Mark Levinson 32 Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Mark Levinson Manuals
  4. Amplifier
  5. 32
  6. Owner's manual

Mark Levinson 32 Owner's Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for 32:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Owner' s Manual
Nº32
Reference
Preamplifier

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Mark Levinson 32

Summary of Contents for Mark Levinson 32

  • Page 1 Owner’ s Manual Nº32 Reference Preamplifier...

  • Page 2: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8.

  • Page 3: Fcc Notice

    Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. • Consult an authorized Mark Levinson dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Caution! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions ......i Section 1: Getting Started Documentation Conventions ..........1-1 Special Design Features ...........1-2 Highlights ................ 1-4 Installation Considerations ..........1-4 Unpacking ............... 1-5 Product Registration ............1-5 Placement and Ventilation ..........1-5 Remote Control Batteries ..........1-6 Power Requirements ............1-8 Warm-up &...
  • Page 6 Mark Levinson Remote Control ............. 2-10 IR transmitter ..............2-11 IR transmitter LED ............2-11 Setup button ..............2-11 Polarity button ..............2-12 Display button ..............2-12 Mono button ..............2-12 Enter button ..............2-12 Balance button ...............2-12 Mute button ..............2-12 Select buttons ............2-12 Volume ± buttons ............2-13 Standby button ...............2-13...
  • Page 7 Section 5: Troubleshooting & Maintaining Troubleshooting ..............5-1 No Power ................. 5-1 No Remote Control Operation .......... 5-1 No IR Learning ..............5-2 No Main Output ............... 5-2 No Record Output ............5-2 “Missing” Input ..............5-2 No Link Controls ............... 5-3 Audible Hum ..............

  • Page 9: Section 1: Getting Started

    Getting Started Documentation Conventions This document contains general safety and operation instructions for the Nº 32 Reference Preamplifier. It is important to read this document before attempting to use this product. Please pay particu- lar attention to safety instructions. Appears on the component to indicate the presence of non-insulated, dangerous voltages inside the enclosure –...

  • Page 10: Special Design Features

    Getting Started Mark Levinson Special Design Features Thank you for purchasing the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier, featur- ing a unique dual-chassis design that allows the audio circuits to deliver unrivaled musical reproduction. The Nº32 preamplifier chassis isolates the audio circuits so that only audio signals and extremely pure DC power are present.
  • Page 11 Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Getting Started A Mark Levinson-designed discrete volume attenuator controls the master volume level with unprecedented accuracy and sonic neutrality. Constructed from Arlon® circuit boards with local power supply regulation and bypass capacitors, this volume attenu- ator generates optimal power and isolation for even the most sensitive adjustments.

  • Page 12: Highlights

    Getting Started Mark Levinson • 8 configurable inputs Highlights • Advanced dual-chassis design • Maximum channel separation • Multi-channel surround sound processor integration • 8 stereo input connectors (3 balanced, 5 unbalanced) • 4 main stereo output connectors (2 balanced, 2 unbalanced) •...

  • Page 13: Unpacking

    Nº32 for signs of damage during shipment. If damage is discovered, contact an authorized Mark Levinson dealer for assistance making appropriate claims. locate and remove the accessory box from the carton. Make sure it contains all of the items listed in the table below.

  • Page 14: Remote Control Batteries

    Getting Started Mark Levinson allow at least 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10cm) of clearance above each Nº32 chassis for proper heat dissipation. see See “Care & Maintenance” on page 5-4 for information about routine care and maintenance. see “Nº32 Controller Dimensions” on page A-4 and “Nº32 Preamplifier Dimensions”...
  • Page 15 Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Getting Started Note In some cases, the remote control IR transmitter LED will light more dimly (or not at all) if the remote control batteries need to be replaced. To replace the remote control batteries: 1. Locate the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the remote control (the end opposite the IR transmitter).

  • Page 16: Power Requirements

    Caution! DO NOT attempt to adjust the operating voltage. Consult an authorized Mark Levinson dealer if the operating voltage is incor- rect or must be changed for relocation purposes. Different operating voltages may require the use of different power cords and/or attachment plugs. Contact an authorized Mark Levinson dealer for additional assistance.

