"The Lance Armstrong of Integrated Amps"

The Krell S-300i integrated amplifier extends the award winning tradition of audiophile-grade integrated amplifiers, offering the no-compromise performance that you expect from Krell along with a completely unexpected highly-affordable price tag. That's one big change, and here's another. The S-300i is the first Krell integrated amplifier to feature iPod connectivity via a rear-panel interface. And if you thought your iPod already sounded good when played through quality hi-fi gear, wait until you hear it through a Krell!

"This integrated amplifier is little more than four inches high, but this powerhouse is pure Krell through and through," reports Neil Gader in his June 23, 2009 review for The Absolute Sound magazine. "In sonic personality the S-300i could very well be the Lance Armstrong of integrated amplification. Like the physique of the Tour de France champ, the S-300i’s sonics are conveyed with muscular definition and not a single ounce of flab. Its sound is built for speed and for the critical analysis of a recording."

"Great Sounding"

In the February 3, 2009 issue of Sound&Vision magazine, Brent Butterworth called the S-300i "a great-sounding, reasonably priced analog two-channel integrated amp from a high-end brand that many people thought they would never be able to afford - and it's got an iPod interface, too." Brent also took note of the Krell's "exceptionally clear and vivid stereo music reproduction."

"Good Layers Even At The Back Of The Stage"

"The biggest asset of the new integrated -- better than anything I've heard for its money regardless of technology -- was the soundstage," marvels Wojciech Pacula at 6moons.com. "Everything between the loudspeakers was filled with a 'fluid', with very well localized positions of the musicians, nice acoustics and good layers even at the back of the stage."

Potent Circuitry

The S-300i's low profile chassis with its elegantly finished silver aluminum front panel hints at the potent circuitry hidden within its walls. Small in stature but big in performance, the S-300i integrated amplifier develops 150 watts-per-channel into 8 Ohms and 300 watts-per-channel into 4 Ohms. Employing a massive 750 VA toroidal transformer and 38,000 microfarads of capacitance guarantees huge power capability for maximum dynamic impact.

Both balanced and single-ended inputs are provided, and the Theater Throughput mode, developed by Krell simplifies integration into home theater systems. It allows you integrate a dedicated two-channel hi-fi system with your home theater receiver and easily switch between modes. No disconnecting and re-connecting cables when you want to change from home theater to hi-fi.

Direct iPod Connection

New for the S-300i is direct connection for all generations of Apple iPods, iPhones, and iPads with complete control of the iPod functionality via the included remote control. Unique for the category, the S-300i taps audio from the fully differential output included in the internal DACs of iPods, iPhones, and iPads and maintains this balanced signal throughout the circuitry.

The S-300i features the latest Krell 'Class A,' direct coupled design, and fully balanced preamplifier circuitry for the lowest noise reproduction possible. Krell Current Mode provides unequaled bandwidth for the most revealing playback of today's high-resolution music sources. Direct coupled circuitry eliminates impact-robbing capacitors from the signal path and an elegant, custom-machined level control adjusts volume.

The included solid aluminum remote control replicates all front panel options as well as providing control for a connected iPod/iPhone. RS-232 is also included for inclusion in advanced control systems. Robust WBT binding posts provide superior loudspeaker cable termination.

• Audiophile-grade integrated amplifier
• Rear-panel iPod, iPhone, iPad connectivity
• Massive 750 VA toroidal transformer and 38,000 microfarads of capacitance
• Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs
• Theater Throughput home theater bypass
• Robust WBT binding posts
• Krell 'Class A,' direct coupled design
• Fully balanced preamplifier circuitry
• Solid aluminum remote control (controls S-300i functions plus connected iPod, iPhone, iPad
• RS-232

• 1 pair balanced via XLR connectors
• 3 pair single-ended via RCA connectors
• 1 dedicated iPod input via 30-pin connector

• 1 pair preamp outputs via RCA connectors
• 1 pair speaker outputs via gold-plated binding posts

• 1 RS-232 input via 9-pin D-subminiature connector
• 1 remote IR detector input via 3-conductor 3.5 mm connector
• 1 12 VDC trigger input via 2-conductor 3.5 mm connector

• 1 programmable 12 VDC trigger output (30 mA maximum current) via 2-conductor 3.5 mm connector

