A complete transparent window on the music.

None for Two Channel Reproduction.

I'm in the process of evaluating the Krell Home Theater Standard at Bay Area Audio, a local Krell dealer in the San Jose area of California. I currently own the Proceed AVP.

The Krell Home Theater Standard, at least in two channel mode, is truly outstanding in terms of CD playback. With this in mind I strongly disagree with Robert's comments below. This preamp is really exceptional for playing CDs. One would have to spend at least $5000 to get this level of performance from a traditional preamp. When I have a chance to try this preamp's other features, I will update my review at that time.

Before I begin, I auditioned this AV preamplifier in a room measuring about 18 x 22 feet with a ceiling height of about 10 feet. The room was modified with about $70,000 of sonic treatment by a company specializing in the building of customized home theater installations. According to the sales staff at Bay Area Audio, the floor is concrete, and under the sonic treatment covering the walls and ceiling are three layers of sheet rock.

The equipment used in this one-hour test included the following:

1. Aerial Acoustics 10T with optional stands
2. Krell Home Theater Standard AV Preamplifier
3. Krell's New DVD/CD Player (which is not listed on the Krell web site)
4. Krell FPB 600 MC mono-block amplifiers with optional sound-proofing stands
5. Cardas Neutral Reference bi-wired speaker cable
6. Cardas Neutral Reference balanced interconnects

Note that a disconnected Theta Casablanca was sitting next to the Krell Home Theater Standard. The Casablanca had been the store's previous reference standard, and this store is also a Theta dealer.

As for the sound, there wasn't any. The Krell preamplifier was so quiet and transparent it seem to act like a large, neutral conduit for the music signal being fed through it from the Krell DVD/CD player. The sound I did hear was more a function of the CD, speakers, interconnects, cables, and amplifiers than it was either the DVD/CD player or preamp.

I had to constantly remind myself that I was actually listening to a recording and NOT a live concert. The music I heard in that room was so lifelike I could not believe my ears. The bass, midrange, and treble were perfectly balanced, and the sound stage created by the synergy of all the parts of the system was very wide, deep, and tall. The sonic presentation was what I have come to expect sitting in row 16 of the Orchestra at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, which is to say the sonic presentation was a little forward of mid-hall. The bass was very tight and fast; the mid-bass was solid and neutral; the midrange was exceptionally transparent and balanced; the treble was light, airy, and very detailed. As for dynamics, they were first rate.

As a whole, I would say that the music seemed to float from a black velvety background of infinite space. There was considerable air around the instruments being played, and an energetic silence seemed to envelope each musical note, much the way I hear it at Davies Symphony Hall.

For example, the organ bass notes of Allegro, Molto Moderato in Jongen's Symphonie Concertante (Telarc) were powerful, dynamic, and fully articulated by the system. The Krell HTS had no difficulty handling the powerful cords being played by Michael Murray on the Rufatti organ.

The strings and orchestral arrangement during Molto Allegro of Mozart's Symphony No. 40 (RCA Red Seal) were fully captured in all their power and glory, with considerable detail and layering. This layering made it possible for me to visualize easily the placement of each row of instruments across the imaginary sound stage, and was really astounding, rivaling what I typically hear at a live concert.

The female voices on the Cantate Domino recording Proprius) were so rich, so vibrant, and so lifelike that I fond myself playing and replaying each individual track over and over.

The sound effects on Don Dorsey's Ascent on the Time Warp CD (Telarc) were played with such speed, clarity, power, and vitality, it startled me, and I have used this CD as a demo test for over ten years.

I could go on and on. The point is that Krell's HTS is a great preamp for CD playback. My Proceed AVP is capable of a very similar sound, or lack of sound, but I feel that the sound staging, detailing, and air are a little better with the Krell, enough so that I am planning to sell my Proceed for this unit after I have checked the Krell's functions in other, critical areas. In fact my experience with the Krell equipment at Bay Area Audio has now made me a Krell convert. I am also considering buying the Aerial 10Ts. They too are wonderful. I will submit a review on these fine loudspeakers later.