  • Page 17: Quick Setup And Listen

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Getting Started Quick Setup and Listen These instructions are intended to accommodate immediate use of the Nº32. However, it is important to read this owner’s manual before attempting more extensive use. This owner’s manual includes information about features that enhance operation and performance, as well as important safety, installation, and opera- tion instructions designed to prevent personal injuries and product damage.
  • Page 18 Getting Started Mark Levinson 6. Reconnect the Nº32 and all associated components to electrical outlets. 7. Power the Nº32 and all associated components on. Power amplifiers should be powered on last. 8. Rotate the Nº32 select knob or press the select buttons on the remote to select the Nº32 input that corresponds to the...

  • Page 19: Section 2: Basic Operation

    Basic Operation Front Panel The numbers in the front panel illustration shown in Figure 2-1 correspond with the summary list items below. Figure 2-1: N°32 Preamplifier and Controller front panels. polarity mono select volume REFERENCE CONTROLLER Nº32 power standby record out display intensity setup enter...

  • Page 20: Power Button

    Basic Operation Mark Levinson 10. display intensity button 11. setup button & LED 12. enter button 13. balance button & LED 14. mute button & LED Below is a description of each item listed above. Unless otherwise specified, the following descriptions are of commands accessed from the front panel during normal operation.

  • Page 21: Front Panel Display

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Basic Operation Note When record mode is activated, the select knob selects the desired input to send to the record output connectors. See “Record Mode” on page 4-7 for additional information. Includes 12 alphanumeric characters that provide one-line viewing Front panel display of status information.

  • Page 22: Record Out Button & Led

    Basic Operation Mark Levinson Activates and deactivates record mode, which allows the select Record out button & knob and select buttons to select the input to send to the record output connectors. The selected input is sent to all record output connectors that have not been deactivated with the Rec.Out...

  • Page 23: Rear Panel

    DC po wer inputs inputs main outputs record outputs record outputs main outputs MARK LEVINSON REFERENCE PREAMPLIFIER Nº32 1. DC power connectors 2. balanced input connectors 3. unbalanced input connectors 4. main output connectors 5. record output connectors 6. phono module access panels 7.

  • Page 24: Dc Power Connectors

    Basic Operation Mark Levinson 10. communication ports 11. IR input connector 12. trigger input / trigger output connectors 13. N°25/S DC power connector 14. ac mains connector 15. earth ground connector Below are descriptions of the connectors and ports listed above.

  • Page 25: Balanced Input Connectors

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Basic Operation Balanced input Figure 2-3: N°32 Balanced Connector Pin Assignments. connectors Accept left-channel and right- Push channel balanced input signals from Pin 2 associated components with balanced (male XLR) output connec- Pin 1 tors. Three balanced (female XLR) Pin 3 stereo connectors numbered 1, 2, and Balanced (female XLR)

  • Page 26: Phono Module Access Panels

    Contact an authorized Mark Levinson dealer for additional infor- mation about the Nº32 Phono Module. Provides an earth-reference ground connection for the associated Phono ground phono cartridge.

  • Page 27: Ir Input Connector

    The master port is provided for possible future expansion and SHOULD NOT be used when making Link connections. See “Linking” on page 4- 13 BEFORE attempting to link the Nº32 to other Mark Levinson components. Accepts 5V infrared input signals with no more than 100mA of...

  • Page 28: Earth Ground Connector

    Contact an autho- rized Mark Levinson dealer for additional assistance. Remote Control The Nº32 remote control provides full operation of the Nº32. It requires special consideration during operation to ensure optimal performance.

  • Page 29: Ir Transmitter

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Basic Operation DO NOT expose the front panel display IR receiver/transmitter to strong sunlight, halogen light, or fluorescent light. This can cause IR reception to become unreliable. DO NOT use remote controls for different components at the same time.

  • Page 30: Polarity Button

    Basic Operation Mark Levinson front panel setup LED lights when the setup menu is open. See Section 3, “Setup Menu” for additional information. Controls the polarity of the main output signal. The front panel Polarity button polarity LED lights when main output signal polarity is inverted.

  • Page 31: Volume ± Buttons

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Basic Operation Note When record mode is activated, the select knob and select buttons select the desired input to send to the record output connectors. See “Record Mode” on page 4-7 for additional information. Adjust master volume level. Pressing the volume ± buttons Volume ±...

  • Page 33: Setup Menu Navigation

    Setup Menu Setup Menu Navigation Figure 3-1: Mapping of the one-line front panel Setup Menu displays No32 Setup Set Inputs Teach IR Mute = -20.0 MaxVol= 80.0 Trig.= 12v,L Sw 1.08 1.06 Set Input 1 -80.0 TO -10.0 40.0 TO 80.0 12v,L VOLUME UP Set Input 2...

