Krell Industries S-300i User manual

S–300i
Remote Control
Integrated Amplifier
Instructions for Use
Owner’s Reference

K r e l l ®is a registered trademark of Krell Industries, Inc., and is restricted for use by Krell Industries, Inc., its
subsidiaries, and authorized agents. Krell Current Mode™ and Theater Throughput™ are trademarks of
Krell Industries, Inc. All other trademarks and tradenames are registered to their respective companies.
© 2008 by Krell Industries, Inc. All rights reserved
Krell Industries, Inc.
45 Connair Road
Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA
T E L 2 0 3 - 7 9 9 - 9 9 5 4
FAX [phone]
E - M A I L k r e l l @ k r e l l o n l i n e . c o m
WEBSITE http://www. k r e l l o n l i n e . c o m
Do not place the integrated amplifier where it could be exposed to dripping or
s p l a s h i n g .
The ventilation grids on the top and bottom of the S-300i must be unobstructed at
all times during operation. Do not place flammable material on top of or beneath
the component.
When making connections to this or any other component, make sure all compo-
nents are off. Turn off all systems’power before connecting the S-300i to any
other component. Make sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality, free
from frayed ends, short circuits, or cold solder joints.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PA R TS INSIDE A N Y K R E L L P R O D U C T.
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or Krell if you have any ques-
tions not addressed in this reference manual.
S - 3 0 0 i
Remote Control Integrated Amplifier
Instructions for Use
v 1.0
C O N TACT
I N F O R M AT I O N
WA R N I N G S

Krell S-300i i i i
C o n t e n t s
P a g e
I N T R O D U C T I O N 1
DEFINITION OF T E R M S 2
U N PACKING 4
P L A C E M E N T 5
AC Power Guidelines 5
Power Cord 5
F R O N T PA N E L / REMOTE CONTROL D E S C R I P T I O N 7
REMOTE CONTROL O N LY 9
Battery Installation and Removal 9
Remote Control Only Functions 9
BACK PA N E L D E S C R I P T I O N 1 2
CONNECTING THE S - 3 0 0 i TO YOUR SYSTEM 1 4
Connection Steps 1 4
O P E R ATING YOUR S - 3 0 0 i 1 5
Amplifier Operation 1 5
O P T I O N A L C O N F I G U R AT I O N S 1 7
Configuring the S - 3 0 0 i 1 7
Balance 1 8
Input Balance Trim 1 8
Input Level Trim 1 9
Theater Mode 1 9
Display 2 0
Mute 2 1
Input Trigger 2 1
Output Trigger 2 2
AC Mains 2 3
Input Name 2 4
Info 2 4
HOW TO T R O U B L E S H O O T SYSTEM NOISE 2 6
QUESTIONS AND A N S W E R S 2 7
WA R R A N T Y 2 8
RETURN A U T H O R I Z ATION PROCEDURE 2 9
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S 3 0

i v Krell S-300i
I l l u s t r a t i o n s
FIGURE 1 The S-300i Front Panel 6
FIGURE 2 The S - 3 0 0 i Remote Control 6
FIGURE 3 The S - 3 0 0 i Back Panel 11
P a g e

Krell S-300i 1
I n t ro d u c t i o n
Thank you for your purchase of the Krell S-300i Remote Control
Integrated A m p l i f i e r. This fully integrated amplifier and preamplifier
has a discrete signal path from input to output and employs a wide
bandwidth design with low negative feedback for sonic accuracy
throughout the frequency spectrum. All circuits up to the driver
stage are balanced and pure Class A.
K r e l l ’ s new surface mount technology (SMT) means that the S-
300i is an integrated amplifier with big power—150 Watts per
channel—that does not require big space. SMT allows individual
circuit elements to be placed very close together. This shortens
signal paths and allows circuit elements to operate at the same
temperature, resulting in more accurate signal transfer and
enhanced reliablilty.
The S-300i is easy to operate and integrate into your system. T h e
remote control accesses all amplifier functions, and remote control
connection options allow the S-300i to be easily connected with
other components. The Theater Throughput feature provides easy
integration of the amplifier into a home theater
s y s t e m .
This owner’s reference manual contains important information on
the placement, installation, and operation of the S-300i. Please
read this information carefully. A thorough understanding of these
details will help ensure satisfactory operation and long life for your
S-300i and related system components.