If you are in the market for a very fine AV preamplifier, I would buy the Krell.

Similar Products Used:

Proceed AVP

January 13, 2002
I have the original HTS and, like most other reviewers, have found the couple-second delay irritating. The good news is that at the just-ended 2002 Las Vegas Consumer Electronic Show, Krell reps talked to me about their plans for implementing an upgrade for both the HTS and HTS2 to the new HTS 7.1 format.
To me, the two biggest changes, aside from the option now of using two more channels, are the (claimed) elimination of the delay, and the ability to input the multiple analog signals from DVD-Audio and DVD-SACD. The less than wonderful news: it will be a factory-only upgrade; dealers probably will not be authorized to perform the surgery. The (as yet unfixed) price is projected to be about $1500 for the HTS2 and slightly more for the original HTS. Krell expects to set up a "team" to perform the updates; implementation, I was told, should be within a couple of months. The new HTS 7.1 will list for about $8000.

Detailed sound

Lacks warmth

I have auditioned the Krell at various dealers, and each time I walk away feeling that while it is a good preamp/processor, it is terrible for two channel music. I understand the Theta is a better and more expensive processor, but I have compared the Meridian 565 to the Krell, and it is more musical by leaps and bounds. The Meridian lacks slighlty the dynamics and detail of the Krell, but the overall sound is far more pleasing to listen too.
There are a great number of pre/processors on the market. For the money, the Krell lacks the warmth and sound of less expensive pieces. Perhaps they need to give attention to the intenal D/A converters.

Similar Products Used:

Theta Casablanca, Meridian 565, Classe SP25

Balanced Outputs

No XLR Digital inputs

First of all, I didn't buy the piece. I demoed a demo. I have an all Krell stereo system, KCT pre-amp and 250mc mono's. I was interested in system consolidation, that is why I auditioned the HTS. I did not purchase it. Frankly, it has a lot of good features, and if you haven't listened to the best it might impress you. I want my home theater piece to sound as good as my two channel set-up. Aggressive as that may sound it is possible. I finally ended up with an EAD Ovation Plus. It is a true audiophile piece. Step for step it sounds as good if not better than my Krell pre-amp. If I wasn't old school analoge I would keep it as my sole source and dump my Krell Pre.

But this is a Krell review, so, outside of poor two channel reproduction (as compared to My Krell Pre-Amp), AC-3, DTS, are stunning. Pro-logic was impaired on the unit I had. It didn't work. DSP was DSP dull and uninvolving. I don't care how you mix backround noise, it remains just that.

So if your buying this as a Home Theater Processor only, you are going to be a happy camper. But if you think that you are going to get a Krell quality pre-amp in the bargain. Not so! Just so so!

For the same cash, Maybe not as many bells and whistles, go for the EAD. IT will stand alone as a Home Theater Piece and go toe to toe with any two channel pre-amp on the market.

Similar Products Used:

Chiro C-800, Meridian 565, Lexicon MC-1, EAD Ovation Plus, Theta Casablanca

Being one of the first people to own the KRELL HTS, I feel compelled to share my views with others who are in the market for Home Theater Preamp/Processors. Firstly, it is built like all other KRELL products, with a brushed aluminum faceplate and the famous "blue" light indicating power is on. It is the most simple and least "flexible" processor I have ever used. Compared to a Theta, you need no learning time for the KRELL at all. When I say least "flexible" what I mean is that there are:NO speaker delays ( the HTS calculates them, see below)
NO crossover settings ( i.e 40hz, 80hz, etc.)
NO audio delays ( in the event you have a lip sync problem on a specific DVD)
NO DSP modes ( i.e. logic 7, circle surround, panarama, church etc.)
NO ability to change audio preferences in digital sources (see below)
NO ability to change MENU settings without the television ON
NO 24/96 music capabilities (yet)
Let me try and explain KRELL's position as it was explained to me. KRELL is a traditional company that doesn't "alter" the source signal. In theory, that's exactly how I feel. However, in this case it is a problem for me, as I feel it would be for most. Let me explain. For example, if you have an older DVD, one that was recorded in MONO or 1 channel, the KRELL will only play back that DVD the way it was recorded. (in MONO or 1 channel) ALL other processors allow you to use some sort of DSP processing (digital signal processing) to turn that signal into STEREO, PRO-LOGIC or something other that MONO. Two such examples occurred when playing 7 samurai's and Bad Lieutenant on DVD. To me, I find it ridiculous that with today's technology, we should be forced to experience listening to DVD audio on technology that is 20-40 years old. If one wants that, it should be their choice: retain the audio as it was originally recorded or "alter" the signal and enjoy enveloping audio. I am also one of those "rebels" who enjoys digitally re-mastered, non-grainy video transfers but, hey that's me.
The KRELL has 2 "music modes" that can be selected from a pre-set menu. Once "Music 1" and "Music 2" are configured, they can only be changed through a complex layer of menus with the television on. ALL menu selections can only be operated with the television on. (I guess that's why its called the Home Theater Standard) These music modes are pre-set, meaning that they cannot be altered. If you like the sound of "FRONT ROW" but would like a little more rear channel sound, you cannot re-configure it. You can, however, alter any audio source from the front panel or the remote by using balance, center, rear +/-.
I suppose, you could give yourself more rear channel boost by selecting the music mode and manually increasing the rear volume each time you play a CD/DVD, but, that's a real pain.
The only really annoying "bug" that I have found is what's known as the "2 second delay". The 2 second delay is caused every time you "break the audio chain" on a digital audio source. Here's what I mean. Let's say you turn on your CD player, the KRELL HTS and hit play. It takes the HTS 2 seconds to lock onto the audio signal that is playing before producing sound even after the CD player starts playing. What that means in English, is that every time you play a CD, you will miss the first 2 seconds of the track..EVERY TIME ON EVERY DISC. The audio "unlocks" every time you hit pause, stop, track forward, track backwards etc., causing you to lose 2 seconds of music when you resume and then hit play, while the HTS again "looks" for an audio signal. To add fuel to the fire, on DVD's it's even worse. On top of all of the same symptoms as CD (audio loss on: pause, ff, stop etc.) the HTS looses audio on DVD layer changes, menu selections, audio selections, chapter selections, etc. To compound the loss of audio with a visual accompaniment, upon losing audio, the on screen display flashes NO SIGNAL endlessly, until it finds one. This delay usually occurs in 2 second intervals so, you get used to it. KRELL's answer to the NO SIGNAL flashing was " don't use the on screen display" not a solution or an option for me. KRELL's answer for the 2 second delay was " if you use the analog inputs on the HTS as opposed to the digital ones, you will not experience the problem." While this solution does indeed work, there are a few problems with this method. Firstly, if you are buying a $6000 preamp/processor, chances are that the DAC's contained in the KRELL would be better than your CD player so, you experience audio through inferior DAC's. Secondly, by using the