  • Page 34: Setup Button

    Setup Menu Mark Levinson The setup button provides convenient access to the setup menu shown in Figure 3-1, which can be used to customize the Nº32 to suit individual preferences and listening spaces. The front panel display provides one-line viewing of setup menu items.

  • Page 35: Volume Knob & Volume ± Buttons

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Setup Menu menu items available on the open menu. The front panel display indicates the current menu item. Adjusts the selected parameter setting. Rotating the volume knob or Volume knob & pressing the volume ± buttons increases and decreases the selected volume ±...

  • Page 36: Name

    Note Linked Mark Levinson components must have recognizable input names to share Link controls. For example, an input associated with a Nº360S Digital Audio Processor should be named No360S. In some cases, linked components will assign correct input names for other linked associated components.
  • Page 37 Identifies an input associated with a digital versatile disc player. Identifies an input associated with the corresponding N°30 Mark Levinson component. Linked Mark Levinson com- N°30.5 ponents must have recognizable input names to share N°30.6 Link controls. For instance, an input associated with a N°35...
  • Page 38 Setup Menu Mark Levinson Character list Figure 3-2: Character list. The character list (left) provides access to 76 charac- A a B b C c ters that can be used to enter custom input names D d E e F f one character at a time.

  • Page 39: Gain

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Setup Menu SAVING DATA message appears on the front panel display as the new input name is saved. Note The factory-default input name must be restored one character at a time using the character list (unless factory-default settings are restored).

  • Page 40: Teach Ir

    • Replace the learning remote control batteries. If problems persist, contact an authorized Mark Levinson dealer. Table 3-2 indicates all available IR commands. For toggle commands, the Nº32 provides one IR command for the toggle command as well as separate IR commands for the positive and negative forms of the toggle command.
  • Page 41 Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Setup Menu Table 3-2: IR Command List. Custom Description Name Executes volume + button commands. VOLUME UP Executes volume – button commands. VOLUME DOWN Executes select button commands. SELECT NEXT Executes select button commands. SELECT PREV Executes display intensity/display button commands. INTENSITY Executes mute button commands.

  • Page 42: Setup Parameters

    Setup Menu Mark Levinson To teach Nº32 IR commands to a learning remote control: 1. Press the Nº32 setup button. The setup button opens the setup menu. The front panel setup LED lights red when the setup menu is open.

  • Page 43: Trig

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Setup Menu Trig 12v,L; 5v,P Configures the trigger output signal when the trigger input connector is not in use. Selecting the 12v,L setting configures the trigger output connector to send a 12V, level (constant) signal to the connected component whenever the Nº32 is taken out of standby.

  • Page 45: Section 4: Controls And Modes

    Controls and Modes Standby Standby mode allows the Nº32 to remain warmed-up to deliver optimal performance at all times. The Nº32 cannot be placed into standby unless it is powered on with the power button. See “Continuous Operation” on page 1-8 for additional information. To place the Nº32 into or take the Nº32 out of standby: When the Nº32 is powered, press and release the standby button.

  • Page 46: Display Intensity

    Controls and Modes Mark Levinson 2. Press and release the standby button to cycle through all avail- able SLEEP parameter settings. 3. When the desired setting is selected, press the enter button to close the SLEEP parameter. Otherwise, the SLEEP parameter automatically closes a few seconds after the last command is received.

  • Page 47: Balance

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Controls and Modes • When main output signal polarity is non-inverted, pressing the polarity button inverts main output signal polarity. The front panel polarity LED lights when main output signal polarity is inverted. • When main output signal polarity is inverted, pressing the polarity button restores main output signal polarity to its non- inverted state.

  • Page 48: Mono Playback Mode

    Controls and Modes Mark Levinson • Otherwise, the balance control automatically closes a few seconds after the last command is received. If this occurs, the selected setting is automatically applied. The front panel balance LED remains lit if the left-to-right channel balance of the main output connectors is offset.
  • Page 49 Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Controls and Modes Table 4-1: Mono playback modes. Mono Mode Description Sends the left-channel input signal to the L Only left-channel and right-channel main output connectors. The right-channel input signal is ignored. Sends the right-channel input signal to the R Only left-channel and right-channel main output connectors.
  • Page 50 Controls and Modes Mark Levinson If you do not press the enter button within a few seconds of selecting the mode, the display automatically closes. If this occurs, the selected mono mode remains selected. 3. With the MODE parameter display closed, press and release the mono button to activate L + R mono playback.

