Krell K-300i XD geïntegreerde versterker (demo / zwart)

Buitengewoon muzikaal niveau

De K-300i zit boordevol Krells nieuwste technologische ontwikkelingen en bereikt een buitengewoon muzikaal niveau. Het elegante ontwerp is woonkamervriendelijk, terwijl het meer dan genoeg vermogen levert om een ​​ongelooflijk levensechte dynamiek te bereiken met elke luidspreker.
Het algehele resultaat is een extreem lineaire en uitgebreide frequentieresponscurve met vloeiende, moeiteloze hoge tonen en extreem dynamische basenergie.

Met de digitale optie geïnstalleerd wordt de K-300i een DAC van wereldklasse met de connectiviteit en functies om de nieuwste digitale muziekformaten te ondersteunen. Een ESS Sabre Pro DAC die is geconfigureerd voor een hoge stroomuitvoer, voert de digitaal-naar-analoog signaalconversie uit voor een compromisloze reproductie van digitale muziek.

Krell Current Mode-topologie

771VA transformator met 80.000μF capaciteit vormt een krachtige voeding voor uitstekende signaalcontrole en dynamiek. Krell Current Mode-topologie wordt gebruikt met volledig differentiële schakelingen die lopen van de ingangstrap tot de laatste uitgangsversterkingstrap, wat een extreem lineaire en uitgebreide frequentieresponscurve biedt met vloeiende, moeiteloze hoge tonen en extreem dynamische basenergie.

Het menusysteem op het voorpaneel biedt configuratiefuncties zoals invoertrim. In de Theater Throughput-modus kan de K-300i dienen als de kern van een surround-soundsysteem zonder in te boeten aan tweekanaals geluidskwaliteit. Analoge ingangen omvatten drie stereo RCA en twee stereo gebalanceerde XLR. Hoogwaardige vergulde luidsprekerkabelaansluitingen zorgen voor een veilige, elektrisch ideale verbinding.

De K-300i biedt ook functies die hem perfect maken voor aangepaste installatie, zoals RS-232- en Ethernet-poorten voor controle en statusfeedback, 3,5 mm-aansluitingen voor IR-invoer en 12-volt trigger-invoer en -uitvoer. Bovendien heeft het apparaat een interne webserver die is geoptimaliseerd voor tablets en een grafische gebruikersinterface op afstand biedt voor gemakkelijke en intuïtieve bediening die toegankelijk is via de Ethernet-verbinding.

Een audio-renderer voor netwerkstreaming met speciale mobiele app speelt AAC-, ALAC-, AIFF-, FLAC-, WAV-, WMA- en DoP-bestanden tot 192 kHz/24-bit af van UPnP-muziekservers of NAS-apparaten. De digitale optie met de mconnect Control-app (beschikbaar in iOS- en Android-versies) biedt ook Spotify*, vTuner internetradio, Tidal*, Deezer* en QoBuz* streamingdiensten, is Roon Ready* en decodeert MQA.

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The K-300i incorporates a newly developed amplifier circuit design with Krell iBias™ technology

The K-300i incorporates a newly developed amplifier circuit design with Krell iBias™ technology,  delivering 150 Watts/Channel into 8Ω and 300 Watts/Channel into 4Ω. iBias provides the sonic benefits of Class A operation without the excessive heat and power consumption of traditional Class A design.

Packed with Krell’s latest technological advances, the K-300i achieves an extraordinary level of musicality. It’s elegant design is living room-friendly, while delivering more than enough power to achieve incredibly lifelike dynamics with any speaker.

The overall result is an extremely linear and extended frequency response curve with smooth, effortless highs and extremely dynamic bass energy.

With the digital option installed the K-300i becomes a world class DAC with the connectivity and features to support the latest digital music formats. An ESS Sabre Pro DAC configured for high current output performs the digital to analog signal conversion for uncompromised reproduction of digital music.

771VA transformer with 80,000μF of capacitance forms a potent power supply for excellent signal control and dynamics. Krell Current Mode topology is employed with fully differential circuitry that runs from the input stage through to the last output gain stage providing an extremely linear and extended frequency response curve with smooth, effortless highs and extremely dynamic bass energy.

The front-panel menu system provides configuration features such as input trim. Theater Throughput mode lets the K-300i serve as the core of a surround-sound system without sacrificing two-channel sound quality. Analog Inputs include three stereo RCA and two stereo balanced XLR. High-quality gold-plated speaker cable terminals provide a secure, electrically ideal connection.

The K-300i also offers features that make it perfect for custom installation, such as RS-232 and Ethernet ports for control and status feedback, 3.5mm jacks for IR input, and 12-volt trigger input and output. Additionally, the unit has an internal web server that is optimized for tablets and provides a remote graphical user interface for convenient and intuitive control accessed through its Ethernet connection.

A network streaming audio renderer with dedicated mobile App plays AAC, ALAC, AIFF, FLAC, WAV, WMA, and DoP files up to 192kHz/24-bit from UPnP music servers or NAS devices. The digital option with the mconnect Control app (available in iOS and Android versions) also provides Spotify*, vTuner Internet radio, Tidal*, Deezer*, and QoBuz* streaming services, is Roon Ready* and decodes MQA.

The K-300i includes MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology. MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download.

HDMI 2.0 inputs and output supporting 4K UHD with HDR are available for TV viewing with audiophile grade sound quality. A single USB host port is available on the front panel to play music from USB flash memory sticks and a USB device port is positioned on the rear panel for streaming music directly from a computer. The digital option also includes a Bluetooth receiver featuring Qualcomm® aptX™ audio technology for the best sound quality when connected to aptX enabled Bluetooth devices.

Verdict What Hifi

Krell released its first integrated amp, the KAV-300i, back in the mid-90s. That was a terrific performer, and this current version reminds us of that.

The current integrated may be the cheapest amplifier the company currently makes but it still delivers a concentrated dose of the fabled Krell sound. Add the forward-looking feature set and you have something of a high-end bargain.

We doubt there are many times those words have been used to describe a product worth almost nine grand.

Review Hifi+

Drawing on its well of power and coupling it with notable resolution proves to be a winning combination for the K-300i. It has even found favour with Naim Audio die-hards (no easy task), who view the K-300i as something akin to a ‘SuperDuperUniti’. So, purely as an integrated amplifier, the Krell-300i is a winner. The Krell has an excellent taut tonality that stays this side of ‘lean’, has power to burn and can deliver it into all sorts of speaker loads with speed and sure-footed dynamic stability. Like all good amps, it imposes itself on the music yet never gets in its way and the 150 watts into 8 ohms is going to be ample for all but the more extreme systems and locations. So far, so good, but the K-300i becomes a different proposition entirely with the addition of the digital board, and for the extra outlay, it is well worth it. Audiophile-grade streaming is a growing area of the market and incorporating all the electronics into a single component is going to be attractive to many people. If you’re one of them, you should certainly put the Krell K-300i on your audition shortlist.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: Integrated amplifier with optional digital board which is retrofittable
• Power Output: 150 watts -8 0hms, 300 watts – 4 ohms
• Analog Inputs: 2 × XLR, 3 × RCA
• Digital Inputs: 2 × USB, 2 × HDMI plus I × HDMI output, 1 × Optical, 1 × coaxial
• Remote Control:
• Damping Factor: >228
• Gain: 25dB
• Dimensions: 105 × 438 × 457mm (H×W×D)
• Weight: 23.6 kg
• Finishes Available: Black or silver
• Manufacturer: Krell Industries