Krell KSL Balanced Solid State Preamplifier - w/ Optional Phono Card

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General:
The Krell KSL is a classic capable preamplifier that offers balanced inputs and outputs with a super slim and compact chassis. 

Knob feel and overall build quality just as all Krell gear is top notch. We also love the design with its brushed faceplate, it's very distinctive. It would match great with the KST-100 amplifier we are also just listed.

Best of all, this particular Krell KSL has its optional phono card fitted, converting input "S1" into a phono input. This was a $400 option when originally purchasing this preamp and now is nearly impossible to find.  

In addition If you would like to use input "S1" as a standard line level input you can as well. Included will be its original plug in jumper board that removes the phono section from the signal path.

Included with this particular KSl is its original owners manual, power cord and plug in line level card. Being a single owner unit was very well cared for.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
The top cover has some light scratching. Small scratch on edge of faceplate. Overall condition is excellent.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
This unit arrived with scratchy controls. We have cleaned all of the controls and verified that all single ended and balanced functions are working properly with minimal noise when manipulating the controls. This device is in all original condition. We recommend sending it off to Krell for a full overhaul for the long term reliability.

The optional phono card has been set to MC gain with 100 ohm loading. If you would like the internal switches optimized for your specific cartridge please contact us before completing your purchase. In this configuration the S1 input becomes the phono input.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, IEC Power, Ground lug

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, manual, and power cord.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Reviews:
Click Here

Original MSRP:
$2,100.00

Specs:
- Type: Line control amplifier
- Input impedance: 47k Ω
- Output impedance: 25 Ω
- Frequency characteristic: 0.5 Hz to 450 kHz (–3 dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
- Gain: 7 dB
- Power consumption: 35W

Dimensions:
18" W by 21/4" H by 13.75" D.

Weight:
20 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1991

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface.

The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected.

If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.