**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale**

This preamplifier came to us from a client that upgraded to the flagship Krell shortly after purchase.

From what we can tell, it looks brand new. Not a fingerprint or smudge. Imperfection shown in our photos are mostly dust.

It also comes complete like the day it left the factory, including the manual, power cord, remote, batteries, and all the original packaging.

**Please note the first photo has some dust that may look like markings/scratches. This is not the case, it's just dust. 

Krell Illusion II Preamplifier

“… I loved about the Illusion II’s sound was that I never found it harsh, edgy, or bright. Bass sounded appropriately full-bodied, keyboards suitably spacious, and guitar had lots of body and soul…just as it should.”

— Brent Butterworth, Home Theater Review

The Illusion II is the perfect centerpiece for a world class digital and analog audio system. Added to the normal selection of balanced and single-ended inputs are five digital inputs. The digital module features AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical digital inputs for use with streaming devices or other digital sources.

Circuitry Highlights

The Illusion II preamplifier is a dual monaural design with the left and right channels afforded their own power supply regulation and individual circuit boards. All signal gain is executed with surface mount technology using proprietary multiple-output current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity of other designs. Featuring 700 kHz bandwidth in a zero feedback, balanced, Krell Current Mode design, the Illusion II shares the same design philosophy as its bigger brother, the flagship Illusion preamplifier. Negative feedback is not used anywhere in the preamp, nor is it necessary. Open-loop distortion is typically less than 0.003%. The volume control is realized with a balanced resistor ladder – bandwidth and transient response of the preamp circuitry are virtually unaffected by the volume setting. 7c-Krell-IllusionPreamp_ProductOverviewLayout.pngThe headphone circuitry is identical to the main circuitry, offering private listening with the same performance as speaker playback.

Digital Module Highlights

The digital module supports up to 24 bit/192kHz LPCM. All digital signals are fed to an ESS Sabre DAC and then sent to Krell’s Current Mode, discrete, balanced analog circuitry.

Power Supply Highlights

Oversized for a preamplifier, the power supply features a 95 VA transformer and 40,000 µF of capacitance giving it the ability to respond quickly to musical demands. The large power supply improves noise rejection and renders the Illusion II impervious to all but the most severe AC voltage power fluctuations. A new eco-friendly standby mode reduces power consumption to 2W.

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS
• 3 pr. balanced via XLR connectors input/output
• 4 pr. single-ended via RCA connectors input/output 
• 1 AES/EBU via XLR connectors digital input
• 2 coaxial via RCA connectors digital input
• 2 optical via Toslink connectors digital input
• 3ea 12V Trigger input/output
• 1 RS-232 input via 9-pin D-subminiature connector
• 1 remote IR detector input via 3-conductor 3.5 mm connector
• 1 Headphone output via 3-conductor 6.35 mm (1/4 in) connector
• Optional Rack Mount Kit
• 17.3 in W x 3.8 in H x 18.3 in D
• 43.8 cm W x 9.7 cm H x 46.4 cm D

Krell Illusion II Setup Guide

Krell Illusion II Product Sheet

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline. 

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching. 

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

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PURCHASING FROM SKYFI:

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home unless you opt for local pickup from our shop. Please note that all local pickup items are only wrapped with industrial strength clear cling stretch wrap if the original manufacturer packaging is unavailable.

Local pickup is available in Glen Rock, NJ, just a half hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, with convenient parking near our building.

And if you’re looking to ship to Canada, simply follow this link to view and purchase this item. We ship to Canada via UPS Worldwide Expedited service and you’re responsible for any applicable import duties and taxes.

If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with custom made to your item Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging! We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

Click here for specifics on our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call us at 201-879-0000 with any questions. 

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WHO WE ARE:

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment. We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support. If you’re local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES:

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

PAYMENTS:

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card, bank transfer, and their special financing to spread out payments over six months. We do not charge extra for any PayPal fees if you purchase the item at the asking price. You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or bank wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you’re picking up an item, we do not accept PayPal. You must pay in person with a certified check, bank check, or wire transfer. If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, your PayPal payment will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY:

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration. We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type. We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling direct on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken):

We’ll also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you’re in our local market. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT:                                                                                                     

We are currently operating from our shop inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ. You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped and dedicated listening areas, plus a dedicated listening studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models. We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.

You can call or text 201-879-0000 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.

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