  • Page 51: Record Mode

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Controls and Modes 5. Using the L – R output signal, adjust the associated phono car- tridge azimuth to achieve a minimal output signal. Playing a mono recording when L – R mono playback is acti- vated should result in silence (no output signal). Because phono cartridges differ, it is recommended that you adjust azimuth to achieve a minimal output signal.

  • Page 52: Configuring The Eq Input

    Controls and Modes Mark Levinson Note The Nº32 offers balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connectors. For best performance, use balanced connections whenever possible. 2. Connect the desired N°32 input connectors to the equalizer output connectors. This will be referred to as the EQ input.

  • Page 53: Configuring The Source Input

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Controls and Modes 6. Rotate the select knob or press the select buttons until the Rec.Out parameter displays on the front panel. Then, press the enter button to select this parameter. 7. Rotate the volume knob or press the volume ± buttons to scroll through all available settings until the NONE (default) setting displays on the front panel.

  • Page 54: Ssp (Surround Sound Processor) Mode

    Controls and Modes Mark Levinson 2. Press the front panel record out button to activate record mode. The record out LED lights when record mode is activated. 3. Rotate the select knob or press the select buttons to select the source input (the input assigned to the Nº32 input connec- tors selected in step 4 of “Making EQ Mode Connections”...
  • Page 55 Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Controls and Modes and right channels, leaving the center, surround, and subwoofer channels unaffected. Different techniques have been used to compensate for this, including marking a calibrated point on the preamplifier volume control or using Dolby Pro Logic for volume level adjustments.
  • Page 56 Controls and Modes Mark Levinson 4. Connect the front left and right output connectors on the pro- cessor to the desired stereo input connector on the Nº32. For best performance, use balanced connections whenever possible. 5. Connect the desired main output connectors on the Nº32 to the appropriate input connectors on the power amplifier.

  • Page 57: Linking

    These communication ports “link” compati- ble Mark Levinson components in a slave chain, allowing them to share Link controls such as display intensity, standby, playback, input selection, and record mode.

  • Page 58: Link Connections

    Controls and Modes Mark Levinson Link Connections use Link communication ports, such as slave in, slave out, and amplifier ports. DO NOT use RS-232 ports or other rear panel connectors. use Link cables, which are available at authorized Mark Levinson dealers.
  • Page 59 Nº32, to power amplifier(s). Note Link communication port names differ among Mark Levinson components. The Link communication port names used in Table 4-2 on page 4-16 correspond with the component listed in the Component column.
  • Page 60 Digital transports CANNOT be included in a slave chain that does not include a compatible Mark Levinson digital audio processor. • Connect multiple digital transports in a “daisy chain” using slave out-to-slave in port connec- tions.
  • Page 61 Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Controls and Modes 2. Make sure the Nº32 and all associated components are powered off. 3. Make Link connections while referring to Table 4-2 on page 4- 16 and Figure 4-2. In general, components must be linked as follows: digital audio processor, to digital transport(s), to Nº32, to power amplifier(s).

  • Page 62: Link Controls

    Note that an input must have a name before it can be auto- matically selected by the Nº32. Linking Mark Levinson components allows them to share Link Link Controls controls such as display intensity, standby, playback, input selec- tion, and record mode.
  • Page 63 Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Controls and Modes Table 4-3: N°32 shared link controls. Component Link Control Digital Audio Digital N°32 Power Amplifiers Processors Transports (preamplifier) Maintains consistent front panel display character illumination among all linked com- Display Intensity ponents. Adjusting display intensity for one linked component simultaneously adjusts Link display intensity for all other linked components.

  • Page 65: Section 5: Troubleshooting & Maintaining

    Incorrect operation is sometimes mistaken for malfunction. If prob- lems occur, see this section for troubleshooting information. If problems persist, contact your Mark Levinson dealer. 1. Examine the power cord to ensure that it is connected to both No Power the ~ac mains connector and an electrical outlet.

  • Page 66: No Ir Learning

    Troubleshooting & Maintaining Mark Levinson 1. Eliminate obstructions between the learning remote control No IR Learning and the front panel display IR receiver/transmitter. 2. Adjust the distance between the learning remote control and the front panel display IR receiver/transmitter. 3. Make sure the learning remote control and the front panel dis- play IR receiver/transmitter are not exposed to strong sunlight, halogen light, or fluorescent light.

