matching is critical in your installation, keep this
specification in mind.
3. Plug the ACcord into the receptacle on the back of the KRC-3. Plug the
remaining end into the AC wall receptacle. The blue pilot LED will
illuminate, and the KRC-3will be ready for operation.
4

BASIC PREAMPLIFIER OPERATION
The KRC-3provides basic input selection and volume control operation from
the front panel. The remote control includes additional preamplifier functions
as well as KRELLCDtransport and amplifier controls (see Remote Control page
8 for more information).
NOTES ON THE VOLUME CONTROL
The level control on the KRC-3 is quite unique in that the volume level is
indicated by illuminated LEDs around the outside of the level control, not by
the physical position of the level control. When you change level with the
remote control, the position of the level control knob does not change. This is
because the volume is electronically regulated without the use of a
potentiometer. When volume is increased manually or by remote control, the
indicator LED will illuminate clockwise. When volume is decreased, the
indicator LEDwill illuminate counterclockwise. Whenthe level is fully off, no
indicator LEDswill be illuminated.
BASIC OPERATION
I. Turn the volume control fully counterclockwise to the off position, no LEDs
illuminated.
2. Turn on the power amplifier.
3. Choose a listening source and select that input either manually or via the
remote control.
4. Start play of the source.
5. Set volume to a comfortable listening level.
6. Whenchanging sources, lower volume to the off position. This insures that
the next source played will not damage your system with a high output
transient.
5

BASIC PREAMPLIFIER OPERATION
MUTE
Front panel: To mute, press the active source’s input button.
Remote control: Press the mute button.
Front panel: To unmute the KRC-3, press the active source’s input button
again. If the source is changed while the KRC-3 is muted, press the new
source’s input button a second time to unmute the KRC-3.
Remote control: Press the mute button.
OPTIONAL CONFIGURATIONS
S3/proc: For simplified integration of an A/V surround sound processor, the
S3/proc input can be set to operate as a unity gain stage. In this mode, when
the S3/proc input is selected, the KRC-3’s volume control and balance is
disabled. Volume control is transferred from the KRC-3 to the A/V surround
processor connected to the S3/proc input. The left and right channel volume
settings are now independent of the KRC-3’s volume control and the overall
system level is determined by the A/V surround processor exclusively.
S4/tape: The S4/tape input is set to operate as a tape monitor. A tape monitor
allows you to listen to the output from your recorder and enables you to
examine your recording for imperfections or distortions. After selecting a
source for recording (B1, S1, $2, or $3), repeated pressing of the S4/Tape
button will toggle between the tape recorder output (LED illuminated) and the
input source (LEDnot illuminated).
If your system does not include a tape recorder, the S4/Tape input can be
configured for operation as a standard input identical to the S 1 and $2 inputs.
NOTE: The factory default positions sets S3/Proc as a standard input and
S4/Tape as a tape monitor input.
6

OPTIONAL CONFIGURATIONS
To enable these options, it is necessary to remove the top cover of the KRC-3.
1. Unplug the KRC-3 from the ACoutlet.
2. Remove the KRC-3 top cover screws with the supplied T-10 Torx wrench.
Lift the cover from the KRC-3.
3. Find the two switches located toward the front of the board that are labeled
S3/proc and S4/tape. Set the dip switches to the position appropriate for
your application.
4, Place the top cover back on the KRC-3and insert the cover screws.
5. Plug the KRC-3back into the ACoutlet.
7

REMOTE CONTROL
NOTE:When a function button on the remote control is pressed, the blue pilot LED
will flash on the KRC-3. Whenthe button is released the flashing stops.
PREAMPLIFIER FUNCTIONS
LEVEL/~ Raises volume
LEVEL ~ Lowers volume
B-1
S-I
S-2
S-3
S-4
TAPE
Selects B- 1 input
Selects S- 1 input
Selects S-2 input
Selects S-3/Proc input
Selects S-4/Tape when input is configured as a standard input
Selects S-4/Tape when input is configured as a tape monitor
PHASE
MUTE
BALANCE L
BALANCE R
0 or 180°, LEDilluminates when phase is reversed 180
°.
No signal output when LEDis illuminated.
Shifts balance to the left in l dB increments.
mutes the right channel.
Shifts balance to the right in l dB increments.
mutes the left channel.
"L" position
"R" position
CD FUNCTIONS
PLAY
PAUSE
TRACK PREV
TRACK NEXT
Starts CD playback on KRELLCD transports.
Temporarily suspends playback of current track. Second
press of the Pause button resumes play.
Selects and begins playing the track previous to the current
track.
Selects and begins playing the track after the current track.
8

AMPLIFIER FUNCTIONS
Turns KRELLAudio Standard or S-Series amplifiers On or Off.
MTR Turns KRELLS-Series amplifiers bias level meters On or
Off and cycles through KRELL Audio Standard meter
functions.
NOTE:The B2 and GAIN buttons are not functional with the KRC-3.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
NOTE: Batteries (AAA) should be replaced when the KRC-3 does not readily
respond to remote commands.
1. Removethe four torx screws from the remote control’s back plate.
2. Remove the back plate to expose the battery storage compartment.
3. Insert batteries (refer to the polarity drawing while inserting batteries.)
4. Replace the back plate and insert the four torx screws.
9

REAR PANEL DESCRH~ION
INPUTS
Four single-ended inputs via RCAconnectors
S-1
S-2
S-3/proc
S-4/tape
One balanced input via XLRconnectors
One tape output via RCAconnectors
MAIN OUTPUTS
Single ended RCAoutput connectors
Balanced XLRoutput connectors
XLRinput and output pin configuration:
Pin 1 Shield (ground)
Pin 2 Non-inverting (hot)
Pin 3 Inverting
10

