Krell Adds Automatic Room Equalization System to Evolution 707

[Waboman]

I wonder how the Krell room EQ stands up to the MX150s (same as MEN220?) and something like Audyssey?







"This is without a doubt the best-sounding AV, two-channel and multi-channel preamp ever made.” Ken Taraszka, www.hometheaterreview.com



We are excited to announce the release of the Krell Automatic Room Equalization System (ARES) for the Evolution 707 surround preamp/processor. Developed entirely in house by the Krell Engineering team, the new firmware optimizes the performance of the Evolution 707 in any listening environment. For true high performance, a generic off the shelf solution is never an option. We designed and built the Evolution 707 processor’s hardware and software to perform at the highest level and now with ARES, we have developed a specific tool to realize the Evolution 707 processor’s full potential in any listening environment.

The ARES upgrade is free of charge to all existing Evolution 707 owners and will be included in new units shipping from the Krell factory. All Evolution 707 processors have shipped with an ultra-linear condenser microphone for use with the anticipated ARES firmware. NOTE: Older Evolution 707 surround processors may require hardware updates prior to receiving the ARES firmware update. Please contact your Krell dealer or distributor with your serial number so we can determine if anything is required to complete the upgrade.


“The Krell Evolution 707 simply is the best AV preamp I have ever heard to date in my home, at any trade show or anywhere else, for that matter.”

ARES Highlights
Simple but not simplistic, ARES does not require a computer but uses on screen prompts to guide the user through the automatic setup and equalization process. ARES analyzes the speakers’ capability, position, phase and distance relationships to determine ideal crossover points, delay, and volume settings. Listening room surfaces, speaker positioning and construction play a pivotal role in the overall sound quality of a system. ARES measures these effects against the inherent performance of the system’s speakers and corrects for irregular surfaces, problematic speaker locations, and unusual floor plans. A 32 bit dual core DSP running at 1.8 giga operations per second computes equalizer filter coefficients and applies individual curves to each of the 8.4 output channels. A trio of user system memories provides greater flexibility and personalization than other systems on the market. Instead of an averaged result from various listening positions, three individual listening positions may be measured and optimized rather than compromised by an averaging-style system. Alternatively, system memories may be used for different speaker configurations so that one memory can be optimized for two channel listening with full range front speakers, a second memory for movie playback with a crossover and subwoofers engaged, and a third for casual, full range, all-speaker music listening. After each system memory corrects for room anomalies, an optional music or movie curve can be added to the corrected response for an enhanced listening experience.
The ARES operational range can also be limited to low frequency correction where a majority of sonic irregularities occur. Settings for operation below 63 Hz, 80 Hz, 125 Hz, and 250 Hz provide correction in the most troublesome low frequency range while leaving, unaltered, the upper frequency range that helps define an individual speaker’s sonic characteristics.


“Offering exceptional analog and movie performance … and an exceptional video scaler for analog sources, this piece is designed for the customer who wants the absolute best in an AV and music system.”