Features

The Phantom III is the first Krell preamplifier to include either an optional digital input module or a headphone output. The digital module features AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical digital inputs for use with streaming devices or other digital sources.

The Phantom III is the perfect centerpiece for a world class digital and analog audio system.

Circuitry Highlights

The Phantom preamplifier is a dual monaural design with the left and right channels afforded their own 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 Phantom III shares the same design philosophy as its bigger brother, the flagship Phantom 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.

Digital Module Highlights

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. Being a modular design, the optional digital converter module is easily added at any time.

Power Supply Highlights

Oversized for a preamplifier, the power supply 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 Phantom III impervious to all but the most severe AC voltage power fluctuations. A new eco-friendly standby mode reduces power consumption to 2W

The Phantom III preamplifier is available in silver or black finish.

Specfications

Inputs
2 pr. balanced via XLR connectors
3 pr. single-ended via RCA connectors
Main outputs
1 pr. balanced via XLR connector
1 pr. single-ended via RCA connector
Headphone output
1 via 3-conductor 6.35 mm (1.4 inch) connector
Control inputs
1 RS-232 input via a 9-pin D-subminiature connector
1 remote IR detector input via a 3-conductor 3.5 mm connector
1 12 VDC trigger input via 3.5 mm connector
Control outputs
2 individually programmable 12 VDC
trigger outputs via 2-conductor 3.5 mm connectors
Input impedance
Balanced: 40 k Ohms
Single-ended: 20 k Ohms
Output impedance
Balanced: 310 Ohms
Single-ended: 155 Ohms
Headphone: <3.0 Ohms
Gain
Balanced: 12 dB
Single-ended 6 dB
Headphone: 5.1 dB with 32 Ohm load

Volume control
Current mode, 12-bit, discrete R-2R ladder
Input overload
>7.0 V RMS balanced or single-ended
Output overload
Balanced: >16 V RMS
Single-ended: >8 V RMS
Headphone: >3.0 V RMS, 32 Ohm load
Frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.02 dB
0.25 Hz to 1.2 MHz +0, -3 dB
Total harmonic distortion plus noise
Balanced Output:
<0.003%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 4 V RMS
Headphone Output:
<0.09%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 2 V RMS, 32 Ohm load
Signal-to-noise ratio
>100 dB Wideband, unweighted
>100 dB "A" weighted, both referred to 4 v RMS balanced
Power consumption
Standby: <2 W
Power on: 40 W
Dimensions
17.25 in.W x 3.8 in. H x 18.25 in. D
43.82 cm W x 9.65 cm H x 46.36 cm D
Weight
Preamplifier only: 23 lbs., 10.4 hg
As shipped: 38 lbs., 17.2 kg