Krell Industries PHANTOM User manual

OWNER’S REFERENCE
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
STEREO PREAMPLIFIER
THE LEADER IN AUDIO ENGINEERING

Phantom Stereo Preamplifier
Owner’s Reference, v1.0
Krell Industries, LLC.
45 Connair Road
Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA
This product complies with the EMC directive (89/336/EEC) and the low-voltage directive
(73/23/EEC).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Instructions.
2. Keep these Instructions.
3. Heed all Warnings.
4. Follow all Instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa-
ratus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
8. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
10. The Phantom preamplifier must be placed on a firm, level surface where it is not exposed to
dripping or splashing.
11. The ventilation grids on the top of the Phantom preamplifier and the space underneath the
Phantom preamplifier must be unobstructed at all times during operation. Do not place flam-
mable material above or beneath the preamplifier.
12. Before making connections to the Phantom preamplifier, ensure that the power is off and other
components are in mute or stand-by mode. Make sure all cable terminations are of the highest
quality, free from frayed ends, short circuits, or cold solder joints.
13. Do not connect an RS-232 cable to the phono power port. Output from the phono power port
can seriously damage your computer.
14. Do not connect the cable from a Krell KPE phono stage to the RS-232 port.
15. THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE AN PHANTOM PREAMPLIFIER.
Please contact Krell if you have questions not addressed in this guide.
This product is manufactured in the United States of America. Krell®is a registered trademark of Krell Industries, LLC., and is restricted for use
by Krell Industries, LLC., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents. Evolution Bias™ is a trademark of Krell Industries, LLC. and is a Krell technolo-
gy based on U.S. Patent No. 5,331,291. CAN Link™, CAST™, Evolution CAST™, and Krell Current Mode™ are trademarks of Krell Industries,
LLC. All other trademarks are registered to their respective companies.
© 2011 by Krell Industries, LLC. All rights reserved
TEL [phone]
FAX [phone]
E-MAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE http://www.krellonline.com

3
Contents
List of Illustrations, page 4
A Letter from Krell Industries LLC, page 5
SECTION ONE: Phantom Features and Technology, page 6
Features, Revolutionary Krell CAST Technology,
Definition of Terms
SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement, page 11
Opening the Phantom Shipping Carton
SECTION THREE: Quick Start, page 13
Connecting the Phantom to Your System,
Operating the Phantom
SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of the Phantom, page 15
Front Panel Description, Remote Control Description,
Battery Installation, and Back Panel Description
SECTION FIVE: Connecting the Phantom to Your System, page 26
Input and Output Connections, Connection Steps
SECTION SIX: Phantom Operation, page 28
On/Off and Stand-by Operation
SECTION SEVEN: Customizing the Phantom, page 29
Navigation Conventions, Menu Functions
SECTION EIGHT: Troubleshooting System Noise, page 43
WARRANTY, page 44
RETURN AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURE, page 46
SPECIFICATIONS, page 47

4
List of Illustrations
Figure 1, page 15
Phantom Preamplifier and Power Supply Front Panels
Inset Preamplifier and Power Supply Stacked View
Figure 2, page 19
Phantom Remote Control
Figure 3, page 22
Phantom Preamplifier and Power Supply Back Panels

5
A Letter from Krell Industries LLC
Dear Audio Enthusiast,
Thank you for your purchase of the Krell Phantom preamplifier.
The preamplifier plays a vital role in audio playback by mediating the line-level out-
put of a wide variety of source components in preparation for the amplifier’s input.
At no other point in the reproduction process is music so vulnerable to change, as
the signal level is small, and susceptible to noise and distortion.
Having always valued the role of the preamplifier in fine audio systems, we take
preamplifier design very seriously. We realize that, no matter how impressive an
amplifier’s performance; it can be no better than that of the preamplifier driving it.
Our new Phantom preamplifier employs a powerful, separate power supply, Krell
Current Mode gain stages from input to output, and Current Audio Signal
Transmission (CAST) receivers and transmitters. Utilizing these powerful technolo-
gies, the Phantom conveys the complete range of timbre and dynamics that com-
prise the foundation musical performance. Typical of our latest preamplifier
designs, the Phantom preamplifier includes a thoughtful suite of menu options and
can be customized for the greatest ease of operation.
We hope that you enjoy your new Phantom preamplifier.
Sincerely,
Krell Industries LLC