Definition of Te r m s
Following are the definitions of key terms used in your owner’s ref-
erence manual.
Theater Throughput
Theater Throughput is a Krell configuration option that allows the
signal from a surround preamp/processor to pass through a Krell
preamplifier or integrated amplifier with no gain, for integrated vol-
ume and balance management of Krell home theater systems.
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 professional and sound recording instal-
lations, 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.
S i n g l e - e n d e d
A two-wire input or output circuit. Use care when using single-
ended connections as the ground connection is made last and
broken first. Turn the system off prior to making or breaking single-
ended connections. Single-ended connections are not recom-
mended for connections requiring long cable runs.
i P o d
A direct balanced input carried via a special termination utilizing a
30-pin connector. This connection is designed specifically for iPods
and allows charging and control functions in addition to music
p l a y b a c k .
C O N F I G U R AT I O N S
INPUT AND OUTPUT
C O N N E C T I O N S
2 Krell S-300i

Definition of Te r m s , c o n t i n u e d
O f f
The component is off when the rear panel button is not depressed.
Stand-by Mode
A low power consumption status that keeps the audio circuits at
idle. When you press the rear panel power button, the red stand-
by LED illuminates. The component is now ready to be switched to
the operational mode. Krell recommends leaving the component in
the stand-by mode when it is not playing music.
Operational Mode
When the component is in the stand-by mode, and you press the
power button on the front panel or the power key on the remote
control, the blue power LED illuminates. The component is in the
operational mode and is ready to play music.
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 wide bandwidth capabilities.
T E C H N O L O G Y
Krell S-300i 3
O P E R AT I O N

4 Krell S-300i
U n p a c k i n g
Follow these steps to safely unpack the S-300i:
1 . Open the shipping box and remove the top layer of foam. T h e
S-300i and the S-300i accessory kit containing the following
items are visible:
1 AC power cord
1 S-300i remote control
1 30-Pin iPod connection cable
1 packet containing the Quick Setup Guide
and the warranty registration card
2 . Grasp the underside of the amplifier and lift it straight out of
the packing box.
3 . Place the amplifier in a safe location and remove the protective
plastic wrapping.
If any of these items are not included please contact your authorized
Krell dealer.
Save all packing materials. If you must ship your S-300i in the future,
repack the unit in its original packaging to prevent shipping damage.
N o t e s

Krell S-300i 5
P l a c e m e n t
Before you install the S-300i into your system, review the following
guidelines to choose the location for the S-300i. This will facilitate
a clean, trouble-free installation. The S-300i does not require any
type of special rack or cabinet for installation. For the dimensions
of the S-300i, see S p e c i f i c a t i o n s, on the back cover.
Place the S-300i on a firm, level surface, away from excessive
heat, humidity, or moisture. The S-300i requires at least 1 inch
(2.54 cm) of clearance on each side and at least two inches (5 cm)
of clearance above the component to provide adequate ventilation.
Installations inside cabinetry may need extra ventilation.
The S-300i is not hum-sensitive. Other components may be
placed on or around the S-300i (make sure ventilation grids
remain unobstructed).
Place the amplifier as close to the loudspeakers as possible and
keep loudspeaker cable lengths to a minimum. Loudspeaker cable
adds impedance to the load the amplifier must drive, regardless of
the cable’s gauge. All Krell amplifiers drive the lowest impedances
with ease, but long loudspeaker cables reduce the maximum
power that can be delivered to the loudspeakers.
The S-300i has superb regulation and does not require a dedicat-
ed AC circuit. Avoid connections through extension cords or multi-
ple AC adapters. High quality 15 amp grounded AC strips are
acceptable. High quality AC line conditioners or filters may be
used if they are grounded and meet or exceed the unit’s maximum
power consumption of 1800 Wa t t s .
The S-300i should be operated with the power cord
supplied and connected directly to the AC power outlet. Please
contact your authorized Krell dealer, distributor, or Krell before
using any devices designed to alter or stabilize the AC power for
the S-300i.
AC Power
G u i d e l i n e s
Power Cord

F i g u re 1 The S-300i Front Panel
F i g u re 2 The S-300i Remote Contro l
N o t e Some remote control keys listed above function with other current Krell
components. Consult the Krell reference manual for each model to review
your component’s full remote control capabilities.
6 Krell S-300i
P o w e r
1 Power BUTTON
2 Power LED
3 Infrared Sensor
Input Devices
5 S-1, S-2, S-3, B-1 and
iPod Buttons or Keys
7 Volume Level Knob or
Level / Navigation Keys
Mode Control
6 MENU Button or Key
8 ENTER Button or Key
9 Display Wi n d o w
1 2 Direct iPod control keys
Volume Adjustment
F u n c t i o n s
1 0 Bal (Balance) Keys
( R e m o t e )
Buttons for other KRELL p r o d -
u c t s
11 Amp option select
1 3 CD/ DVD transport control