  • Page 67: No Link Controls

    Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Troubleshooting & Maintaining 1. Make sure the slave chain includes Mark Levinson digital audio No Link Controls processors and digital transports that are compatible with the Nº32. 2. Make sure Link connections have been made using Link com- munication ports and Link cables.

  • Page 68: Restoring Factory-Default Settings

    Troubleshooting & Maintaining Mark Levinson Restoring Factory-default Settings Performing this procedure restores all parameters and user-defined controls to their factory-default settings. Before performing this procedure, it is recommended to record all custom settings on the “Installation Worksheet” on page A-6.
  • Page 69 Nº32 Reference Preamplifier Troubleshooting & Maintaining • To remove dust from the Nº32 exterior surface, use a feather duster or a low-pressure blower. • To remove dirt and fingerprints from the Nº32 exterior surface, use a soft, lint-free cloth. DO NOT use metal polish or a cloth made with steel wool.

  • Page 71: Appendix

    Appendix Specifications 65W maximum Power Consumption 100V, 120V, 220V, 230V, or 240VAC @ 50 or 60Hz (preset) Operating Voltage 3 balanced stereo inputs (female XLR) Preamplifier Connectors 5 unbalanced stereo inputs (RCA) 2 balanced main stereo outputs (male XLR) 2 unbalanced main stereo outputs (RCA) 1 balanced record stereo output (male XLR) 2 unbalanced record stereo outputs (RCA) 1 phono ground terminal...

  • Page 72: Gain Resolution

    Appendix Mark Levinson 1.0dB increments up to 23.0dB in display (-57dB to -80dB) Gain Resolution 0.1dB increments above 23.0dB in display (0dB to -57dB) Input Overload Gain XLR Inputs RCA Inputs +18dB +12dB +6dB 100kΩ Input Impedance <10Ω on balanced (XLR) Output Impedance <20Ω...

  • Page 73: Declaration Of Conformity

    Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA The equipment identified here conforms to the Directive(s) and Standard(s) specified above. Type of Equipment: Preamplifier Model(s): Mark Levinson Nº32 Date: July 2004 Harman Specialty Group Vice President of Engineering 3 Oak Park Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA...

  • Page 74: Nº32 Controller Dimensions

    Nº32 Controller Dimensions Figure A-1: Controller front view. 19.5" (49.5 cm) polarity mono select volume 2.75" 3.03" REFERENCE CONTROLLER (6.99 cm) Nº32 (7.68 cm) power standby record out display intensity setup enter balance mute 15.75" 0.275" (40.01 cm) (0.699 cm) 1.862"...

  • Page 75: Nº32 Preamplifier Dimensions

    Nº32 Preamplifier Dimensions Figure A-3: Preamplifier front view. 19.5" (49.5 cm) 3.99" 3.187" (10.1 cm) (8.09 cm) REFERENCE PREAMPLIFIER Nº32 0.18" 15.75" (0.46 cm) (40.01 cm) 1.875" 1.875" (4.76 cm) (4.76 cm) Figure A-4: Preamplifier top view. 0.5" (1.2 cm) 1.7"...

  • Page 76: Installation Worksheet

    Installation Worksheet Table A-1: Table for recording your controller settings. Set Inputs Name Gain Offset Rec. Out Input 1 Input 2 Input 3 Input 4 Input 5 Input 6 Input 7 Input 8 Setup Menu Parameters Control/Mode Settings Mute Polarity Max Vol Intensity Trig.

  • Page 77: Index

    Index maximum main output, A-2 maxvol parameter, 3-10 ac mains connector, 2-6, 2-9 frequency response, A-2 mini-jack, 2-9 access panels front panel controls mono button, 2-11, 2-12 phono module, 2-8 balance button, 2-2, 2-4 mono LED, 2-1, 2-3 display intensity button, 2-2, mono playback mode, 4-4 mute button, 2-2, 2-4, 2-11, 2-12 enter button, 2-2, 2-4...
  • Page 78 Mark Levinson IR transmitter, 2-11 standby mode IR transmitter LED, 2-11 sleep timer, 4-1 mono button, 2-11, 2-12 Surround Sound Processor. See mute button, 2-11, 2-12 SSP mode polarity button, 2-11, 2-12 sw parameter, 3-11 position, 5-1 select buttons, 2-11, 2-12...
  • Page 80 3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Fax: 781-280-0490 | www.marklevinson.com Customer Service Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Sales Fax: 781-280-0495 | Service Fax: 781-280-0499 Product Shipments: 16 Progress Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5730 USA Part No. 070-630349 | Rev 4| 09/04...

Table of Contents