analog inputs you will be unable to play any DTS CD's, this may not be a problem for you but, I love DTS music so, it was a problem for me. Thirdly, the HTS "digitizes" the audio signal when using the analog inputs so it sounds different. The signal goes from analog to digital (conversion) as opposed to a straight digital or analog signal. Finally, if you use the analog inputs, you can forget listening to DVD's in DTS or DD, it's not possible to listen to digital sound through analog inputs, so enjoy 2 channel stereo DVD's forever. Pick your poison, all of the resulting problems left me with only one solution..deal with the 2 second delay and pray they acknowledge it, address it and correct it.
By now you must be ready to say "I'll stick with my present preamp/processor, this KRELL is lousy", don't do that, the good stuff is about to begin. By no means do I not like the HTS in spite of the above "shortcomings". For the record: "THE KRELL HTS IS THE BEST SOUNDING PREAMP/PROCESSOR I HAVE EVER HEARD AND I HAVE HEARD ALOT". How's that for a statement. In 2 channel stereo, DTS, and Dolby Digital 5.1, nothing touches it. Not even KRELL's own Audio/Video Standard costing $13,000 sounds better. It is the only pre/pro that has all 6 outputs XLR balanced, even a balanced output for the subwoofer. It is one of the only pre/pro's that has composite, S-video AND component video switching, and it is broadcast quality switching, as well. KRELL is presently getting ISF certification for their broadcast quality switching, assuring you it is of the highest quality available. About those "shortcomings".. How do you think I got the answers to all of the problems? KRELL's superb customer support. These guys love their jobs and the products they create, they take a personal interest in all customer's concerns. I had an early software version EPROM, being that I had one of the first units available to the public. KRELL has since upgraded their software, sent me a new EPROM for FREE, and walked me through the installation patiently. This EPROM does NOT correct any of the problems listed above, it did however, correct a problem I did not mention. I didn't mention it because it is corrected and all current versions of the HTS have the new version so, it won't be an issue for anyone. Regarding the KRELL's configureability and its ability to be tweaked. At first I was concerned about not having all of the bells and whistles in order to "fine tune" my system. After entering the most simple information: How many speakers do I have, which speakers are "full range", YES, I have a subwoofer and the distance each speaker is from the listener (in feet not inches), the KRELL did all of the calculations regarding frequency roll off, speaker delays and bass management. I can honestly say, that with all of the fine tuning I was able to make with the Lexicon MC-1 and the Theta Casa Nova, they NEVER sounded as good as the KRELL. I don't understand it myself, but it isn't even close. Also amazingly, at "0" on all of the speaker levels, the KRELL read 75db, at reference level, measured with a sound meter, right out of the box. All of the tweaking with other processors got me boosting the front left, decreasing the right rear etc., in order to get a reference level 75db in all 5 speakers. The KRELL was dead on. They use crystal DAC's, for whatever that's worth. After a lot of time and money, I have learned that it is not just the quality of the DAC's used but, also the way they are implemented and the software associated with this implementation. KRELL stated that in the event any new technology becomes available or becomes an industry standard (24/96 and SACD) they will upgrade the HTS to be fully functional. At what price, no one knows but, my EPROM was free so, we'll see. The HTS has programmable triggers allowing you to delay each trigger from 1- 10 seconds. I have 2 amps so, trigger #1 powers 1 amp on after 1 second, and trigger #2 powers on the second amp after 2 seconds, pretty cool, huh? All of the rear panel connectors are gold plated and solid as a rock. I've been switching components back and fourth and they hold tight. It's got dual zone capability, internal pink noise calibration, an RS-232 Port, a Phast Link and an RC-5 input.
It has 9 S-video inputs, 2 component video inputs, 2 optical toslink inputs and 6 digital coaxial inputs. If you choose not to use the balanced outputs, you can use RCA's or any combination of RCA and XLR outputs. That's about it, as if this review isn't long enough. On a scale of 1-5 the KRELL is a solid 4 ½, fix the 2 second delay and it's as close to perfect as it gets.

