Krell Industries Digital to Analog Processor STUDIO 2 Quick start guide

STUDIO2
O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
STUDIO 2 DIGITAL TO ANALOG PROCESSOR
OWNER’S REFERENCE

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of the Krell STUDIO2 Digital-to-
Analog Processor and welcome to the Krell family of audio
components. Krell is dedicated to the development of technologi-
cally advanced components for the reproduction of digitally
recorded music. The STUDIO2 continues the Krell tradition of
uncompromising performance through leading-edge technology.
To obtain the best performance from your STUDIO 2 Processor,
careful attention should be paid to its placement, installation and
operation. A thorough understanding of these details will help
insure satisfactory operation and long life for the STUDIO2 and
related system components.
This Owner’s Reference is divided into several sections which
describe the features and functions of the STUDIO2. A Question
and Answer section is included to provide answers to common
questions. Shouldyou have any questions or suggestions, please
feel free to contact your authorized dealer or the KRELLstaff for
assistance.
In the unlikely event that your STUDIO2 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 the Warranty and
Service section of this Reference, Warranty Registration Card, or
authorized KRELLDealer/Distributor.
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....... TABL~ OF CONTENTS
4UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
5 PLACEMENT
6 AC POWER CONSIDERATIONS
7 INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
i i PROCESSOR OPERATION
13 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
15 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
18 SPECIFICATIONS
19 WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION
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UNPACKING
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Open the box and remove the top layer of foam. The following
items will now be visible:
STUDIO 2 D/A Processor
AC power cord
Packet containing the Owner’s Reference and Warranty
Card
NOTE:If any of these items are not included, please contact your
authorized dealer immediately for assistance.
2. Carefully remove the STUDIO 2 from the box. Remove the
protective plastic wrap from the Processor.
NOTE: Save all packing materials. If you must ship your
STUDIO2 in the future, repack the unit in its original packaging
to prevent transit damage.
PAGE

PLACEMENT
PLACEMENT
Before you install the STUDIO2 into your system, we recommend
that you follow these guidelines in choosing the location. This will
facilitate a clean, trouble-free installation.
1. Although well shielded, the STUDIO2 should not be placed in
close proximity to hum-sensitive components (i.e. preamps,
turntables, tuners, etc.) that can create interference and induce
hum.
2. As with any high quality component, ensure that the vent
openings in the chassis are free from obstruction, allowing the
Processor to dissipate heat created by its power supply and Class
A output stage. Place the unit on a clean, level surface away from
excessive dirt or moisture. Make sure the STUDIO2 has at least
2 inches of clearance on either side and 2-3 inches of space at the
top. Components that are heat sensitive should not sit directly
above the unit.
3. The STUDIO 2 does not require additional mass coupling or
isolation. You may experiment with feet or cones as long as they
do not permanently affix to the chassis. Any unauthorized
modifications to the electronics or chassis will void the warranty.
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AC POWER
AC POWER CONSIDERATIONS
NOTE: While the STUDIO 2 has superb regulation and does not
require a dedicated ACcircuit, we strongly advise against any
connections through extension cords or multiple AC adaptors.
High quality 15 amp grounded AC strips are acceptable. High
quality ACline conditioners or filters can be utilized if they are
grounded and meet or exceed the unit’s power supply rating of
150VA.
CAUTION: Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end
of the ACcord. This may cause RFI (radio frequency interference)
to be induced into your playback system.
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CONNECTIONS
INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
CAUTION:When making connections to this component or any
other, make sure the power amplifier is OFFand the preamplifier
is in the MUTEor STANDBYmode.
1. Connect the power cord to the back of the STUDIO2 and plug
the unit into the wall ACreceptacle.
2. Connect the STUDIO2 analog output to the line level input of
your preamplifier.
The STUDIO2 is equipped with two analog output configurations:
Single-ended via RCAconnectors and balanced via XLRconnec-
tors. If your preamplifier has high level balanced inputs, we
recommend the balanced outputs of the Processor be used. There
are considerable sonic benefits associated with the use of balanced
interconnection.
The XLRpin configuration is described below.
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Ground
Non-inverting (0
°)
Inverting ( 180
°)
NOTE: The two outputs can be used to simultaneously feed
different systems.
NOTE:If you decide to use the single-ended analog outputs, the
type of interconnect cable should be chosen carefully. High
quality shielded cable is suggested.
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CONNECTIONS
3. The Left and Right channel RCAoutputs are labeled on the
back panel. The balanced outputs are not labeled. The balanced
connector closest to the Left RCAoutput is for the left channel
output and the connector closest to the RCAright output is the
right balanced output. Care should be taken to insure that the
channel orientation between the Processor and the high level
inputs of your preamplifier is maintained.
4. Connect the digital output of your CD transport and other
digital sources to the inputs of the STUDIO2. If you are using
multiple digital sources, take note of where each input and
corresponding switch setting is located.
The STUDIO2 is equipped with the following inputs: two coaxial,
one AT&Twide bandwidth fiber optic, standard TOSHfiber optic,
and one AES/EBU. All inputs can accept a signal from any digital
source such as Compact Disc players, Laser Disc players, DATs
or satellite receivers. Whena powered digital source is introduced
to an input and that input is selected with the specific Input
switch, the corresponding signal LED will illuminate. When the
source and the Processor have locked the SYNC indicator LED
will illuminate.
The STUDIO 2 has a provision to add an additional AT&Tinput.
The second AT&Tinput will replace the Coax 2 space on the back
panel and is selected by the COAX2/STinput switch. For further
information contact KRELL.
NOTE: If the digital source is ON and the signal LED does not
illuminate, check to make sure the digital interconnect cable is
secure at both ends or is not in need of repair.
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CONNECTIONS
5. Once you have completed the necessary input and output
connections, select the input of your choice. For each input
selected, the corresponding LEDwill illuminate. Whena powered
digital input source and the Processor have linked, the SYNCLED
will illuminate.
DIGITAL SOURCE TO D/A PROCESSORINTERLINK CONSID
~,
ERATIONS
Care should be taken in selecting the type of cable used to link the
digital source to your Processor. We suggest the AT&Twide-
bandwidth fiber optic cable be used. The AT&Tformat has a
bandwidth of approximately 50 MegaBit. This allows accurate
transmission of the digital bit stream without data corruption
and proves to be sonically superior. If the AT&Tformat is not
available, a high quality quartz fiber optic cable (TOSHformat)
can work well. Using a fiber optic interconnect reduces ground
loop problems often associated with quality audio systems.
If coaxial cable is used, it should be non-capacitive and have a
bandwidth in excess of 10MHzto prevent drop-out errors. For
best results with coaxial cable we recommend the AES/EBU
balanced format. The AES/EBUformat is a + 5 volt balanced
digital transmission. Because of the high voltage balanced for-
mat, this system allows for accurate data transmission and has
great sonic advantages over standard single-ended coaxial or
Tosh fiber optic terminations. The AES/EBUcoaxial cable must
have two conductors and a shield for balanced termination.
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CONNECTIONS
How to connect AT&Tcables:
a. Remove the plastic cover from the outside of the AT&T
transmitter (located on Transport) and receiver (located on Pro-
eessor).
b. Locate the slot on the top of the AT&Treceptacle.
e. Locate the key on the top of the AT&Tcable.
d. Removethe plastic cap from both ends of the fiber optic cable.
e. Slide the cable connector into the AT&Treceptacle with the key
sliding into the designated slot.
f. Gently push the connector into place, depressing the internal
spring, and twist the outer collar clockwise to secure the con-
nection.
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