6
SECTION ONE
Phantom Features and Technology
This section describes the innovative features and technology of the Phantom pre-
amplifier, and defines CAST and other key terms used in this reference.
The Phantom Stereo Preamplifier, evolving from the flagship Evolution Two, works
to carefully transmit audio signals without damaging the ephemeral staging and
dimensional components of the music. The Phantom is a two chassis design with
a separate power supply that isolates the critical audio stages for the lowest pos-
sible noise floor. A combination of advanced technologies and inspired design ele-
vate the Phantom preamplifier’s performance to the reference level.
Features
Preamplifier
The Phantom preamplifier is the first Krell amplifier to include an optional
crossover. The crossover fuctionality offers the ability to use a subwoofer/satellite
speaker arrangement and still maintain the highest quality sonic performance.
Previous to the Phantom preamplifier, this system configuration would require sig-
nals to pass through a subwoofer’s lower quality crossover circuitry. The Phantom
preamplifier is the centerpiece of a world class audio system where space is at a
premium.
Crossover Highlights
Owing to Krell’s work in the Modulari Duo Reference loudspeakers, the unique
crossover feature is a highly sophisticated option. When the optional board is
present, additional crossover menu items become available. Definable parameters
include independently assignable crossover frequencies and filter types for te high
and low pass sections. Choices include 40Hz, 55Hz, 75Hz, and 100Hz crossover
points with 12dB, 18dB, and 24dB Butterworth or 24dB Linkwitz-Riley style filters.
The high pass section of the crossover uses the full Phantom preamplifier circuitry
for its ouput stage.
Circuitry Highlights
The Phantom preamplifier is a dual monaural circuit design with the left and right
channels afforded their own power supply regulation and individual full chassis
sized boards. All signal gain is realized in surface mount topology using propri-
etary multiple-output current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity
of other designs. Approaching 1 MHz of open loop bandwidth in a zero feedback,
balanced, Krell Current Mode, the Phantom output stage terminates in Krell CAST.
continued

7
A complete Krell system (source, preamp, and amplifier) system, connected using
Krell MMF CAST interconnects reduces the number of voltage gain stages to the
minimum, one. The resulting noise floor approaches the theoretical limit of tech-
nology. Negative feedback is not used anywhere in the preamp, nor is it neces-
sary. Open-loop distortion is typically less than 0.003%. The volume control is
realized with a balanced resistor ladder — bandwidth and transient response of
the preamp circuitry are virtually unaffected by the volume setting.
Power Suply Highlights
The Phantom audio circuits receive power from a Krell Current Mode analog
power supply housed in its own dedicated chassis. The power supply avoids the
common integrated circuit topology used in many preamplifiers and instead mim-
ics the design topology of Krell Evolution e Series amplifiers. The circuitry is com-
pletely discrete giving it the ability to respond quickly to current demands and also
be unaffected by all but the most severe AC voltage power fluctuations.
Oversized for a preamplifier, the power supply features a 290 VA transformer and
41,600µF of capacitance. Locating the power supply in its own chassis presents
the ideal configuration for isolating stray electrical and magnetic interference from
the critical preamplifier signal path. Capable of delivering current and voltage
swing for any musical event, the Phantom power supply is gentle on AC require-
ments when not in use. A new eco-friendly design reduces standby power draw to
2W. .
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.
The Voltage Signal Transmission
and the Traditional Audio System
Traditionally, signal is transmitted in the voltage domain between two components.
In an audio system, each component is a discrete entity with unique characteris-
tics that act upon the musical signal independently. Each component is unaware
of the other components in the system. The cables that connect the components
also have their own electrical characteristics, which affect the sonic presentation
of the entire system. CAST transmission unifies individual components and inter-
connects into an electrically-linked whole. The original signal remains unaltered
from source to speaker.
continued

8
CAST Basics
Here is how a CAST audio system works. Internally, each CAST source transfers,
or amplifies, current using Krell Current Mode circuitry. This current signal is then
output using CAST circuitry. When the signal is received by a CAST input, Krell
Current Mode circuitry again takes over until the signal reaches the loudspeaker.
By maintaining the musical signal in the current domain from beginning to end, an
entire CAST system behaves as if it is one component. With CAST, circuit board
properties and signal transmission aberrations between components are eliminat-
ed. Cable impedances and their effects on the transmitted signal are non-existent.
How CAST and Krell Current Mode Interact
While CAST is a new method of transferring the musical signal between compo-
nents, its origin stems from Krell Current Mode, the technology developed to
transfer the musical signal within a component. CAST combined with Krell Current
Mode takes circuitry signal transmission to the next evolutionary level. In essence,
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. Krell Current Mode technology enjoys bandwidth increases up to an
order of magnitude greater than their voltage based counterparts. This dramatic
increase in circuit bandwidth delivers near perfection in the audible band that typi-
cally suffers from phase distortions in voltage circuits.
CAST Cable Construction
A CAST system uses cables manufactured by Krell and other manufacturers spe-
cially licensed by Krell. Thin and flexible CAST cables are constructed with the
same build quality as other Krell components and are aesthetically matched to the
components that Krell manufactures. An all-metal body and locking connectors
with gold contacts are part of the standard no-compromise specification devel-
oped for every CAST cable made.
(SECTION ONE: Phantom Features and Technology continued)

