Krell Illusion II - Dual Mono Balanced Preamplifier

Leave it to Krell to create a preamplifier that gives you everything you could want in a world class digital and analog audio system. The Illusion II features both balanced and single-ended inputs plus five digital inputs. The digital module features AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital inputs for use with streaming devices or other digital sources.

The Illusion II preamplifier is a neutral sounding, dual monaural design with the left and right channels using dedicated power supply regulation and individual circuit boards. All signal gain is executed with surface mount technology using proprietary multiple-output current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity of other designs. Featuring 700 kHz bandwidth in a zero feedback, balanced, Krell Current Mode design, the Illusion II shares the same design philosophy as its bigger brother, the flagship Illusion preamplifier. Negative feedback is not used anywhere in the preamp, nor is it necessary. Open-loop distortion is typically less than 0.003%. The volume control is realized with a balanced resistor ladder - bandwidth and transient response of the preamp circuitry are virtually unaffected by the volume setting. The headphone circuitry is identical to the main circuitry, offering private listening with the same performance as speaker playback.

The digital module supports up to 24 bit/192kHz LPCM. All digital signals are fed to an ESS Sabre DAC and then sent to Krell’s Current Mode, discrete, balanced analog circuitry.

The power supply is oversized for a preamplifier and features a 95 VA transformer and 40,000 µF of capacitance giving it the ability to respond quickly to musical demands. The large power supply improves noise rejection and renders the Illusion II impervious to all but the most severe AC voltage power fluctuations. A new eco-friendly standby mode reduces power consumption to 2W.

FEATURES 

• Dual mono design
• Top shelf power regulation and power supply
• No negative feedback design
• Dead quiet allowing more music and greater definition
• 12-bit R2R ladder volume control
• Headphone output

AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS 

• INPUTS - (2) Balanced, (3) RCA, (1) AES/EBU, (2) Coaxial Digital, (2) Optical
• OUTPUTS - Balanced and RCA
• HEADPHONE OUTPUT - Full size (1/4")
• CONTROL - 12V trigger in/out, RS-232, IR
• DIMENSIONS - (LxWxH) 18.3" x 17.3" x 3.8"
• WEIGHT: 17.2 Lbs 

IN THE BOX 

• Original Box and packing
• Original metal remote control
• Original Manuals
• Original power cord

CONDITION 

This unit is in near new condition and near what we'd consider mint.  It's re-packed in the original box and looks like a new unit.  Super low hours and includes everything it came with new.  No sign of smoke, pets or kids.  The face is excellent.