CES 2012: Krell unveils new integrated and preamp models

New from Krell here at CES 2012 are the stereo Phantom III preamplifier and S-550i integrated amp.

Both models are due on sale in the second quarter of 2012, and will retail for $5000 each.

The Phantom III – one of our Stars of CES 2012 – is the first Krell preamp to include an optional digital input module and a headphone input.

The digital module features AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital inputs for use with streaming devices or other digital sources.

Under the lid it's a dual monaural design with individual power supplies and circuit boards for the left and right channels. The headphone circuitry is identical to the maincircuitry, offering the same performance when listening through headphones as speaker playback.

The digital module supports up to 24-bit/192kHz audio. It's available for an extra $1000.

Joining the Phantom III is Krell's S-550i integrated amp (above). It includes an iPod dock, balanced and single-ended inputs, RS-232 connectivity and a preamp section using circuit concepts from the Phantom preamp.

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Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.