Phantom III
Stereo Preamplifier
QUICK SETUP GUIDE
Getting Started
Thank you for your purchase of the Krell Phantom III Stereo Preamplifier. The Phantom
III features Krell Current Mode circuit topologies, balanced technology, and a robust
power supply for exceptional audio performance. The Phantom III preamplifier is the
first Krell preamplifier to include an optional digital input module. It is also the first
Krell preamplifier to include a headphone output. A thoughtful suite of menu options
ensures that the Phantom III can be customized for the greatest ease of operation.
The preamplifier’s front panel provides power, input selection, level control, menu
functions, and status display. The rear panel allows connection to audio sources,
power amplifiers, AC power, and other system components.
The remote control provides power, preamplifier, level control, navigation and
customization functions, CD and DVD player controls and menu configuration.
Do not place the preamplifier where it could be exposed to dripping or splashing.
Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord. This may cause radio fre-
quency interference (RFI) to be introduced into your playback system.
The ventilation slots on the top and bottom of the preamplifier must be unobstructed at all
times during operation. Do not place flammable material on top of or beneath the component.
Turn off all systems’ power before connecting the preamplifier to any 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 PARTS INSIDE ANY KRELL PRODUCT
1. Open the shipping box and remove the top layer of foam. You will see these
items:
2. Carefully remove all items from the shipping box.
3. Place the preamplifier in a safe location and remove the protective plastic wrap-
ping.
We recommend that you place the preamplifier on a firm, level surface, away from
excessive heat, humidity, or moisture. The preamplifier requires at least two inches
(5 cm) of clearance on each side and at least two inches (5 cm) of clearance above
to provide adequate ventilation. Installations inside cabinetry may need extra venti-
lation.
The Phantom III preamplifier has superb regulation and does not require a dedi-
cated AC circuit. Avoid connections through extension cords or multiple AC adapt-
ers. High quality 15 amp AC strips are acceptable. The use of AC line conditioning
devices is not recommended. The features provided by these devices are already
on board the Phantom III.
WARNINGS
Krell Phantom III 1
Unpacking
Krell Industries, LLC., 45 Connair Road,Orange, CT 06477-3650 USA
TEL 203-298-4000, FAX 203-891-2028, E-MAIL [email protected]
WEB SITE http://www.krellonline.com
Connecting the
Phantom III
to Your System
Position the preamplifier where you intend to use it in your system.
1. Neatly arrange and organize wiring to and from the preamplifier and all compo-
nents. Separate the AC wires from any audio cables to prevent hum or other
unwanted noise from being introduced into the system.
2. Connect the outputs of your source equipment to the appropriate balanced
(11), or single-ended inputs (12) on the Phantom III.
3. Connect the main outputs (13) on the Phantom III to your amplifier’s inputs.
4. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the IEC power cord receptacle (17)
of the preamplifier.
5. Plug the other end of the AC power cord into AC power and turn on the rear
power switch. The display (3) shows
PHANTOM III SOFTWARE VERSION
, and the
stand-by/power LED (4) illuminates red, indicating that the Phantom III is in
stand-by mode. When the display shuts off, the Phantom III is ready to be pow-
ered on.
Note
Use only the power cord provided with the Phantom III to make the connection to AC power.
Operation with a power cord other than the one supplied by Krell can induce noise, limit cur-
rent, or otherwise impair the ability of the preamplifier to perform optimally.
After the Phantom III is connected to your system and to AC power you may begin
operation:
1. Press the power button (1) on the front panel, or the remote control power key.
The standby/power LED turns blue. The display shows the factory default input:
S-1
, and level:
000
. The Phantom III is now in the operational mode.
2. With the preamplifier output muted, or the volume fully attenuated, select a
source manually using the front panel input select buttons (5 or 6) or the remote
input select keys. Start playing the source. Use the level control knob (10) or the
remote level keys to set the volume to a comfortable level.
3. To return the preamplifier to the stand-by mode, press the power button (1)
or remote power key. (We recommend leaving the Phantom III in the stand-by
mode when it is not playing music.)
The balance function allows adjustment of the left and right balance. The options
are:
CENTER, L .5-5 dB <, R .5-5 dB >.
The remote control has direct keys (D) to make
these adjustments. For front panel adjustment follow the steps listed below.
1. Press the preamplifier menu button (9), then use the level control knob, or the
remote control up and down keys to select:
BALANCE.
2. Press the enter button (8) or remote enter key. The display shows the default
mode:
CENTER.
3. Use the level control knob, or the up and down keys, to select the desired bal-
ance option from 0 to +5 dB in .5 dB increments, left or right.
4. Press the enter button or key to confirm the selection. The display reads:
BALANCE.
5. Press the menu button to exit the menu.
4 Krell Phantom III
Operating the
Phantom III
1 Preamplifier chassis
1 IEC connector (AC power) cord
1 Remote control
2 AAA remote batteries
1 T-10 Torx wrench for remote
1 Quick Setup Guide
Placement
AC POWER GUIDELINES
SERIAL NUMBER
Overview
Channel Balance
Adjustment
Krell recommends using bal-
anced 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.
KRELL
THE LEADER IN AUDIO ENGINEERING
Note
Save all packing materials. If you
need to ship the Phantom III in
the future, repack the unit in its
original packaging to prevent
shipping damage.
This product complies with the
EMC directive (89/336/EEC)
and the low-voltage directive
(73/23/EEC).
This CLASS 1 apparatus must
be connected to a MAINS
socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection.
The owner's reference for this
product, including a detailed
description of features, technolo-
gies, and warranty is available on
the web at: www.krellonline.com
MODEL
Phantom III Preamplifier
