Krell Evolution 555 Blu-Ray Player

[Sonic]

Hello all,

Does anyone have the scoop on this beast? I haven't found one review of it online. Wasn't it launched in 2010-2011?

From the limited information I have read, it seems to be an incredible device and a much needed departure from the "Oppo-based" foundations that premise countless players on the market today. It's ground-up engineering approach and also updatability to handle 4K is a plus for me. I was eyeballing Ayre's DX-5 as well but since I started reading about Krell's e555, reconsideration is starting to creep in. I use audio only processors so I will be relying on my player to handle the video processing.

Has anyone had any experience with the 555 or demoed it at all? I'd love to hear about any experience, ideas, advice, questions, or any other forms of input you all may have. Thanks in advance!!

[Robert_Anderson]

You can't lose with just getting an Oppo. Being a Krell owner, I am disappointed in their new line and the way they treated D'Agostino. Such a shame! If an Oppo isn't good enough, you may want to check out the Ayre. Just my two cents......

[LordoftheRingsEE]

Any info anywhere on that 555, and pictures?

Robert is right; the Oppo 105 is a good deal.
Then perhaps the Ayre DX-5, if you like to spend roughly ten times more, for perhaps 2% better performance.

Sonic, how much is the Krell, and what is your main priority (use) from such a player?

[Sonic]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRingsEE

Any info anywhere on that 555, and pictures?

Robert is right; the Oppo 105 is a good deal.
Then perhaps the Ayre DX-5, if you like to spend roughly ten times more, for perhaps 2% better performance.

Sonic, how much is the Krell, and what is your main priority (use) from such a player?

The Krell is $15K.

The priorities are CD's (some DVD audio & SACD), movies (video processing), and digital music (via USB). I think the main priority of the bunch would be movies.

[Sonic]

The skinny on the Krell e555:



Engineered to maximize performance from today's large format flat panel and front projectors, the Evolution 555 offers home entertainment enthusiasts unprecedented levels of performance, flexibility and upgradeability. Featuring the acclaimed 12-bit Sigma Designs VXP technology, this superior engine delivers the world's highest quality video processing algorithms for noise reduction, de-interlacing, scaling, image enhancement and frame rate conversion. Incorporating industry-leading compression artifact reduction, the VXP recognizes object edges and removes mosquito noise to produce crisp, clear images. Detail enhancement seeks out underlying image information bringing unprecedented texture, sharpness and clarity to images. 3D and 2D noise reduction which adaptively applies both temporal and spatial noise reduction produces the clearest picture while maintaining fine image details.

The Evolution 555 includes extensive aspect ratio control including a vertical stretch feature for systems employing 2.35:1 Constant Image Height display systems. Vertical stretch eliminates the black bars at the top and bottom of the image without adding distortion, or artifacts. It is most beneficial for those users of Cinema Scope screens and projectors with anamorphic lenses, as the processing is done in the digital domain.

In addition to its ultimate quality video, Evolution 555 is a Profile 2.0 Ready (BD Live) Blu-ray/DVD player with 1GB of onboard memory.



Onboard Ethernet Port and Slot For Additional Wireless Card for Advanced Internet Connectivity and More
For the highest level of connectivity to the world of exciting current-day as well as future entertainment enhancements, the Evolution 555 features an onboard Ethernet port that allows for Internet connectivity, firmware updates, BD Live interactivity and IP control. Additionally, an 802.11b/g/n wireless card can be added to perform the same functions. This network capability also provides access to online streaming and media files resident on a home network.


Upgradeable to HDMI 1.4
The Evolution 555 is fully HDMI 1.3 compliant but with a direct fix on the future, the Evolution 555 includes an upgrade path to the future that makes it quite literally the most advanced and "future-ready" source component. Already equipped with an HDMI 1.4 transmitter, the Sigma VXP video processor is located on a plug-in card for in-field upgrade to HDMI 1.4 with full support for 3D and 4K x 2K Resolution Support.


Sound Quality
For the ultimate in audio performance, the Evolution 555 features the ESS Technology 32-bit Sabre Reference DACs connected to Krell differential Krell Evolution CAST™ analog circuitry. CAST™, which is short for Current Audio Signal Transmission, is a proprietary method of sending audio signals between components in the current domain. Krell components connected in Evolution CAST act together as an electrically unified whole, free from the deleterious effects normally imposed by connecting cables. Balanced outputs and single ended outputs are also included for use with conventional preamplifiers.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

Thank you Sonic for all that.

Now, have you considered the Oppo BDP-105 for $1,199? ...You said Movies is first, then CDs (some SACDs and DVD-Audios). ...And USB facilities. ...I presume you have both Blu-ray and DVD movies?

I was going to give you the Oppo link to their website with all the audio and video specs, plus all the reviews on it by pro audio/video reviewers from several major audio mags, but this is a Krell Evolution 555 Universal Blu-ray player thread.

Methinks that this player is not truly competitive, even if it's build like a tank, weights fifty pounds or so, and has gold or silver accents or trims on its front face.
* Nothing against Krell, they build some of the best amps around.

[Sonic]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRingsEE

Thank you Sonic for all that.

Now, have you considered the Oppo BDP-105 for $1,199? ...You said Movies is first, then CDs (some SACDs and DVD-Audios). ...And USB facilities. ...I presume you have both Blu-ray and DVD movies?

I was going to give you the Oppo link to their website with all the audio and video specs, plus all the reviews on it by pro audio/video reviewers from several major audio mags, but this is a Krell Evolution 555 Universal Blu-ray player thread.

Methinks that this player is not truly competitive, even if it's build like a tank, weights fifty pounds or so, and has gold or silver accents or trims on its front face.
* Nothing against Krell, they build some of the best amps around.

Yes on both accounts; I have considered the Oppo BDP-105 (read all the reviews) and I do have both blu-ray and dvd movies (primary is blu).

I've checked out the Oppo site and associated specs which are very attractive - but Krell has always been revered as a whole different sphere of "next level" gear. Being that the Oppo is less than 10% of the price of the Evolution 555, it would seem that the Krell would be able to eclipse the Oppo in at least some areas. I can't imagine all that money being invested solely into the build with only marginal amounts into the actual hardware; but I guess it isn't impossible lol. Krell just hasn't struck me as that type of brand.

[Robert_Anderson]

I own several Krell products, and I am sad to say they ain't what they used to be. It is really sad.

[thezaks]

Originally Posted by Robert_Anderson

I own several Krell products, and I am sad to say they ain't what they used to be. It is really sad.

I have the Krell S-1500 7 channel amplifier, and I'm really impressed with the sound! It replaced a Cary 7.250.

Dave

[Robert_Anderson]

Originally Posted by thezaks

I have the Krell S-1500 7 channel amplifier, and I'm really impressed with the sound! It replaced a Cary 7.250.

Dave

Glad to hear it!