Review Vanguard Universal DAC – the 1st standalone DAC from Krell

The Krell Vanguard Universal DAC is currently available,efficiently the first standalone DAC from Krell in more than TWENTY years, and it’s definitely been really worth the wait.
It is packaged complete of functions which includes USB, HDMI, coaxial and optical digital
inputs; Ethernet music streaming controlled via dedicated iOS and Android applications; and aptX Bluetooth for
wireless streaming from mobile phones, tablets and personal computers. Coax and HDMI inputs
support computer audio PCM files right up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the optical input supports PCM up to 24-bit/96kHz.

The digital-to-analogue output conversion stage features 32-bit ESS Sabre DACs (as used in Krell’s top-of-the-line
Cipher SACD player) and feeds a traditional Krell discrete well balanced output stage.
It additionally has two HDMI 2.0 inputs to support DSD and 4K content, and an HDMI output to your screen, which smartly includes an Audio Return Channel for use with smart TV streaming services such as Netflix, Vudu and Pandora.Plus
there are iOS and Android applications for control and music operations – so it’s very much right up to date.

USB and network streaming assistance is also included in the Vanguard Universal DAC, with support for MP3, AAC, WMA,
WAV (PCM), FLAC and ALAC up to 24-bit/192kHz. There is also Bluetooth streaming capability here, including
the higher level of quality aptX technology for devices that support it.
If you are searching for an up-to-the minute DAC that is still planning to be futureproofed for many years for come,the
Vanguard Universal DAC has all the high quality of engineering that we have come to
count on from Krell.
Playback of media files stored in PC (Windows XP/7/8), network storage, and DropBox and SkyDrive/OneDrive cloud storage.
Stream media files from a mobile device over the network to DLNA compatible audio components and smart TVs. Full search capability, playlist creation and editing.
Also included are features that make it perfect for custom installation, such as 3.5mm jacks for IR input and 12-volt trigger input and output, as well as optional rack-mount ears. Additionally, the unit can be controlled with home automation systems or the Krell web server through its Ethernet connection.

The Krell Vanguard Universal DAC is available for $8,795.

Vanguard Universal DAC Specifications:

INPUTS
Digital Audio
(1) EIAJ optical via TosLink connector
(1) Coaxial via RCA connector

Digital Video
(2) HDMI

(1) USB-A(Front Panel)
(1) Bluetooth
(1) RJ45 Network Port

OUTPUTS
Analog Audio
(2) Balanced via XLR Connectors R, L
(2) Single-ended via RCA Connectors R, L

Digital Video
(1) HDMI with ARC

CONTROL/UPDATE
(1) IR Receiver for Remote Control
(1) RC-5 via 1/8″ stereo “trs” Receptacle
(1) Ethernet via RJ-45 Connector
(1) 12vdc Remote Trigger Input via 1/8″ Mono Receptacle
(1) 12vdc Remote Trigger Output via 1/8″ Mono Receptacle

Audio Output Impedance
Balanced: 150 Ω
Single-ended: 150 Ω

RC-5 pin out
Tip = RC-5 data, Ring = +5 V, Sleeve = GND
XLR Pin Out Pin 1 (ground) Pin 2 (non-inverting “Hot”) Pin 3 (Inverting)

Maximum Output
DAC only mode:
Balanced 4 Vrms
Single Ended 2 Vrms

Preamp mode:
Balanced 11.6 Vrms
Single Ended 5.8 Vrms