Feature of network Media Player

At first glance, Krell thoroughly approached the business – a powerful body with a thick milled panels hides the analog power supply with a large toroidal transformer, which envied other amps, and separate the analog gain on discrete elements in a balanced configuration and 32-bit digital to analog converters ESS Sabre. And with a huge metal remote control it seems that here it is the undoubted High End: attention to detail, coupled with the generous use of materials.

However, when you try to work with the device you covered disappointment, if not irritation. The remote control skips a line in the menu, and the application itself is running slow and often spontaneously closed. We used a few well-known programs on the server side (Asset, MinimServer), and in all cases the choice of music turned into a painful procedure. The situation changed dramatically when we installed the server software JRiver Media Center ($ 50), but as a management software program was used JRemote ($ 15). In a relatively small increase in the price of the unit we got a fantastic speed, sophistication and ease of management.

Now it’s time to enjoy the sound of network Media Player Krell Connect, which plays very well. Separate credit goes to the way it works with standard-definition files, manage it and especially contemporary music. So the album The Diary of Alicia Keys impressive clear, deep and well-developed bass, expressive voice Alicia Keys and maintenance. Album Consolers of the lonely Jack White wins a powerful drive, amazing sharpness and dynamics. Of course, when playing music in high resolution you get more information, but the player lacks the ability to organize these components – resulting in the composition Diana Krall in 24/96 lose the characteristic rhythmic swing, which is clearly felt in their standard version. Approximately the same situation with the “Symphonic Dances” Rachmaninov in 24/96 – very authentic in terms of detail and timbre symphony orchestra Minnesota lacks organization.

The application has an austere basic interface platform Stream Unlimited, and by today’s standards it’s slow. In addition, several times in response to our actions depend player and unauthorized application reset. There are obvious drawbacks – while playing FLAC to graph displaying bit strange numbers, and files in high-resolution display device shows not track data – a picture, name, and the home menu. The application provides only basic data playback tracks: track title, artist name, file type, bit rate, the rest of the metadata available. Adjust volume and fast-track is not provided.

In our opinion, network Media Player Krell Connect Vintage fit audiophiles who appreciate the tradition of the company and have a large music library CD, which they would like to listen to and the network. Those who are guided by high-resolution formats, you should pay attention to other players.

Price – network Media Player: $ 6,500

Pros – network Media Player: Excellent workmanship; good sound files in standard definition

Cons – network Media Player: Unstable applications; with remote control also works with remarks; no digital inputs – can not be used as a DAC

Verdict – network Media Player: A decent machine for the price, if we forget about the staffing and access to a complete application JRiver / JRemote

Source: krellonline

The post Network Media Player / DAC – Krell Connect review appeared first on Raqwe.

Whatever you say, quite tempting for a relatively small sum to become the owner of the amplifier from one of the pillars of the American reinforcement industry. And even if someone will notice that, in spite of the sculptural detail of the logo, the device has a bit too simple and professional appearance, workmanship Vanguard is not in doubt. Inside you’ll find a bunch of branded recipes used in high-end preamp and monoblocks firm: cascades directly connected to current technology adaptive bias iBias, combines the advantages of Class A with the economy and uncommon (especially for integrated amplifiers) capacity. As many as 200 watts into 8 ohms and exactly twice (400 watts into 4 ohms) – this unit can charge virtually any speaker. In this compact amp, though because of the huge transformer is very heavy, and significantly heats – despite the forced ventilation system.

USB plug in our device is not yet involved – for the functioning of the amplifier must be equipped with a digital board

We have become accustomed to the sound of the equipment significantly improve specific network cables, air conditioners and regenerators (surprising as we had without them), but sometimes the changes are so unpredictable that puzzle.

When you connect to the network without any devices in the “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Mussorgsky amplifier produces reliable, energetic, but rather dirty sound. Try to replace the stock power cord on Music Wire and get a completely different design. “Motets” Bach can be heard as if through a strong magnifying glass focused in the middle of the range: surprise unusual abundance of details, excellent separation of the vote together with the clarity of tone and timbre of each artist. However, in large-scale works, “Appassionata” by Beethoven and “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Mussorgsky outstanding quiet study fragments combined with a strange passivity in dynamic. Vanguard try to connect using the same network for Music Wire regenerator PS Audio PowerPlant P3 ($ 3800): attention apparatus was uniformly distributed both in the entire frequency range, quiet items do not disappear, but take place proportionate compared to loud. Is it possible to do without so much away? Instead of Music Wire connect Tchernov Cable Original AC ($ 115), and a miracle – even from the outlet sound clear and clean, with great energy. So, with the regenerator will be even better – we think, but alas: the combination Tchernov – PS Audio surprises us lethargy and lifeless. In general, if you happen to listen to this amplifier – do not jump to conclusions …

Behind the back – Amplifier Krell Vanguard

Plug hiding place to install the board DAC, which involves multiple interfaces, including traditional coaxial and optical digital inputs, USB, HDMI, Ethernet (to play music from UPnP-server) and even Bluetooth-enabled Apt-X. However, until the card is not yet ready, the amplifier offers a balanced and three conventional analog inputs – both options we liked equally. We were afraid of the noise from the rear-mounted fans, but in our sample had only heard the buzz huge toroidal transformer.

On the other hand, if you establish a relationship with food, amplifier demonstrates admirable versatility and genre omnivorous. As in the classical symphonic and chamber works, as well as blues, rock and electronic records Krell equally talented: energetic, rhythmically assembled adequately conveys the scale recording and its nuances. He is not only more powerful than comparable machines for the price, but in all other respects sounds more convincing.

Price: $ 6900

Pros: Large-scale performance in conjunction with the detailed middle; compact and powerful

Cons: Too picky about the quality of the network and power cables

Verdict: Make it a good diet, and it will give you a well-controlled and sophisticated sound

Source: Krellonline

The post Amplifier Krell Vanguard review: This powerful and so different Krell appeared first on Raqwe.