Krell quality and reputation of being on the cutting edge of technology.

2 second audio delay

I have had the HTS for about a year. A Sony 7700 DVD is the transport, hooked-up to Krell 650M monoblock amps, powering Genesis 200 speakers. The HTS was my first choice as an A/V preamp. After reading a near perfect review and score from Home Theater magazine, that helped me make the final decision. The only complaints is the annoying 2-second audio delay when queing up a CD. I also have a DSS dish hooked up to the HTS. When switching channels, there is an annoying switching sound that clicks on and off caused from the HTS locking on to the signal of that particular channel. Channel surfing can be quite annoying with this going on. The audio performance is equal to my past Spectral preamp (almost), so there are few trade-offs going A/V.

Build Quality, Clarity and detail of the music or home theater

Expensive, no way I've found to adjust treble/bass

I bought this unit based on the reviews found on this site, so I feel obligated to contribute. The Home Theater Standard is in every way a professional piece of equipment. The clarity and detail of DVD movies and CD's is incredible with this unit. Couple it with a quality amplifier and you will understand music and home theater diferently. I know it is expensive, but quality generally is. You will not be disappointed.
Equipment: Krell KAV1500 Amplifier
Paradigm Reference Studio 100's, center and rears
Sony DVD (Soon to upgrade)
Tara Labs Interconnects (Master Generation 2)
Tara Labs RSC Reference Bi-wire (speakerwire)

2 channel stereo, excellent video switching

average number of music modes, no special dsp processing, still missing 24/96 dacs

This is a review of the Krell HTS2 preamp/processor, not the original HTS. I was one of the first people to review the original HTS and received one of the first production units, to read that review search below. I have lived with my HTS2 for about a 4 months now and have been waiting for the morons at audiogon to add a seperate hts2 component to review to no avail. I will post the review here, hoping one day it will be switched over to it's proper place. I will try to describe the differences between the original and the “2” version.
The name HTS2 was coined by “us” the consumer, and has been adopted by Krell. On the warrantee card, the unit is indicated as an HTS2 as opposed to just HTS. The most obvious change is in cosmetics, the 2 is all silver aluminum with polished front and rear corners, it is absolutely beautiful. I never loved the original cosmetics but didn’t mind them either. The new unit looks very similar to the EAD units with a thick aluminum faceplate. I always had a tough time fitting the original HTS into my equipment rack, it was 19 inches wide. The 2 is only 17 inches wide and fits easily into any rack. As far as the front panel goes, the display is now centered on the unit as opposed to off to the right side. Makes perfect sense, why it wasn’t designed dead center like almost every other pre/pro originally was a mystery, this time they got it right.
The actual buttons are now silver aluminum, not black plastic. The HTS2 has all of the original functions on the front panel and a few more. Now it has Music 1 and Music 2 modes as well as, Preamp, Stereo and Pro Logic. No buttons for DTS or AC-3 but, the old one never had those buttons either. Both units still decode those programs, Krell just didn’t put the buttons on the front panel. Let’s address the 2 new buttons first: Preamp and the Music Modes.
The Preamp button is a feature that allows any source to have analog pass through. This is probably the single biggest difference between the two units. What this means is that if you have a high end CD player, like an SACD player, or if you don’t want to use your processors DAC’s, you set your source to Preamp and you “bypass” the processors DAC’s. In essence, you are using your SACD’s DAC’s and not the Krell DAC’s. In this particular case, both the HTS and the HTS2 DAC’s are unable to resolve true SACD because the DAC’s contained within the units are not capable of doing so. By bypassing the Krell DAC’s, you use the SACD players DAC’s and get true perfect SACD without the signal having to go through the Krell DAC’s at all. Even if the Krell’s DAC’s could resolve SACD, you would still rather bypass them because it makes no sense to send the signal through two different sets of DAC’s instead of only one. This bypass mode is not just for SACD but could be used for vinyl, regular CD’s or any other source you feel has higher quality DAC’s than the HTS2. Krell makes a stand-alone analog preamp that they acknowledge has better DAC’s than the HTS. If one was to purchase that unit for 2-channel audio, you could use the HTS2 strictly for Home Theater. However, that would be a very expensive combination considering the Krell in 2 channel Stereo is still the best Home Theater Processor I have ever heard.
Which brings us to the Music Mode buttons. The big change here is that the HTS2 now comes with a Mode that allows you to listen to Stereo with a Subwoofer. The original unit never allowed you to listen to Stereo with a Subwoofer, the new version does. I tried it and I like it. With your Sub crossed over properly and the volume levels set correctly, all of the very low frequency information that you never heard before is now routed to the sub. I happen to use Aerial 10T’s for fronts and most consider them to be full range or almost full range. When operating the HTS2 in “stereo and sub” mode, the difference is easily noticeable to anyone with ears. Whether you like the extra bass is entirely subjective and up to you. I found many CD’s where this mode required me to turn down the sub because there was too much boominess, and others where I had to turn up the volume to hear additional bass. Unfortunately, Krell still has the most generic sound modes on the market today. No Logic 7, no Circle Surround, no Trifield, just the basics. We still have “Front Row” and “General Admission” but, for the most part, these modes just stink. I chose Stereo and Sub for my Music 1 mode and Party, which routs music to every speaker connected, as Music 2 mode.
For those familiar to the HTS, the original remote was about 1 inch thick, weighed about 1 pound and needed a special allen key to change the batteries. To me, this thing was a weapon and was ugly to boot. The new remote is very 2000. It’s about 3/16” thick or about as thick as 3 credit cards stacked on top of each other. It uses a round flat battery, included. Sorry I don’t know the actual name of the battery, but it’s flat and round. The buttons are not exposed so you could spill a soda on the thing, not recommended, or even use a damp sponge to wipe it off. It has a membrane over the buttons and pushing them you feel it click, so you know you did it right. It is not backlit or programmable, but neither was the original. It is very high tech and very thin. It also is quite heavy, no plastic here. It too is machined aluminum, just thin. The new remote has some new buttons as well. The Preamp button is one and a THX button is the other. Hmmm, no mention of THX anywhere. Hitting it doesn’t do anything either. On Me, Myself & Irene, a THX mastered DVD, I tried hitting the THX button but nothing happened, the front panel didn’t even acknowledge the signal. My Krell source tells me it could be a precursor of things to come…maybe DTS-ES or THX-EX? Not yet, but maybe soon.
The old HTS had a top cover that had to slide off and snap on to the sides of the unit. It had hex screws on the top, back and sides of the unit and removing them, to swap out an EPROM for example, was a real pain. The 2 has a simple top panel that only screws down on the top rails of the unit, no screws on the side or rear. Removing it is much easier, there are still a dozen or so hex screws but the lid rests on the top of the unit and just lifts off and on. In my rack, accessing the side of the unit on the original HTS, especially when the old unit was 19” wide, was truly a job. It required unplugging all of the sources from the rear panel just to remove the unit from the rack so the lid could be removed. No more, the design is much simpler now and EPROM swaps should be even more convenient.
Some other differences to note:
1. The rear power switch used to be a thin metal up/down switch. The new version is a wide plastic power on/off, more like those found on amplifiers.
2. The original HTS had a very audible relay “clicking” sound when switching sources, powering on and off and anything else that caused the unit to break the audio link between it and the source. The 2 still has relays and makes a sound but it seems far less audible to me than the original. They seem to have quieted the sound slightly but not completely.
3. The s-video inputs/outputs are much tighter fitting now. The original HTS had a problem with Monster s-video cables because the circular cutout on the sheet metal was not large enough. On the 2, it is now perfect for all brands of s-video connectors.

