KRELL SBP-32X

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SBP-32X32 KHZ

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DIGITAL POWER

44.1 KHZ ANALOG POWER

48 KHZ32 Times Oversampling Digital Processor

---SOFTWARE BASED PROCESSOR"--

OWNER’S REFERENCE

A. INTRODUCTIONWelcome to the Krell family of audio components. Youhave joined a select group of discriminating listeners whoenjoy the finest in music reproduction. Krell Digital(KDI) is dedicated to thee development of technoIogically~advanced components tor the reproduction of digitallyrecorded music. These designs continue the KreI1 tradi-tion of uncompromising performance through leading-edge technology.

In the unlikely, event that your SBP-32X should requireservice you will be pleased to know that it is backed by acomprehensive Customer Satisfaction policy and one ofthe most advanced service facilities in the industry. Fordetailed information on the terms and conditions of ser-vice please consult your warranty registration card oryour authorized KRELL Distributor.

This Owner’s Reference is divided into several sections,each designed to perfo .rm a different function. A Questionand Answer section anO a Technical Assistance Glossaryare included where answers to common questions areprovided. Should you have any questions or suggestigns~lease feel free to contact your authorized dealer or theKRELL staff for assistance.

B., TABLE OF,,CONTENTS2

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FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY

BASIC INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

OPERATION

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GLOSSARY

SPECIFICATIONS

WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION

C. FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENTWARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit notexpressly_ approved by t_h,e party responsible for compli-ance could void the user s authority to operate the equip-ment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to com-ply with the fimits for a Class B digital device, pursuantto Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed toprovide reasonable .protection against harmful interfer-ence in a residential-installation. This equipment gener-ates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and ifnot installed and used in accordance with the instructionsmay cause harmful interference to radio communications.However, there is no guarantee that interference will notoccur in a particular installation. If this equipment doescause harmful interference to radio or television recep-tion, which can be determined by turning the equipmentoff and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct theinterference by one or more of-the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment andreceiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuitdifferent from that to which the receiver isconnected.

Consult your dealer or an experienced radio~Vtechnician for help.

The user may find the following booklet prepared by theFederal Communications Commission helpful:"Television Interference Handbook"This booklet is available from the U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington DC 20402.Stock No. 004-000-00450-7

WARNING: The use of non-shielded analog outputcables and non-shielded digital input’ cables if coax isused for the digital input (fibre optic interconnect neednot be shielded) will invalidate the FCC Certification ofthis device and may cause interference levels whichexceed the limits established by the FCC for this type ofdevice.

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D. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY1. Open the box and remove the top layer ofprotectivefoam. The following items will now be visible:

1 SBP-32X processor1 ACpower cord1 Packet containing,~the Owners Reference and warranty

card ~i~

Note: If any of these items are not included please con-tact your authorized dealer immediately for assistance.Save all packing materials. If you must ship yourSBP-32X in the future rep.ack the unit in its originalpackaging to prevent transit damage.

E. BASIC INSTALLATIONAND CONNECTIONSBefore you install the SBP-32X into your system werecommend following these guidelines in choosing thelocation. This will facilitate a clean, trouble-free installa-tion.

CAUTION: When making connections to this componentor any other, make sure ttie power amplifier is OF1~ andthe preamplifier is in the MUTE or STANDBY mode.

1. Although well shielded, the processor should not beplaced in close proximity to hum-sensitive components(i.e. PREAMPS, TURNTABLES, TUNERS, etc.)

2. As with any high quality component, ensure that thevent openings in the chassis are i~ree from obstruction,allowing the processor to dissipate heat created by,!tshighly regulated power supply and high bias class A"output stage.

3. Run the male end of the AC cord from the processorlocation to a nearby wall socket. This will be easier toaccomplish no, w, as the component itself is not in theway. Do not plug the AC cord into the wall socket at thistime!

dNOTE: While the SBP-32X has superb regulation andoes not require a dedicated AC circuit, we strongly

advise against any connections through extension cordsor multiple AC adaptors. High quality 15 amp groundedAC strips are acceptable.

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CAUTION: Do not remove or bypass the ground pin onthe end of the AC cord. This may cause RFI (radio fre-quency interference) to be induced into your playbacksystem.

4. Connect the Digital Output from a Krell CD Turntableor any digital source to the Digital Input on the backpaneI of your processor..Ygur SBP-32X will accommo-~late digital input from eitlaer the coaxial or fibre opticoutputs of any CD, DAT or Satellite broadcast source.

Note: Care should be taken in selecting the type of cableused to link the digital source to your processor. If co-axial cable is to be used it should be non-capacitive andhave a bandwidth in excess of 10MHz to prevent drop-out errors.

Notei I.f a fibre optic cable is selected we strongly recom-mencl that it be a-high quality quartz fibre cable. Anadditional benefit ot~ filSre optic cable is a reduction ofground loop problems that often occur in audio systems.

5. Connect the appropriate OUTPUT of the SBP-32X tothe line level INPUTof your preamplifier’ The redbanded connector indicates the right channel and thewhite indicates the left.

