Inputs
2 pr. CAST via 4-pin bayonet connectors
2 pr. balanced via XLR connectors
3 pr. single-ended via RCA connectors
Tape input
1 pr. single-ended via RCA connector
Main outputs
2 pr. CAST via 4-pin bayonet connectors
1 pr. balanced via XLR connector
1 pr. single-ended via RCA connector
Tape outputs
1 pr. single-ended via RCA connector, buffered
Control inputs
1 RS-232 input via a 9-pin D-subminiature connector
1 remote IR detector input via a 3-conductor 3.5 mm connector
1 12 VDC trigger input via 3.5 mm connector
1 preamplifier link via an RJ-45 connector
Control outputs
2 individually programmable 12 VDC
trigger outputs via 3.5 mm connectors
1 preamplifier link via an RJ-45 connector
Power output
1 phono power output (+/-20 VDC) for KPE
via a 9-pin D-subminiature connector
Input impedance
CAST: 45 Ohms
Balanced: 95 k Ohms
Single-ended: 47.5 k Ohms
Output impedance
CAST: >1 M Ohms
Balanced: 50 Ohms
Single-ended: 25 Ohms
Gain
12 dB (CAST or balanced output)
6 dB (single-ended output)
Volume control
Balanced, current-mode,
16-bit, discrete R-2R ladder
Input overload
CAST: 14 mA RMS
Balanced: 14 V RMS
Single-ended: 7 V RMS
Output overload
CAST: 16 mA RMS
Balanced: 16 V RMS
Single-ended: 8 V RMS
Frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.02 dB
0.1 Hz to 1.5 MHz +0, -3 dB
Total harmonic distortion plus noise
Balanced Output:
<0.004%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 4 V RMS or 4 mA RMS
Signal-to-noise ratio
4 V RMS balanced or 4 mA RMS CAST output
Wideband, unweighted: >100 dB
"A" weighted: >109 dB
Power consumption
Standby: 45 W
Power on: 70 W
Power on, with KPE: 80 W
Dimensions
17.3 in.W x 3.8 in. H x 18.3 in. D
43.8 cm W x 9.7 cm H x 46.4 cm D
Weight
Shipped: 32 lbs., 14.5 kg
The Phantom II incorporates the advanced technologies and brilliant design of the Phantom preamplifier into a single chassis format. Often overlooked, the preamplifier is a critical component in the signal chain. A small signal must be carefully amplified without damaging the ephemeral staging and dimensional components of the music. Heard through the Phantom II, music fills a listening room with three dimensional imaging, tonal integrity, and staggering dynamics.
Sharing the same audio circuitry as its bigger brother, the Phantom II 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 proprietary multiple-output current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity of other designs 1.5 MHz open loop bandwidth in a zero feedback, balanced, Krell Current Mode design terminating in Krell CAST. A complete Krell system (source, preamp, and amplifier) system, connected using CAST interconnects reduces the number of voltage gain stages to the minimum, one. The resulting noise floor approaches the theoretical limit of technology. Negative feedback is not used anywhere in he preamp, nor is it necessary. 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.
The Phantom II audio circuits receive power from a Krell Current Mode analog power supply. The power supply avoids the common integrated circuit topology used in many preamplifiers and instead mimics the design topology of Krell Evolution e Series amplifiers. The circuitry is completely discrete giving it the ability to respond quickly to current demands and also be unaffected by AC voltage power fluctuations. Oversized for a preamplifier, the power supply features a 140 VA transformer and 35,000µF of capacitance.