The unit sounds just as good, which is fantastic. The improvements make a great processor even better but still not perfect. The HTS2 still has the 3 second delay on all digital sources, it is no worse but no better than the original. We still have terrible music modes. No ability to set crossover points. No bass management control. No 6.1, 7.1 or other such abilities. No DTS-ES or THX-EX or THX for that matter. No ability to use sides and rear speakers, just sides or rear speakers. No ability to use multiple subwoofers, unless you buy a Y-adapter and split the sub signal to two different subs but, that can be done on any processor. The price has been increased by $500 on the retail to $6500. This is one of the most expensive processors on the market but it has so many features lacking on other pre/pro’s that I feel it is well worth it. XLR balanced outputs and inputs and component video switching to name just a few. Again, where the unit really shines is on music, 2 channel stereo. The new version is a definite improvement over the original and well worth the price increase. It isn’t perfect, but I haven’t found a processor that was yet. For right now, it’s the closest out there and the best available on the market today.

Similar Products Used:

lexicon mc-1, lexicon dc-2, classe, proceed

Eric,
You didnt leave an email for those of us with more questions. I would like to know what sound modes are possible from a DSS receiver. My Sony SAT-A4 has both optical and analog out. My understanding from your review is that if the digital optical link is used, the Krell will only play HBO, Showtime, etc in stereo. However, if the analog link is used, then some sort of Pro Logic can be selected. Please elaborate.