The SBP-32X is equipped with two output configura-tions: Single-ended via RCA connectors and Balancedvia XLR connectors. If your preamplifier has high levelbalanced inputs we recommend the balanced outputs ofthe processor be used. There are considerable sonicbenefits associated with balanced operation.

NOTE: both outputs can be used to simultaneously feedtwo different systems.

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E OPERATION1. Plug the processor’s AC cord into the wall socket.

2. Turn ON your digital signal source. Whether it is CD,DAT or Satellite is not important. The following shouldoccur in this particular sequence ¯

A. The two LED’s ddgignating Dig.ital and Analog powerwill illuminate simultaneously. Ttiis is your assurancethat the individual power supplies are dperating andstable.

B. After a period of 5 to 20 seconds the digital inputcircuits will stabilize and the LED indicating the inputsource frequency will be illuminated.

,,N, OT,E: The input source component must be turnedON’ in order for the processor to indicate the input

source frequency.

CAUTION: Should you have any major deviation fromthis sequence do not attempt to play the unit. Disconnectit prior to powering up any other components and contactyour Krell dealer immediately.

3. Be sure that your preamplifier’s volume control iscompletely turned to the OFF (lowest volume) position.

4. Turn ON your components, remembering that the lastcomponent to be energized should be your amplifier. Theamplifier should only be turned ON after all other com-po.nents in the system have been on for at least two (2)minutes.

5. Switch the Input selector of your preamp to the po.si-tion correlating to your chosen input connection for tlaeSBP-32X.

6. You may now start playing your DAT, CD or satellite.

7. Slowl), turn the volume control up to the lowest levelyou can near. Check to see that both channels are work-ing correctly before advancing the volume.

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Note: While your SBP-32X will perform beautifully fromthe moment y_ou turn it on, it requires a minimum warm-up period of 8 hours before it will reach its full sonicpotential. Discrete components are utilized in the analogoutput stage and the warm up period allows them toreach thermal equilibrium.

Your installation is now complete. Should you have anyfurther questions which are not covered in the remainderof this manual contact your authorized Krell dealer. Wewish you many hours of listening fulfillment.

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G. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSQ. My CD player has both fiber optic and coaxial out-puts. Which one should I use?A. Given a choice, we prefer the optical link due to itsability to completely isolate the grounds between thedigital source component and the processor. This mini-mi-zes the possibility.of ground loops in the digital com-ponents.

Q. I own both a CD and DAT player. Do I have to changemy cables every time I listen to a different digital source?A. No. Your SBP-32X will accommodate both the fiberoptic link and coaxial input. Simply connect both sourcesusing the separate inputs.

NOTE: .When the SBP-32X senses two live inputs simul-taneously, it will default to the fibre optic link. Therefore,when you wish to listen to the source linked with coaxialcable, you must turn the other (optically linked) sourceoff.

a~Will I damage my SBP-32X if I leave the power "ON"i the time?A. No. The Class"A" discrete analog circuits performmore consistently once they reach thermal equilibrium.The processor has been designed to be left on at all times.The SBP-32X draws less than 25 watts out of the ACmains socket.

NOTE: For the protection of your processor we recom-mend disconnecting the AC cord fiom the wall outletbefore any electrical storms or if you plan on being awayfrom your home for prolonged periods of time.

Q. Do I have to switch the Sampling Frequency when I

~o between myCD and DAT?¯ No. Your SBP-32X automatically senses the input

frequency and does all necessary switching.

Q. Sometimes while listening to my DAT the 44. lkHzLED is illuminated. I thought DAT used 48kHz. Is myprocessor malfunctioning?A. Some Digital Audio Tape recorders can record an.dplayback in either 44. l kHz or 48kHz depending o.,n tlaesour.c,e the tape was recorded from. The SBP-32X sLED s are informing you of the frequency it is receiving,and as a consequence, the sampling frequency at whichthe tape was recorded in.

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Q. I am not getting any sound through the processor.A. Most likely there has been a simple mistake in instal-lation. Check all connections IN ana OUT from the

t~erOCessor. Check all power connections. Have you se-cted the correc,t source on your preamp? Check the

front panel LED s forpower supply stability. If you stillhave no sound, turn off the power and contact yourdealer.

Q. I have some very fine audiophile interconnect cablewhich has superior sonic characteristics. Can I use thisfor my coaxial digital input?A. You may experiment with any high quality cable. Donote, however, that most audio interconnect cable is notdesigned to carry the ultra high frequency information ofthe digital bit stream.

NOTE: For the SBP-32X, we recommend non-capacitivecoaxial cable which has a bandwidth in excess of 10MHzand excellent shielding properties.

