Krell Cipher SACD/CD Player
Featuring an advanced disc drive and coupled to the latest Krell digital and analog output circuitry, the Krell Cipher delivers the
ultimate performance from today's highest resolution source material. Every performance enhancement is incorporated to retrieve the most
accurate signal from SACD and CD music titles. Isolated mechanically from the underlying chassis, the drive mechanism utilizes composite
mounts to minimize vibration induced errors. Special sound dampening material is strategically placed inside the unit to minimize mechanical
resonances even further. Krell customized disc drive firmware enhances reading accuracy, drive mechanics, and operational parameter. As an
ultimate final step, the separate SACD and CD laser heads are individually calibrated by hand for the precise output levels required for
reference quality SACD and CD playback.
All signals are fed into a custom designed Krell anti-jitter module that reduces jitter to a virtually immeasurable level. From
there, signals are fed to a 24 bit/192 KHz digital filter and then to a pair of balanced 24-bit/192 kHz digital-to analog converters
(DACs). Conventional players use one DAC for both channels and convert the current output of the DACs to voltage, a process that
invariably causes signal distortion. Instead, the Cipher uses one DAC per channel and feeds the native balanced current output
directly to Krell Current Mode circuitry. Removing the typical current-to-voltage stage found in conventional players eliminates
distortions associated with this conversion. Balanced DACs maintain a dual differential balanced signal from the output of the DACs
to the output connections. This lowers distortion and improves signal to noise ratio to their maximum levels. Core Krell technologies
of discrete, complementary, direct coupled circuitry are employed throughout the surface mount based output stage. Evolution CAST and
balanced connections are included for optimal stereo playback. A complete Evolution (source, preamp, amplifier) system, connected in
CAST, reduces the number of voltage gain stages to the minimum: one. The resulting noise floor approaches the theoretical limit of
technology Outputs are also included for Multichannel SACD playback.
The backbone of all audio components is the power supply which is often minimized in lesser players. The Cipher includes independent
power supplies for the drive mechanism, digital, and analog sections to maintain signal isolation between these circuit areas. The
Cipher's linear power supply is sourced directly from the designs used in Krell Evolution e Series amplifiers. A custom-wound toroidal
power transformer, 10 times larger than those found in typical players, provides tremendous current reserves and assures low-noise
analog stage operation. Extensive multi-regulation delivers rock-steady power to all gain stages, ensuring maximum dynamic impact
that can get muted in players using switching or digital power supplies.
Frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.0, -0.25 dB
Signal to noise ratio
"A" weighted 112 dB
THD
20 Hz to 20 kHz, < 0.005% dB
Output Level
2Vrms (single-ended)
4Vrms (balanced)
Power Consumption
61 W
Analog Audio outputs
1 pr. CAST via 4-pin bayonet connectors
1 pr. balanced via XLR connector
6 single-ended via RCA connector
Digital Audio outputs
1 S/PDIF via RCA, 1 EIAJ optical via TosLink
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Remote Control
1 Wireless IR Remote
1 Remote IR sensor input via a 3-conductor 3.5 mm connector
Control inputs
1 RS-232 port via a 9-pin D-subminiature connector
1 12 VDC trigger input via 3.5 mm connector
1 Krell CAN Link via an RJ-45 connector
Control outputs
1 12 VDC trigger output via 3.5 mm connectors
1 Krell CAN Link via an RJ-45 connector
Dimensions
17.3 in. W x 6 in. H x 17.3 in. D
43.8 cm W x 15.3 cm H x 43.8 cm D
Weight
Shipped: 37 lbs., 16.8 kg
Unit only: 29 lbs., 13.2 kg |
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"The Krell Cipher is a great CD player: the best I have heard in its price range, and the best I've heard, period, in my home system."
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"Sound quality is exceptional, and not just with SACD."
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