F ront Panel/Remote Control Description
See Figures 1 and 2 on page 6
Krell S-300i 7
P o w e r, analog input selections, and volume control accessed via
the front panel of the S - 3 0 0 i are described in the illustration legend
b e l o w. The front panel display shows volume and balance levels,
and Theater Throughput status. Most front panel features can also
be activated via the keys on the remote. Descriptions of special
operational features of the remote control are outlined on pages 9-
1 0 :
1 Power Button or Key
Use this button to switch the S - 3 0 0 i between the stand-by and the
operational modes.
2 Stand-by LED
The red stand-by LED illuminates when the S - 3 0 0 i is plugged into
a standard AC wall receptacle and the rear panel power button is
pressed, indicating that the amplifier is in the stand-by mode and
ready to be switched to the operational mode.
3 Infrared Sensor
The infrared sensor receives commands from the S-300i r e m o t e
control. For proper remote control operation, make sure that noth-
ing is obstructing the infrared sensor.
4 S-1, S-2, S-3, B-1 and iPod Buttons and Keys
Use these buttons to select a balanced analog source component
(B-1) via an XLR connector or a single-ended analog source com-
ponent (S-1, S-2, or S-3) via single-ended RCA connectors or an
IPod input via a special 30-pin connector.
5 Mute Button or Key
Use this button to interrupt the signal of the input you have select-
ed. To unmute, press the mute button again.
6 Menu Button or Key
Use this button or key to access the menu functions of the S-300i.
PO W E R
A N A L O G
S O U R C E
C O M P O N E N T S

8 Krell S-300i
F r ont Panel Description, c o n t i n u e d
7 Level Knob / Level Keys
The level knob on the front panel or the level keys on the remote
control adjust the amplifier output level. The output level is indicat-
ed numerically on the front panel display, with a range from 0-151.
8 Level Control Knob / Enter Key
Use this button or key to configure the menu functions of the S-300i
9 Front Panel Display
The front panel display shows volume and balance levels and
Theater Throughput status.
10 Bal (Balance) Keys
Use these keys to shift the balance to the left or the right channel.
Balance level is indicated in the front panel display (9). To display
balance, push any key on the remote.
The front panel display indicates:
“ C E N “
when the system is balanced. If the system is not balanced, the
front panel display indicates that the balance is right or left of cen-
ter and by how much, on a scale of 1(least out of balance) to 5
(most out of balance).
Example: A display of:
“ R + 3 “
means that the balance is moderately right of center. A display of:
“ L + 5 “
means the balance is severely left of center.
11 Select (SEL) Key - for use with other KRELL P r o d u c t s
Used to select advanced meter or display functions on other Current
K R E L L p r o d u c t s .
MODE INDICAT O R S
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
F U N C T I O N S

Remote Control Only
See Figure 2 on page 6
Krell S-300i 9
The S - 3 0 0 i remote control uses two A A A alkaline batteries, which
are included with the shipment.
To open the battery compartment on the back of the remote
c o n t r o l :
1 . Place the remote face down on the table.
2 . Use T-8 Torx wrench to remove the bottom cover.
Do not use a knife or other sharp objects to open the battery compart -
ment; they will scratch the remote control finish.
3 . Insert two A A A batteries with their flat (-) Ends touching the
springs in the battery holder.
4 . Screw bottom cover back onto the remote
The remote control is ready for operation.
Replace batteries when remote control function becomes intermittent.
Remove batteries if the remote control is not used for a long period of
time. Battery leakage can damage the remote control.
The S - 3 0 0 i remote control accesses complete power amplifier and
preamplifier functions. A description of the functions unique to the
S - 3 0 0 i f o l l o w :
N o t e
N o t e s
B a t t e ry
I n s t a l l a t i o n
and
R e m o v a l
Remote Control
Only Functions

