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New Upgraded Version with 4K Video Support
Krell's bestselling Foundation home theater processor was already a fabulous product. But thanks to a new 4K upgrade, the Foundation is now better than ever.
One of the most exciting features of the Foundation 4K is one-wire support for Sony 4K media servers. The prevailing wisdom and typical experience is that it is impossible to use only one HDMI cable, but only one HMDI connection is needed from the Sony FMP-X1/10 to the Foundation 4K processor and then to the TV. A separate HDMI cable connected directly to the TV for video and another one to the processor for audio is not required with the Krell.
The upgraded Foundation now includes four HDMI 2.2-compatible inputs that will support up to 1080p 60Hz signals including 24/30/36-bit RGB/YCbCr 4:4:4/xvYCC, and 16/20/24-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 video formats, and up to 4K x 2K signals @ 30 Hz with 24-bit RGB/YCbCr 4:4:4/YCbCr 4:2:2, and up to 4k x 2k @ 60Hz with 12-bit YCbCr 4:2:0. These inputs also support two-channel and multi-channel DSD support via HDMI, 3D video format up to 1080p @ 60 Hz, and high resolution VESA Smode video format up to QSXGA @ 60 Hz.
The two HDMI video outputs can be now configured to send independent video signals to two different displays. Both outputs support 4K signals being simultaneously displayed in this mode.
"Clarity, Dimensionality, and Ease"
The Foundation 4K is the latest in a long line of no-compromise, state-of-the-art, multi-channel preamp/processors from Krell. Featuring the latest digital connectivity, the Foundation 4K also maintains Krell's exacting standards for analog audio reproduction.
From decoding the latest lossless audio formats, extensive digital switching, 4K/2K/3DTV pass-through, and more, the Foundation 4K is fully compliant with the digital age. Yet the 7.1-channel processor also features balanced audio outputs, automatic setup and room EQ, and Krell's legendary robust hardware. A slim new form factor exudes the Krell aesthetic, while allowing placement in smaller equipment racks.
The original model of the Foundation won a Best Product Award for 2013 in the High-end HT category from EiSA, the European Imaging and Sound Association.
It also won a Best of CES 2013 Award from HomeTheaterReview.com, which raves, "It's hard to do better than the Krell Foundation AV preamp in terms of performance."
According to Sound&Vision magazine, "The Foundation maintained the clarity, dimensionality, and ease of even the most timbrally complex, dynamically challenging passages."
DSD Decoding
Its DSD decoding supports stereo and multichannel recordings via any of the 10 HDMI inputs. Playback options include DSD 2-channel Direct, DSD Stereo, and DSD Multi modes. DSD 2-ch Direct converts a stereo DSD signal to analog and directly passes it to the left and right analog outputs. DSD Stereo first applies any left and right channel crossover configured in the Foundation menu, converts the signal to analog, and then sends it to the left and right outputs. DSD Multi supports multichannel DSD recordings and utilizes all crossovers configured in the Foundation menu. There is no configuration required as the Foundation automatically recognizes a DSD signal and defaults to the last used DSD mode for playback. Pressing the mode button on the remote control or web server interface will cycle through all three DSD modes.
Ten HDMI Inputs
In addition to ten HDMI inputs, the Foundation 4K has two HDMI outputs, both of which feature Audio Return Channel. With ARC, a display device is able to send audio back down the HDMI cable to the processor. This is beneficial for those with televisions with built-in web streaming capability like Netflix or Pandora, so the streaming audio can use the full home theater system instead of just the TV's speakers.
The Foundation 4K passes video signals directly without any video processing, ensuring bit-for-bit accuracy of the signal. However, to simplify cabling, setup, and use, there is full transcoding of the two composite and three component analog video inputs to the HDMI outputs.
Intelligent HDMI Switching
The Foundation 4K includes a new Krell development known as Intelligent HDMI switching. Intelligent HDMI switching is a combination of circuitry and innovative software that optimizes HDMI operation. Various parameters including the monitor's electronic ID and source video resolution are stored in non-volatile memory. All ten source inputs are always active, so source, channel, video resolution, and audio format changes are instantaneous. The Intelligent HDMI design provides the fastest signal recognition possible.
Krell designed the Foundation 4K with flexibility and ease-of-use in mind, with extensive routing capability of the audio inputs to the various outputs. During setup, the specific paths will be chosen based on how the user intends to use each source, displays, and audio output channels.
Making the Best Soundtracks Sound Better
The Foundation 4K will allow owners to take full advantage of the best audio soundtracks available, with decoding of Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete, Matrix, and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, a full suite of post-processing modes are included, including Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo 6. Krell's proprietary surround modes, Party, General Admission, Front Row, and On Stage, offer a different way to listen to favorite tracks.
The Foundation 4K also features Krell's Automatic Room Equalization System (ARES), to ensure the best possible performance from every theater. ARES analyzes all the speakers in the system, their location, phase, and distance from each other, to determine the best crossover frequency, delay, and more. In addition, ARES incorporates the acoustics of the room to determine unique EQ curves for each of the 7.1 output channels. Unlike other room EQs, ARES can be programmed to only adjust the troublesome low frequencies, leaving high frequencies unaltered.
To allow full integration into a home automation system, the Foundation has Ethernet control, RS-232, 4 12v triggers (2@0.5A and 2@60mA), and RC-5.