Q. While listening to my SBP-32X I experience occa-sional periods of silence through my speakers. Is myprocessor malfunctioning?N. Drop-outs can be caused by two primary reasons, bothof which have to do with the corruption of data receivedby the processor. This corruption in the data may be dueto a poor input connection, damaged or dirty sourcematerial, or interconnects which/lo not have a wideenough bandwidth. The second item that causes theprocessor to reset is the presence of a transient spike onthe incoming AC powerline. The processor is resettingall of its digital processing circuits so that it can be as-sured that all its circuits are properly synchronized. Trychanging your source material and check your connec-tions. Iftlaese are not the cause, speak with your dealerabout obtaining different cabling. If you are using fibreoptics, and source material and connections are not theproblem, speak with your authorized dealer.

. Since I installed the processor in my system I have aow level hum that increases as I turn up the volume.

There was no hum in my system until I added the proces-sor. Is the processor malfunctioning?A. The fact that there was no hum in your system untilyou added the processor indicates that you have aground-loop problem. Often changing the interconnect toa fibre optic.cable will eliminate this problem. The waythe digital processor and digital source are connected tothe AC mains often can be me cause of grounding prob-lems. Consult your dealer or Krell if this hum persists.

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H. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEGLOSSARY

The following glossary provides definitions or explana- ,tions of key words andphrases encountered in the courseof this manual.

32.0 KHz The samplii~g frequency of Satellite broadcast.

44.1 KHz The sampling frequency of Compact Discs.

48.0 KHz The sampling frequency of Digital Audio Tape.

BITThe fundamental building block of digital information.The term, expressing the smallest part of a digital word,is derived from the words Binary DigiT.

BOOTBooting is a term.loosely referring to initializing thestartup sequence in a computer.

BYTEA group of 8 bits. The primary component in a digitalword.

CLOCK SPEEDThe speed at which the processor operates, usually ex-pressed in MHz.

COAXIALA type of cable design where a center conductor is sur-rounded by an insulator which is then wrapped with a fullmetallic sl~ield.

D/ADigital to Analog conversion.

DACDigital to Analog converter. The device which convertsthe digital information into an analog signal for playbackin your audio system.

DISCRETEIn this text, Discrete circuit design utilizes individualcomponents (i.e. FETs, Transistors...) as opposed integrated circuits or op-amps. It is generally acceptedthat correctly executed discrete circuits are superior soni-cally in performance to the less expensive ICs.

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DROP-OUTIn this usage, drop-out is a term referring to periods ofsilence during digital audio playback.

DYNAMIC HEADROOMThe ability of a component to correctly duplicate highspeed, high level transient signals in excess of thosenormally encountered in audio playback. If a comp, onentdoes not have sufficient Dynamic Headroom, it willeither fall short of the actual intensity and accuracy of thetransient, or possibly distort it.

FIBRE OPTICAn interconnecting link through which digital data istransmitted via a beam of light.

INSTRUCTION CYCLEA period of time in which a processor completes a singleor series of operations.

OVERSAMPLINGA method by which additional samples are plotted inbetween the original recorded samples in order to in-crease the time domain resolution of the playback wave-form.

~,hUANTIZATIONe process by which analog music is converted into

digital data.

RFIRadio-frequency interference. This equipment generates,uses, and can radiate radio frequency en.ergy which cancause interference to radio communications.

SAMPLESA digital sample is a quantized coordinate representing aspecific amphtude at a specific time. Thousands ofsamples per second are quantized during recording todigitally represent the original music.

SAMPLING RATEThe frequency at which analog data~:~is sampled in therecording process (ex. a Sa~m,l~],ing Rate of ~4.1KHzwhich is used in recording CD s represents 44,100 quan-tized samples per second).

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I. SPECIFICATIONSOutputs Analog Single ended via RCA

Balanced via male XLR

Inputs Digital 1 via female RCA connector

1 i~dustry standard fibre optic inputauto switching between inputs(defaults to fibre optic)

Processors 2 Motorola DSP-56001, one perchannel

DACs 18 bit, one for each channel,individually trimmed.

Software WAVEFORM DUPLICATORupdatable in socketed EPROMs

Dimensions

Weight

19" wide,14.,2,5" deep,.2.5 high with feet

26 pounds in shipping carton22 pounds without packing

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.l. WARRANTY AND,,SERVICEINFORMATION

There are no user-serviceable parts inside the SBP-32X.The SBP-32X has a limited warranty of five years partsand labor on electronic parts. Return freight is includedin the warranty. The warranty period begins on the dateof purchase and is activated with the return of the en-closed Warranty Card and a copy of the Sales receipt.Please return the warranty cardimmediately after suc-cessful installation and operation are completed.

The warranty for Krell products is valid ~ in the coun-try to which they were originally shipped and at thefactory. If you think there are problems with your unitplease contact your dealer, distributor or the factory~mmediately.

Please do not return any unit to KRELL for repair with-out first calling to discuss the problem and to obtain aReturn Authorization number.-Freight to the factory ordistributor is your responsibility. Return freight to youwill be paid by the factory or distributor.

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DIGITAL INC.

1 KRELL DIGITAL INC.35 HIGGINS DRIVE MILFORD CT 06460SALES 203-874-3139 FAX 203-878-8373COPYRIGHT 1991 KRELL DIGITAL INC.

(SBP32X9105)