Krell Connect Media Streaming Player Preview

Krell Industries showed off its new Connect high-resolution audio streaming technology. The Connect plays back FLAC to WAV, MP3 and WMA at up to 192kHz/24-bit audio, plus it does Internet radio. The Wi-Fi-equipped Connect is available in two models: as a digital only solution, or with a built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) module. The DAC-equipped Connect has a 32-bit ESS Sabre chipset with discrete, direct-coupled analog circuitry outputting via RCA or balanced audio outputs. The digital-only version has both coax and Toslink optical outputs.

Extensive audio libraries are easy to navigate via the Connect's built-in 3.5-inch QVGA LCD screen. Alternately, you can control the system using available iOS and Android apps, so you can navigate the Connect from anywhere in the home. In addition to playback of FLAC and WAV files up to 192kHz/24-bit, the Connect also streams Ogg, WMA, and MP3. Unlike some music streamers, gapless playback is also possible, allowing for no breaks between album tracks. Live concert albums, for example, can be played as a seamless, uninterrupted experience.

Internet radio gets the same conversion as the high-resolution files (on DAC-equipped models), providing the best possible sound quality from online streaming content.

The Connect will be available at Krell authorized dealers in March 2013 for an MSRP of $2,500 (digital only), and $3,500 (w/ Internal DAC). For more information, please visit www.krellonline.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.