Eyes On: Krell Connect Streamer, Foundation Surround Processor

Krell has announced at CES 2013 its Connect high-res audio streamer.

Designed to handle everything from FLAC and WAV to MP3 and WMA, Connect boasts 192kHz/24-bit audio, as well as web radio.

The Connect will be available in two models. Customers can opt for a digital-only version of the product or score one with a built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) module. According to Krell, the DAC version has a 32-bit ESS Sabre chipset with discrete, direct-coupled analog circuitry outputting via RCA or balanced audio outputs. The digital-only version has coax and Toslink optical outputs.

Video via Richard Fregosa

Other Connect features include a built-in 3.5-inch QVGA LCD screen and the option for control via iOS and Android apps.

Krell will start selling the Connect in March, through authorized dealers. The digital-only Connect will have an MSRP of $2,500, with the DAC model priced at $3,500.

The Foundation 7.1 Surround Sound Processor can handle the latest lossless audio formats, extensive digital switching, 3D pass-through and includes 10 HDMI 1.4a inputs, two HDMI outputs, Krell’s Automatic Room Equalization System and much more. Here are some other notable features:

• 5 Analog inputs (4 unbalanced, 1 balanced)
• 6 Digital audio inputs (3 Toslink, 3 Coax)
• Intelligent HDMI switching
• 6 Analog video inputs (3 component, 3 composite, transcoded to HDMI)
• RS-232, Ethernet, RC-5, 12v Triggers (4)

Krell says the Foundation 7.1 Surround Sound Processor will be available in February 2013 for $6,500

Krell Foundation 7.1 Surround Sound Processor

Krell Foundation 7.1 Surround Sound Processor