Krell has announced the UK release of Foundation, the latest in a long line of A/V processors from the company. 

As well as all the AV functions you’d expect the 7.1-channel processor also features balanced audio outputs, automatic setup and room EQ. A slim new form factor allows placement in smaller equipment racks.

In addition to 10 HDMI 1.4a inputs, the Foundation has 2 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 includes a new Krell development – Intelligent HDMI switching. Intelligent HDMI switching is a combination of circuitry and software that optimizes HDMI operation. Various parameters including the monitor’s electronic ID and source video resolution are stored in non-volatile memory. All 10 source inputs are always active so source, channel, video resolution, and audio format changes are instantaneous.

The Foundation 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, offering a different way to listen to favorite tracks.

The Foundation also features Krell’s Automatic Room Equalization System (ARES), to ensure the best possible performance from every theatre. 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.

Features/specs

·         5 Analog inputs (4 unbalanced, 1 balanced)

·         6 Digital audio inputs (3 Toslink, 3 Coax)

·         10 HDMI 1.4a inputs

·         2 HDMI outputs (both with ARC)

·         Intelligent HDMI switching

·         6 Analog video inputs (3 component, 3 composite, transcoded to HDMI)

·         RS-232, Ethernet, RC-5, 12v Triggers (4)

·         Balanced and Unbalanced outputs

·         Analog Zone 2 output

·         Dual Subwoofer outputs

·         ARES (Automatic Room Equalization System)

Available in the UK from July the Foundation is priced at £6500