The Vanguard Universal DAC is Krell's first standalone DAC in over 20 years and reinitiates Krell's digital legacy by incorporating the latest in digital technology and connectivity. Turning on the preamp option from the menu adds full volume control capability and becomes Krell's first single digital preamp along with classic Krell analog circuitry. The Vanguard Universal DAC is a perfect centerpiece for a two channel digital system.

The set of digital inputs includes USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, 2 HDMI inputs and outputs, music streaming over Ethernet controlled via dedicated iOS and Android applications; and aptX Bluetooth wireless for convenient streaming from phones, tablets, and computers.

An ESS Saber DAC powers a classic Krell balanced, fully discrete Class A circuit that is also used in the Krell Illusion II preamp. Krell Stream Mode technology is employed to ensure unmatched signal bandwidth, enough to easily handle the latest high resolution PCM and DSD audio sources.

The coaxial and HDMI inputs support PCM up to 24-bit / 192kHz. The optical input supports up to 24-bit / 96kHz.

2 HDMI 2.0 inputs support DSD and 4K video content. HDMI output includes an audio return channel for use with smart TV streaming

services like Netflix, Vudu and Pandora. USB and Network streaming

Supports MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV (PCM), FLAC, ALAC up to 24-bit / 192kHz.

Bluetooth streaming features aptX® technology. A Bluetooth connection is a conduit of data between devices. Because the pipe has a maximum width, it is difficult for large audio files to flow through it. aptX solves the problem of sending audio wirelessly over Bluetooth by reducing the size of the audio files so that they can pass through the wireless pipeline without affecting sound quality. The supported formats are A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP.

The Vanguard Universal DAC is Roon Ready * and Spotify Connect * compatible. Additionally, with the mconnect Control app (available in iOS and Android versions) the Vanguard Universal DAC is compatible with Tidal * and Deezer * music services and Internet radio. The application also offers the creation of playlists and extensive search functions for music stored in the cloud, on the local network or on a USB flash memory.

The Vanguard Universal DAC includes MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology. MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The MQA master file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.

Also included are features that make it perfect for custom installation, such as 3.5mm plugs for infrared input and 12-volt input and output for the trigger, as well as optional rack-mount ears. Additionally, the unit can be controlled with home automation systems or the krell web server via its Ethernet connection.

* A subscription is required for these services. The digital module software update may also be required depending on the age of the unit (see download area at the bottom of the page).

** Krell strongly encourages users of the mconnect Control app to update to the latest version of the app (v2.4.1 or higher for Apple devices and v2.3.7 or higher for Android devices). This fixes a potential issue where receiving a phone call while using the phone to play music to the Digital Vanguard or Vanguard DAC could result in a large increase in volume level.

Keeping the mconnect Control app up-to-date also ensures access to any new features and performance improvements.

Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.

Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission.

Spotify software is subject to third party licenses found here:

https://developer.spotify.com/esdk-third-party-licenses/

MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trademarks of MQA Limited. © 2016

Vanguard Universal DAC.

Specs.

TICKETS.

Digital audio.

(1) EIAJ optical through TosLink connector.

(1) Coaxial through RCA connector.

Digital video.

(2) HDMI.

(1) USB-A (Front Panel).

(1) Bluetooth.

(1) RJ45 network port.

DEPARTURES.

Analog audio.

(2) Balanced via XLR R, L connectors.

(2) Single phase through RCA R, L connectors.

Digital video.

(1) HDMI with ARC.

CONTROL / UPDATE.

(1) IR receiver for remote control.

(1) RC-5 via 1/8 "stereo" trs "receiver.

(1) Ethernet through the RJ-45 connector.

(1) 12vdc remote trigger input through 1/8 "mono receptacle.

(1) 12vdc remote trigger output through 1/8 "mono receptacle.

Audio output impedance.

Balanced: 150 Ω.

Single end: 150 Ω.

RC-5 pin output.

Tip = RC-5 data, Ring = +5 V, Sleeve = GND.

XLR Pin Out Pin 1 (ground) Pin 2 (not inverted "hot") Pin 3 (inverted).

Maximum output.

DAC only mode:

Balanced 4 Vrms.

Simple terminated 2 Vrms.

Preamp mode:

Balanced 11.6 Vrms.

Single Ended 5.8 Vrms.

Energy consumption.

Standby: 6 W.

Operation: 26 W.

Dimensions.

Inches (L) 16.83 x (W) 17.06 x (H) 3.47.

Centimeters (L) 42.76 x (W) 43.33 x (H) 8.81.

Weight

Unit only: 8.16 kg [18 lb].

As shipped: 10.89 kg [24 lb].