Evolution CAST
By employing radical current mirror circuitry, the Phantom components elevate the
CAST technology to another level. This advanced use of the technology increases
the linearity, transient speed, and bandwidth of the Evolution components while
reducing the distortion by an order of magnitude.
The Best Musical Performance
When you operate a CAST system, you will hear significant improvements in every
performance area: speed, precision, dynamic range, depth and width of the sound
stage, transient impact, tonal balance, harmonic distortion, and more. The goal for
CAST is the same company goal used for all Krell products. Krell strives for the
delivery of the best performance of a musical event for you, using the full expres-
sion of technology to date.
9
(SECTION ONE: Phantom Features and Technology continued)

10
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.
Balanced connections are completely immune to induced noise from the system
or the environment.
CAST and Evolution CAST
Krell Current Audio Signal Transmission, or CAST, is a proprietary Krell circuit tech-
nology for connecting analog components, transmitting the audio waveform
between components in the current domain rather than in the voltage domain. The
speed and bandwidth provided by Krell CAST and its circuitry update, Evolution
CAST, yield accurate, realistic music reproduction, enabling connected compo-
nents to perform as if they are all part of a single circuit.
Single-ended
A two-wire input or output circuit. Single-ended connections are not recommend-
ed for connections requiring long cable runs. Use care when using single-ended
connections, because the ground connection is made last and broken first. Turn
the system off/on prior to making or breaking single-ended connections.
Operation
Off
When the stand-by/power LEDs are not illuminated, the preamplifier is off.
Stand-by
A new eco-friendly design reduces stand by power to draw to 2W. The stand-
by/power LED of the preamplifier chassis illuminates in red, when the preamplifier
is in stand-by mode. The power supply illuminates in green when the preamplifier
chassis is in stand-by mode. Krell recommends leaving the preamplifier in stand-
by mode when it is not playing music
Operation
When the standby/power LEDs are illuminated in blue, the preamplifier is in opera-
tional mode and ready to play music.
continued

11
Technology
Krell Current Mode
A proprietary Krell circuit topology in which the audio gain stages of a component
operate in the current rather than voltage domain. This unique technology provides
the component with exceptional speed, and a wide bandwidth.
(SECTION ONE: Definition of Terms continued)

12
Unpacking and Placement
This section describes the procedures for safely unpacking and placing your
Phantom Preamplifier. The Phantom preamplifier is shipped in 1 carton consisting
of 2 chassis: 1 power supply chassis and 1 preamplifier chassis.
Opening the Phantom Shipping Carton
The Phantom shipping carton measures 22.3 in. (56.6 cm) wide by 23.5 in. (59.7
cm) high by 16.2 in. (41.1 cm) deep.
Preamplifier Chassis. This measures 17.3 in. (43.8 cm) wide by 3.8 in. (9.7 cm)
high by 18.3 in. (46.4 cm) deep, and weighs 18 lbs. (8.1 kg).
Power Supply Chassis. This measures 17.3 in. (43.8 cm) wide, by 3.8 in. (9.7 cm)
high, by 17.7 in. (44.8 cm) deep, and weighs 28 lbs. (12.7 kg).
To Remove the Preamplifier from the Shipping Carton
1. Open the shipping carton and remove the top layer of foam. The carton con-
tains these items:
1 Preamplifier chassis
1 Power supply chassis
1 IEC Connector (AC Power) cord
1 12-pin DC cable
1 Remote control
2 AAA-size 1.5 Volt batteries for the remote
1 T-10 Torx wrench for the remote control
1 Owner’s Reference
2. Carefully remove the preamplifier, power supply, and accessories from the box.
3. Place the preamplifier and power supply in a safe location, and remove the
protective plastic wrapping.
4. Place the power supply chassis where you intend to use the preamplifier.
Krell recommends that you place the preamplifier chassis on top of the power
supply chassis.
SECTIONTWO
continued