Thanks,

Being one of the first people to own the KRELL HTS, I feel compelled to share my views with others who are in the market for Home TheaterPreamp/Processors. Firstly, it is built like all other KRELL products, with a brushed aluminum faceplate and the famous "blue" light indicating
power is on. It is the most simple and least "flexible" processor I have ever used. Compared to a Theta, you need no learning time for the KRELL
at all. When I say least "flexible" what I mean is that there are:
NO speaker delays ( the HTS calculates them, see below)
NO crossover settings ( i.e 40hz, 80hz, etc.)
NO audio delays ( in the event you have a lip sync problem on a specific DVD)
NO DSP modes ( i.e. logic 7, circle surround, panarama, church etc.)
NO ability to change audio preferences in digital sources (see below)
NO ability to change MENU settings without the television ON
NO 24/96 music capabilities (yet)
Let me try and explain KRELL's position as it was explained to me. KRELL is a traditional company that doesn't "alter" the source signal. In
theory, that's exactly how I feel. However, in this case it is a problem for me, as I feel it would be for most. Let me explain. For example, if you
have an older DVD, one that was recorded in MONO or 1 channel, the KRELL will only play back that DVD the way it was recorded. (in MONO
or 1 channel) ALL other processors allow you to use some sort of DSP processing (digital signal processing) to turn that signal into STEREO,
PRO-LOGIC or something other that MONO. Two such examples occurred when playing 7 samurai's and Bad Lieutenant on DVD. To me, I find
it ridiculous that with today's technology, we should be forced to experience listening to DVD audio on technology that is 20-40 years old. If one
wants that, it should be their choice: retain the audio as it was originally recorded or "alter" the signal and enjoy enveloping audio. I am also one
of those "rebels" who enjoys digitally re-mastered, non-grainy video transfers but, hey that's me.
The KRELL has 2 "music modes" that can be selected from a pre-set menu. Once "Music 1" and "Music 2" are configured, they can only be
changed through a complex layer of menus with the television on. ALL menu selections can only be operated with the television on. (I guess
that's why its called the Home Theater Standard) These music modes are pre-set, meaning that they cannot be altered. If you like the sound of
"FRONT ROW" but would like a little more rear channel sound, you cannot re-configure it. You can, however, alter any audio source from the front
panel or the remote by using balance, center, rear +/-.
I suppose, you could give yourself more rear channel boost by selecting the music mode and manually increasing the rear volume each time you
play a CD/DVD, but, that's a real pain.
The only really annoying "bug" that I have found is what's known as the "2 second delay". The 2 second delay is caused every time you "break
the audio chain" on a digital audio source. Here's what I mean. Let's say you turn on your CD player, the KRELL HTS and hit play. It takes the
HTS 2 seconds to lock onto the audio signal that is playing before producing sound even after the CD player starts playing. What that means in
English, is that every time you play a CD, you will miss the first 2 seconds of the track..EVERY TIME ON EVERY DISC. The audio "unlocks"
every time you hit pause, stop, track forward, track backwards etc., causing you to lose 2 seconds of music when you resume and then hit play,
while the HTS again "looks" for an audio signal. To add fuel to the fire, on DVD's it's even worse. On top of all of the same symptoms as CD
(audio loss on: pause, ff, stop etc.) the HTS looses audio on DVD layer changes, menu selections, audio selections, chapter selections, etc. To
compound the loss of audio with a visual accompaniment, upon losing audio, the on screen display flashes NO SIGNAL endlessly, until it finds
one. This delay usually occurs in 2 second intervals so, you get used to it. KRELL's answer to the NO SIGNAL flashing was " don't use the on
screen display" not a solution or an option for me. KRELL's answer for the 2 second delay was " if you use the analog inputs on the HTS as
opposed to the digital ones, you will not experience the problem." While this solution does indeed work, there are a few problems with this
method. Firstly, if you are buying a $6000 preamp/processor, chances are that the DAC's contained in the KRELL would be better than your CD
player so, you experience audio through inferior DAC's. Secondly, by using the analog inputs you will be unable to play any DTS CD's, this may