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. When I turn up the volume on the KRC-3 a loud hum is present from the
loudspeakers; what could it be?
A. Humcan be caused by several different disturbances. Check to make sure
all of the cables into and out of the KRC-3 are sound and making proper
contact. Make sure there are no power supplies or hum inducing
components on top or directly below the KRC-3.
You could also be experiencing a ground loop in the system. Put a 3 prong
to 2 prong ACadapter (cheater plug) on the KRC-3. This should eliminate
the hum. If the hum persists, you may need to repeat this procedure on
additional components in the system. Please contact your dealer or
equipment manufacturer before lifting the ground on any component.
Remember to always keep one major component grounded. If these
suggestions do not lead to a solution, please consult your dealer or KRELL.
Q. Can the KRC-3 be used to control more than one system?
A. Yes, the KRC-3 has both single-ended and balanced outputs that can be
used simultaneously to control two different systems.
Q. WhenI select the B1 input on KRC-3, one channel seems to have less gain
than the other. Is something wrong with the preamplifier?
A. More than likely there is not a problem with the KRC-3. The balanced input
or output internal cable terminations could be incorrect. Locate the
channel of the system that appears to have less gain. Switch that channel’s
input cables. If the problems now appears in the other channel, it is a
defective cable. If the problem remains in the original channel, check the
KRC-3output cables using the same procedure. If it is not cable or source
related, call your dealer or KRELL.
Check to make sure there are no Balance LEDs illuminated. If there are,
correct the balance by pressing the balance control buttons on the remote
control until no LEDsare illuminated.
Q. WhenI use my surround processor, where should I set the volume on the KRC-3?
A. When using the KRC-3’s Theater Throughput capability, the system volume
control is performed by the surround sound processor. This eliminates the
need to predetermine a proper volume setting for the KRC-3 as the KRC-3’s
level control is not active in this mode (See Optional Configurations page
for more information).
11

SPECIFICATIONS
GAIN:
6.5dB
SIGNAL TO NOISE:
>98dB; "A" weighted
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
20 Hz to 20 KHz, +/-0.05dB
.3 Hz to 300 KHz, +/-3dB
THD:
<0.009%, 20Hz to 20 KHz
INPUT VOLTAGETO OVERLOAD:
8.5V RMS
INPUT IMPEDANCE:
47,500 Ohms (47.5 K Ohm)
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE:
15 ohms
OUTPUT VOLTAGE:
9 V/18 V RMS(single-ended/balanced)
DIMENSIONS:
Unit:
19.0" Wide
15.5" Deep
3.5" High
47.5 cm Wide
38.75 cm Deep
8.75 cm High
WEIGHT:
Shipping
28 Ibs.
Unit only
19 lbs.
12.7 kg.
8.6 kg.
All operationalfeatures, functions, andspecifications andpolicies are subject to change
withoutnotification.
12

WARRANTY AND SERVICE
NOTE: Warranty does not apply to damage caused by acts of God or nature.
The KRC-3 has a limited warranty and transferable warranty of five years for
parts and labor. The warranty begins on the date of retail purchase, as noted
on the retail sales slip provided by an authorized KRELLDealer or Distributor,
or on the warranty registration card sent to KRELL.In the event adequate proof
of purchase date is unavailable, the warranty period will begin on the date the
unit was originally shipped from the KRELLfactory. The original ship date can
be determined by KRELLfrom the serial number.
The warranty for KRELLproducts is valid only in the country to which they were
originally shipped, through the authorized KRELLDistributor for that country,
and at the KRELLfactory. There may be restrictions on or changes to KRELL’s
warranty because of regulations within a specific country. Please check with
your Distributor for a complete understanding of the warranty in your country.
Freight to the KRELLf~actory is your responsibility. Return freight ~-ithin the
United States is included in the warranty. If you have purchased your KRELL
product outside the United States and wish to have it serviced at the KRELL
factory, all freight and associated charges to the KRELLfactory are your
responsibility. KRELLwill pay return freight to the USA-based freight forwarder
of your choice. Freight and other charges to ship the unit from the freight
forwarder to you are also your responsibility.
The operating voltage of this unit is determined by the KRELLfactory and can
only be changed by an authorized KRELLdistributor or at the KRELLfactory.
The voltage for the KRC-3 in the USAcannot be changed for six months from
the original purchase date. Any unauthorized voltage conversion, disassembly,
component replacement, perforation of chassis, updates, or modifications
performed to the unit will void the warranty. KRELLis not responsible for any
damage incurred in transit. KRELLwill file claims for damages as necessary for
units damaged .in transit to the KRELLfactory. You are responsible to file
claims for shipping damages during the return shipment.
The use of any packing material other than the original is not recommended.
KRELLmay, at its discretion, pack a unit in new material for the return
shipment. KRELLwill bill you for such if the unit was shipped in non standard
packing or if the original packing is so damaged as to be unuseful. If you need
to purchase additional packing, please contact your authorized KRELLDealer,
Distributor or KRELLfor assistance.
IMPORTANT:If you believe there is a problem with your unit, please contact your
Dealer, Distributor, or the KRELLfactory immediately. Do not return any unit to
KRELLfor repair without first calling to discuss the problem and to obtain a
Return Authorization number.
13

KRELL
45 Connair Road ¯ Orange, CT 06477
203-799-9954 ¯ Fax: [phone]
Copyright 1995 KRELL
P/N 1990061