13
Placement
Before you install an Phantom preamplifier into your system, please follow the
guidelines in this section to select a location for your component. This will facili-
tate a clean, trouble-free installation.
The Phantom preamplifier does not require a special rack or cabinet for installa-
tion. The preamplifier chassis measures 17.3 in. (43.8 cm) wide, 3.8 in. (9.7 cm)
high, and 18.3 in. (46.4 cm) deep.
The Phantom preamplifier requires at least two inches of clearance on each side,
and at least two inches of clearance above the component to provide adequate
ventilation. Installation inside cabinetry may require additional ventilation.
AC Power Guidelines
The Phantom preamplifier has superb regulation and does not require a dedicated
AC circuit. Avoid connections through extension cords or multiple AC adapters.
High quality 15 amp AC strips are acceptable. The use of AC line conditioning
devices is not recommended. The features provided by these devices are already
incorporated into the Phantom power supply.
(SECTION TWO: Unpacking and Placement continued)

14 continued
SECTION THREE
Quick Start
To access the full array of available functions for the Phantom, please read this
entire owner’s reference manual. The abbreviated routine in this Quick Start sec-
tion will allow you to connect and operate the Phantom quickly and enjoy its basic
functions.
The front and rear panels are shown in the diagrams on pages 16 and 23. Each
button or feature is labeled with a callout number, and these numbers are shown
in brackets in the sections below. (In the following instructions, the word “button”
refers to a front panel operation, and “key” refers to a remote control operation.)
Connecting the Phantom to Your System
Position the preamplifier and power supply where you intend to use them in
your system. Do not move the chassis after they are connected.
1. Connect the power supply chassis and the preamplifier chassis with the 12-pin
DC cable provided, using the back panel DC power connectors (24).
2. Neatly arrange and organize wiring to and from the preamplifier and all compo-
nents. Separate the AC wires from any audio cables to prevent hum or other
unwanted noise from being introduced into the system.
3. Connect the outputs of your source equipment to the appropriate CAST (18),
balanced (15), single-ended (16), or tape inputs (17) on the Phantom.
4. Connect the main outputs (20) on the Phantom to your amplifier’s inputs.
5. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC power cord receptacle (27) of
the power supply unit.
6. Plug the other end of the AC power cord into AC power. The display (3) scrolls
through Phantom SOFTWARE VERSION, and the preamplifier chassis stand-by/power
LEDs (7) illuminate red and the power supply chassis stand-by/power LED (7)
illuminates green, indicating that the Phantom is in stand-by mode. When the
scrolling stops, the Phantom is ready to be powered on.
Note
Use only the power cord provided or Krell Vector HC power cable with the preamplifier
to make the connection to AC power. Operation with a power cord other than the one
supplied by Krell could induce noise, limit current, or otherwise impair the ability of the
preamplifier to perform optimally.

15
Operating the Phantom
After the Phantom is connected to your system and to AC power, and the front
panel display has stopped scrolling, begin operation:
1. Press the power button (1) on the front panel, or the remote control power key.
The standby/power LED turns blue. The display shows the factory default
input: S-1, and level: -INF. The Phantom is now in the operational mode.
2. With the preamplifier output muted, or the volume fully attenuated, select a
source manually using the front panel input select buttons (8, 9, or 10) or the
remote input select keys. Start playing the source. Use the level control knob
(14) or the remote level keys to set the volume to a comfortable level.
3. To return the preamplifier to the stand-by mode, press the power button (1) or
remote power key.
Krell recommends leaving the Phantom in the stand-by mode when it is not
playing music.
(SECTION THREE: Quick Start)

16
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
SECTION FOUR
Anatomy of the Phantom
This section describes the Phantom Preamplifier functions.
Figure 1 Phantom Preamplifier and Power Supply Front Panels
1 Power Button
7 Stand-by/Power LED
2 Infrared Emitter
4 Infrared Sensor
3 Front Panel Display
5 Menu Button
6 Enter Button
8 Single-ended Input
Selection Buttons
9 Balanced Input
Selection Buttons
10 CAST Input Selection Buttons
11 Tape Button and LED
12 Mute Button and LED
13 Phase Button and LED
14 Level Control Knob
Inset Preamplifier and Power Supply:
Stacked View
Power
continued
Input
Selectors
Display
Level
Navigate/
Customize
Mute
Phase
Remote
Functions

