Krell S-1200, High-End Perfection
Filed Under: Equipment   $$$   
Posted Tue Jun 9, 2009, 4:40 PM ET — By Kim Wilson

If ordinary surround processors don't get your juices flowing, then the Krell S-1200 Surround Sound Preamp/Processor is sure to get you fired up. Known for their substantial industrial designs and superb sound and video performance, Krell's new state-of-the-art processor is designed for reference level Home Theaters, employing the company's finest audio and video engineering plus the latest in connectivity technology.

To ensure a clean signal path, the S-1200 does not use op amps or integrated circuits. Every channel utilizes discrete current based Class A, direct coupled circuitry for the greatest signal purity and highest bandwidth. The preamp mode bypasses all digital circuitry and routes analog stereo inputs directly to a balanced resistor ladder volume control for ultimate music reproduction. In fact, the audio signal path is a direct descendant to their $30,000 Evolution 707 Reference Surround preamp/processor. The S-1200 also uses the same DSP engine and 1080p video stage from the Evolution 707.

Video content is treated to the same high performance engineering as the audio signals. All-discrete video circuitry takes full advantage of the new Deep Color HDMI 1.3 specifications. Maximum color depth has been increased from 24 bits to 48 bits and bandwidth from 165MHz to 340 MHz. Full video transcoding converts composite, S-Video, or component inputs to HDMI signals. (Furthermore, the S-1200U model includes upconversion to a maximum of 1080p resolution.) The S-1200's on-screen display shows configuration menus and status messages, which are available from all active video outputs including HDMI.

If you currently own the Krell S-1000, you can take advantage of their 'full value" trade-up program. Purchase either the S-1200 or S-1200U for the retail difference between one of those units and the S-1000, plus tax and freight This upgrade preserves the full investment a customer might have made up to two years ago and provides them with the latest in Krell technology. Performed at the Krell facility, this extensive upgrade includes a new power supply, motherboard, video circuitry, digital and analog circuitry, as well as a new faceplate and rear panel.

Finished in classic Krell brushed silver or black anodized aluminum, the S-1200 should be prominently displayed but can be easily integrated into modern rack-mount systems. The S-1200 retails for $10,000, while the S-1200U has an MSRP of $12,000.

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