Remote Control Functions, continued
1 0 Krell S-300i
12 Direct iPod Functions
With an iPod connected to the special 30-pin connector, basic con-
trol functions are available from the remote control.
Button Description from Left to Right:
Play/ pause
Previous Tr a c k
Next Tr a c k
Next List (Next playlist)
Menu (accesses iPod Menu)
Left wheel rotation (simulates iPod left circular motion)
Enter (selects track or option)
Right wheel rotation (simulates iPod right circular motion)
Previous List (Previous playlist)
13 CD / DVD Transport Control - for use with other KRELL P r o d u c t s
Used to control basic CD/ DVD functions on other Current KRELL
p r o d u c t s .
The remote control keys listed above function with the S-300i. Other keys
on this remote control may activate other Krell components, for example,
compact disc players. Consult the Krell owner’s reference manual for
each component to review your component’s full remote control capabili -
ties.
VOLUME A D J U S T M E N T
F U N C T I O N
N o t e

F i g u r e 3 The S-300i Back Panel
Krell S-300i 11
Amplifier Channel
O u t p u t s
1 4 Left and Right
Loudspeaker Outputs
Analog Inputs
1 5 Left and Right Balanced
Analog Inputs
1 6 Left and Right Single-
ended Analog Inputs
17 Direct iPod Input
Analog Outputs
1 9 Left and Right Preamp
O u t p u t s
Remote Connections
1 8 RS-232 control Port
2 0 RC-5 In
21 12 VDC Trigger In/O u t
P o w e r
22 IEC Connector
23 Line Fuse
24 Main Power Button

Back Panel Description
See Figure 3 on page 11
1 2 Krell S-300i
The S - 3 0 0 i back panel provides connections for all inputs and out-
puts, power on/off, and additional remote connections.
14 Left and Right Loudspeaker Outputs
The S - 3 0 0 i is equipped with standard binding posts for each
amplifier channel. These connectors accept bare wire, pins,
banana plugs, or spade lugs. Use the red terminal for the positive
connection and the black terminal for the negative connection.
15 Left and Right Balanced Analog Inputs
The S - 3 0 0 i is equipped with one pair of balanced (B-1) inputs via
XLR connectors.
16 Left and Right Single-Ended Analog Inputs
The S - 3 0 0 i is equipped with three pairs of single-ended (S-1,
S-2, or S-3) inputs via RCA c o n n e c t o r s .
17 iPod Input
The S - 3 0 0 i is equipped with a balanced stereo input via a locking
30-pin connector. The required 30-pin iPod cable is supplied.
18 RS-232
The RS-232 port receives messages from a computer-based con-
trol system, providing integrated control of all integrated functions.
The RS-232 input uses a 9-pin D-subminiature connector.
The RS-232 port does not funtion with the iPod Input..
19 Left and Right Preamp Outputs
The S - 3 0 0 i is equipped with a pair of single-ended pre-
amplifier outputs.
20 RC-5 In
The S - 3 0 0 i is equipped with an RC-5 input that makes custom
installation easy and secure by accepting baseband RC-5 input
commands from a remote IR detector or hardwired remote con-
t r o l l e r s .
21 12 VDC In/Out (12 V Tr i g g e r )
The 12 V Trigger allows you to turn the S-300i on or off, or to and
from stand-by, from other components.
AMPLIFIER CHANNEL
O U T P U T S
ANALOG INPUTS
ANALOG OUTPUTS
R E M O T E
C O N N E C T I O N S
N o t e

Back Panel Description, c o n t i n u e d
Krell S-300i 1 3
O u t . T h e output sends 12 VDC (12 V trigger) power on/off signals
to other Krell components and other devices that incorporate a 12
V trigger.
I n .The input receives 12 VDC (12 V trigger) power on/off signals
from other Krell components and other devices that incorporate a
12 V trigger.
The 12 VDC output current is limited to 30 ma.
Consult the owner’s reference of the components used in a custom
installation to take full advantage of the remote capability of the S-300i.
22 IEC Connector
The connector is for use with the provided IEC standard 15 amp
power cord.
23 Line Fuse
The 50/60 Hz line fuse protects the S - 3 0 0 i in case of overload or
m a l f u n c t i o n .
24 AC Power Button
Use this button to change the S-300i from off to the stand-by
m o d e .
Fuses must be replaced with the fuse value specified on the back panel.
P O W E R
N o t e s
N o t e