not be a problem for you but, I love DTS music so, it was a problem for me. Thirdly, the HTS "digitizes" the audio signal when using the analog
inputs so it sounds different. The signal goes from analog to digital (conversion) as opposed to a straight digital or analog signal. Finally, if you
use the analog inputs, you can forget listening to DVD's in DTS or DD, it's not possible to listen to digital sound through analog inputs, so enjoy 2
channel stereo DVD's forever. Pick your poison, all of the resulting problems left me with only one solution..deal with the 2 second delay and pray
they acknowledge it, address it and correct it.
By now you must be ready to say "I'll stick with my present preamp/processor, this KRELL is lousy", don't do that, the good stuff is about to
begin. By no means do I not like the HTS in spite of the above "shortcomings". For the record: "THE KRELL HTS IS THE BEST SOUNDING
PREAMP/PROCESSOR I HAVE EVER HEARD AND I HAVE HEARD ALOT". How's that for a statement. In 2 channel stereo, DTS, and Dolby
Digital 5.1, nothing touches it. Not even KRELL's own Audio/Video Standard costing $13,000 sounds better. It is the only pre/pro that has all 6
outputs XLR balanced, even a balanced output for the subwoofer. It is one of the only pre/pro's that has composite, S-video AND component
video switching, and it is broadcast quality switching, as well. KRELL is presently getting ISF certification for their broadcast quality switching,
assuring you it is of the highest quality available. About those "shortcomings".. How do you think I got the answers to all of the problems?
KRELL's superb customer support. These guys love their jobs and the products they create, they take a personal interest in all customer's
concerns. I had an early software version EPROM, being that I had one of the first units available to the public. KRELL has since upgraded their
software, sent me a new EPROM for FREE, and walked me through the installation patiently. This EPROM does NOT correct any of the
problems listed above, it did however, correct a problem I did not mention. I didn't mention it because it is corrected and all current versions of
the HTS have the new version so, it won't be an issue for anyone. Regarding the KRELL's configureability and its ability to be tweaked. At first I
was concerned about not having all of the bells and whistles in order to "fine tune" my system. After entering the most simple information: How
many speakers do I have, which speakers are "full range", YES, I have a subwoofer and the distance each speaker is from the listener (in feet
not inches), the KRELL did all of the calculations regarding frequency roll off, speaker delays and bass management. I can honestly say, that with
all of the fine tuning I was able to make with the Lexicon MC-1 and the Theta Casa Nova, they NEVER sounded as good as the KRELL. I don't
understand it myself, but it isn't even close. Also amazingly, at "0" on all of the speaker levels, the KRELL read 75db, at reference level,
measured with a sound meter, right out of the box. All of the tweaking with other processors got me boosting the front left, decreasing the right
rear etc., in order to get a reference level 75db in all 5 speakers. The KRELL was dead on. They use crystal DAC's, for whatever that's worth.
After a lot of time and money, I have learned that it is not just the quality of the DAC's used but, also the way they are implemented and the
software associated with this implementation. KRELL stated that in the event any new technology becomes available or becomes an industry
standard (24/96 and SACD) they will upgrade the HTS to be fully functional. At what price, no one knows but, my EPROM was free so, we'll see.
The HTS has programmable triggers allowing you to delay each trigger from 1- 10 seconds. I have 2 amps so, trigger #1 powers 1 amp on after
1 second, and trigger #2 powers on the second amp after 2 seconds, pretty cool, huh? All of the rear panel connectors are gold plated and solid
as a rock. I've been switching components back and fourth and they hold tight. It's got dual zone capability, internal pink noise calibration, an
RS-232 Port, a Phast Link and an RC-5 input.
It has 9 S-video inputs, 2 component video inputs, 2 optical toslink inputs and 6 digital coaxial inputs. If you choose not to use the balanced
outputs, you can use RCA's or any combination of RCA and XLR outputs. That's about it, as if this review isn't long enough. On a scale of 1-5 the
KRELL is a solid 4 ½, fix the 2 second delay and it's as close to perfect as it gets.