17
Front Panel Description
See Figure 1 on the previous page
The Phantom Preamplifier is comprised of two chassis: the preamplifier chas-
sis and the power supply chassis. Front panel functions are described below:
Chassis
Preamplifier Chassis
The preamplifier front panel provides power on, input and zone selection, level
control, menu functions, and status display.
Power Supply Chassis
Powerful transformers, high quality regulators, and extensive electrical and
magnetic shielding are housed in a separate power supply.
Power
1 Power Button or Key
Use this button or key to switch the Phantom between the stand-by and oper-
ational modes.
7 Stand-by/Power LED
The preamplifier LED illuminates red and the power supply LED illuminates
green (stand-by) when the Phantom is plugged into a standard AC wall recep-
tacle. They illuminate blue (operational mode) when the power button (1) is
pressed while the Phantom is in stand-by mode.
Remote Functions on the Front Panel
2 Infrared Emitter
The stand-by/Power LED (7) flashes when the Phantom sends signals via this
infrared emitter to a programmable remote control. See IR Out Control, on
page 38.
4 Infrared Sensor
The infrared sensor receives commands from the Phantom remote control. For
proper remote control operation, make sure the infrared sensor is not covered
or obstructed.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued)

18
Preamplifier Functions
8, 9, 10 Input Select Buttons or Keys
Use these buttons to select the corresponding rear panel input that is connect-
ed to a CAST (C-1, C-2), balanced (B-1, B-2), or single-ended (S-1,
S-2, S-3) analog source. The front panel display shows the selected input and
volume level.
11 Tape Button and LED, or Key
Use this button or key to select the tape input that is connected to an analog
tape source. The red tape LED illuminates when the tape input is selected. The
front panel display (3) shows: TAPE and the main volume level.
12 Mute Button and LED, or Key
Use this button or key to mute the preamplifier output. To unmute, press the
mute button again. The red mute LED illuminates when mute is selected. To
customize mute operation see Mute, on page 39
The MMuutteebutton is also used to engage the pink noise generator to aid in cali-
braing main and subwoofer outputs. See CCaalliibbrraattiinnggMMaaiinnOOuuttppuuttssaannddssuubb--
wwooooffeerroouuttppuuttssbelow.
Calibrating Main outputs and Subwoofer outputs
The Phantom preamplifier features an internal pink noise generator to help bal-
ance the main outputs and subwoofer outputs.
1. Press and hold Mute button (12) on front panel until PINK NOISE GENERATOR
appears in the front panel display (3). The mute button will blink continuously
while in this mode.
aa..Repeated presses of the Mute button (12) will cycle through the various
channel/channel combinations in the sequence listed below
ALL CHAN (000 OR 0dB)
MAIN (000 OR 0dB)
SUBWF (000 OR 0dB)
L MAIN (000 OR 0dB)
L SUBWF (000 OR 0dB)
R MAIN (000 OR 0dB)
R SUBWF (000 OR 0dB)
OFF (000 OR 0dB)
bb..Pink noise will output from each channel/channel combination.
2. Select a channel/channel combination to act as a reference. Usng a Sound
Pressure Level (SPL) Meter, record the SPL, in dB, of the reference
channel/channel combination.
continued

19
3Using the reference channel/channel combination SPL figure, raise or lower
remaining channels/channel combinations to match the reference
channel/channel combinaion SPL. The range of adjustments is +/- 12dB for
each channel/channel combination.
4. To exit pink noise generator mode, press and hold Mute button (12) on front
panel until PINK NOISE GENERATOR disappears from front panel display (3) and the
mute button LED stops blinking.
Note: The pink noise generator is only active if optional crossover board
is installed.
13 Phase Button and LED, or Key
Use this button or key to invert the absolute polarity of the main output by 180
degrees. The red phase LED illuminates, when phase is selected.
Display
3 Front Panel Display
The front panel display provides preamplifier channel status messages, includ-
ing input status, tape output status, volume level, balance offset, and menu
selections.
Level Control
14 Level Control Knob or Level Keys
Use this knob or keys to increase or decrease system volume level or, with the
balance key (C), to adjust balance. The level control knob or keys also select
menu options that customize the Phantom. See Customizing the Phantom,
on page 31.
Navigate/Customize
5 Menu Button or Key
Use this button or key to access the menu functions of the Phantom. For more
information, see Customizing the Phantom, on page 31.
6 Enter Button or Key
Use this button or key to configure the menu functions of the Phantom. For
more information, see Customizing the Phantom, on page 31.
(SECTION FOUR: Anatomy of an Phantom continued)

20
Figure 2 Phantom Remote Control
1 Power Key
5 Menu Key
6 Enter Key
8 Single-ended Input
Selection Keys
9 Balanced Input
Selection Keys
10 CAST Input Selection
Keys
11 Tape Selection Key
12 Mute Key
13 Phase Key
14 Level Keys
A Amp Pwr Key
B Amp Sel Key
C Bal(ance) Keys
D Transport Keys
E Menu Key
F Direction Keys
G Select Key
H CD Key
I DVD Key
J Title Key
Power
Input
Selectors
Level
Navigate/
Customize
Mute
Phase
Balance
CD and DVD
Functions
Amplifier
Functions
continued