1 4 Krell S-300i
Krell recommends using balanced interconnect cables. Balanced
interconnect cables not only can minimize sonic loss but are also
immune to induced noise, especially with installations using long
cables. Balanced connections have 6 dB more gain than single-
ended connections. When level matching is critical, keep this gain
value in mind.
Follow these steps to connect the S - 3 0 0 i to your system.
1 . Make sure all power sources and components are off before
connecting inputs and outputs.
2 . Neatly organize the wiring between the S - 3 0 0 i and all system
components. Separate AC wires from audio cables to
prevent hum or other unwanted noises from being introduced
into the system.
3 . Connect the left and right loudspeaker cables to the integrated
a m p l i f i e r ’s left and right loudspeaker output terminals (14).
The S-300i uses standard binding posts for each amplifier
channel. These connectors accept bare wire, pins, bananna
jacks or spade lugs. Use the red terminal for the positive con-
nection and the black terminal for the negative connection.
4. Connect the left and right outputs of your source components to
the appropriate analog inputs (15, 16, 17) on the S-300i.
The S - 3 0 0 i is equipped with one balanced input (B-1), three sin-
gle-ended inputs (S-1, S-2, or S-3), and one iPod input. The B-
1, S-1, S-2, and S-3 inputs can be configured for T h e a t e r
Throughput. See Optional Configurations, on page 17 for
information on configuring an input for Theater Throughput.
5 . Use the preamp outputs (19) to connect to an additional power
a m p l i f i e r.
6 . Plug the AC cord into the IEC connector (22) on the back
panel of the S-300i. Plug the remaining end into the AC wall
receptacle. Press the Power Button on the rear panel, The red
stand-by LED (2) illuminates and the display shows the soft-
ware version.
Pin 1 Shield (ground)
Pin 2 Non-inverting (hot) (0°)
Pin 3 Inverting (cold) (180°)
Connecting the S-300i
to Your System
USING BALANCED
C O N N E C T I O N S
C o n n e c t i o n
S t e p s
Pin assignments for the
XLR connectors

Krell S-300i 1 5
This section provides information about operating the S - 3 0 0 i.T h e
S-300i provides input selection,volume control operation and any
of the various menu functions via the front panel. The remote con-
trol includes additional source, preamp and amplifier functions as
well. See Remote Control Only, on page 9, for more information.
After the S - 3 0 0 i is connected to AC power and in the stand-by
mode, use the power button or key (1) to switch the component
to the operational mode. The blue power LED (2) illuminates.
The S - 3 0 0 i Remote Control Integrated Amplifier is easy to operate.
H o w e v e r, great care should be exercised when operating a system
that includes the S - 3 0 0 i, because of the amplifier’s power output.
Switching between active sources without muting the preamplifier
output, or bumping/miscuing a device, can generate large tran-
sients at low frequencies. The S - 3 0 0 i may generate enough power
with these transients to damage most loudspeakers. To avoid
damage, be sure to switch all sources with the preamplifier level
either muted or fully attenuated.
Krell amplifiers have large reserves of clean power and can safely drive
loudspeakers to higher sound pressure levels than other amplifiers.
H o w e v e r, use care when setting high playback levels and lower the vol -
ume level at any sign of loudspeaker distress.
When powering up any system, always turn amplifiers on last.
When powering down, always turn amplifiers off first.
1 . When the amplifier is in stand-by mode, with the red stand-by
LED (2) illuminated, turn the amplifier on by pressing the
power button on the front panel or the power key on the
remote control (1). There is an audible click. The blue power
LED (2) illuminates. The S-300i is now in the operational
m o d e .
2 . With the amplifier in the mute position, or the volume control
fully attenuated, select a source from the front panel or the
remote control (4).
Operating Your S-300i
A m p l i f i e r
O p e r a t i o n
N o t e
ON/OFF AND
S TA N D - B Y O P E R AT I O N

1 6 Krell S-300i
3 . Start playing the source.
4 . Set the volume to a comfortable listening level using the level
knob on the front panel or the level keys on the remote control
( 7 ) .
5 . To turn the amplifier off, press the power button on the front
panel or the power key on the remote control (1). The red
stand-by LED (2) illuminates.
It is now safe to turn off the rest of the system.
When changing sources, lower the volume to off or mute the output. This
ensures that the next source played does not damage your system with a
high output transient.
Operating Your S-300i, c o n t i n u e d
N o t e
ON/OFF AND STA N D - B Y
O P E R ATION, c o n t i n u e d
The S - 3 0 0 i is equipped with a pair of single-ended preamplifier
outputs (19). These outputs enable the S - 3 0 0 i to be used as a
preamplifier when it is connected to a separate amplifier.
The amplifier channel outputs are always active, even when the S-300i is
being used only as a preamplifier.
N o t e
P r e a m p l i f i e r
O u t p u t