• Output power: 150 W RMS per channel at 8 ohm; 300 W RMS per channel at 4 ohm
• Output voltage: 99 V peak to peak; 35 V RMS
• Input impedance: Balanced, 95 k ohm; Single-ended, 47.5 k ohm
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.14 dB; <2 Hz to 110 kHz +0, -3 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >84 dB, wideband, unweighted, at maximum gain, referred to full power output; >93 dB, 'A-weighted'
• Gain: 32.5 dB
• Input sensitivity: Single-ended or balanced: 800 mV RMS
• Total harmonic distortion: <0.035% at 1 kHz, at 150 W, 8 ohm load; <0.26% at 20 kHz, at 150 W, 8 ohm load
• Output current: 15 A peak
• Slew rate: 50 V/S
• Output impedance: <0.080 ohm at 20 Hz; <0.11 ohm, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Damping factor: >100 at 20 Hz, referred to 8 ohm; >75, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referred to 8 ohm

• Gain: 6.3 dB (single-ended)
• Volume control: Current-mode, 12-bit, discrete R-2R ladder
• Input overload: Balanced, 12 V RMS; Single-ended, 6 V RMS
• Output overload: 8 V RMS (single-ended)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.05 dB; <2 Hz to 1.0 MHz +0, -3 dB
• Total harmonic distortion: <0.009%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 2 V RMS
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >85 dB, wideband, unweighted, at maximum gain, referred to 2 V RMS; >94 dB, 'A'-weighted

• Power consumption: Standby: 40 W; Idle: 60 W; Maximum: 1000 W
• Heat output: Standby: 140 BTU/hr; Idle: 210 BTU/hr; Maximum: 1600 BTU/hr
• Dimensions: 17.26" wide, 4.09" high, 17.70" deep
• Weight: 42 lb

"This integrated amplifier is little more than four inches high, but this powerhouse is pure Krell through and through."

"In sonic personality the S-300i could very well be the Lance Armstrong of integrated amplification. Like the physique of the Tour de France champ, the S-300i’s sonics are conveyed with muscular definition and not a single ounce of flab. Its sound is built for speed and for the critical analysis of a recording—not a rough translation. The result is a drier tonality that’s not exactly sweet but rather sweetly exacting. If your biases tend toward the lush, florid, romantic, or, goodness knows, euphonic, the S-300i may not entirely win your heart. However, if it’s precision-cut images and transient acceleration you’re seeking, you’ve found your ride."

- Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound magazine, June 23, 2009

"The biggest asset of the new integrated -- better than anything I've heard for its money regardless of technology -- was the soundstage… Everything between the loudspeakers was filled with a 'fluid', with very well localized positions of the musicians, nice acoustics and good layers even at the back of the stage. But this wasn't all. Listening to Depeche Mode, then Kate Bush and finally the brilliant Lars Daniellsson album Mélange Bleu, I could not believe how well this device handled depth not just behind but also in front of the loudspeakers - and behind the listener. These albums include out-of-phase data and the sounds are located all around the listener. The Krell showed them all without exaggeration…"

- Wojciech Pacula, 6moons.com

"A great-sounding, reasonably priced analog two-channel integrated amp from a high-end brand that many people thought they would never be able to afford - and it's got an iPod interface, too."

"Exceptionally clear and vivid stereo music reproduction."

"For those who desire such lofty goods but never imagined they'd be able to afford anything wearing the Krell brand, the S-300i will come as a surprise and a delight.

- Brent Butterworth, Sound&Vision magazine, February 3, 2009

"Taking everything into account: huge power, good load drive, technical accuracy, an intelligent iPod control interface, confidence inspiring build and finish, the channel balance and source volume offset facility, plus the precision volume control, it is well on the way to recommendation. I consider it can operate comfortably as part of complete hi-fi systems costing up to £15,000."

"Add in class leading sound quality (for power and price), with a focused, muscular delivery, good clarity and image depth plus tonal neutrality, good dynamics, above average rhythm and timing, plus a stunning dynamic range, and this is a thoroughly recommendable, all purpose design. Even the handset is top quality."

- HiFiCritic, EnjoyTheMusic.com, Volume 3, Number 4