Mark Levinson 502 Owner's Manual
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Mark Levinson 502 Owner's Manual

Mark Levinson 502 Owner's Manual

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  • Page 1 Owner’ s Manual Media Console...

  • Page 2: Fcc Notice

    This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Mark Levinson and Logic 7 are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. HDCP and High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection are trademarks of Intel LLC.

  • Page 3: 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 any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Page 4 Mark Levinson Safety Terms & Symbols These terms may appear in this manual: Terms in This Manual Warning! Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death.
  • Page 5 Documentation Conventions This document contains general safety and operation instructions for the N 502 Media Console. It is important to read this document before attempting to use this product. Please pay particular attention to safety instructions. This manual is not intended as a general reference guide for home theater systems.
  • Page 6 Mark Levinson...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Nº502 Media Console Table of Contents Section 1: Getting Started About the N 502 Media Console ........1-1 Installation Considerations ..........1-3 Power Requirements ............1-4 First-Time Operation ............1-5 Replacing the Remote Control Batteries ......1-6 Section 2: Basic Operation Front Panel Overview ............2-1 Rear Panel Overview ............2-4...
  • Page 8 Mark Levinson Appendix Specifications ..............A-1 502 Media Console Dimensions ........A-4 Declaration of Conformity ..........A-5 Rack Mount Kit Instructions ..........A-6 Activity Menu & Zone Menu Trees ........A-7 Display Setup & Video Profile Setup Menu Trees ....A-8 Speaker Setup Menu Tree ..........

  • Page 9: Section 1: Getting Started

    The Nº502 features an extensive list of surround modes, including Logic 7, Dolby, and DTS modes. To retain the purity of the audio, the Nº502 has separate analog output cards for each channel and all input/output connectors are isolated from the chassis to prevent noise pickup from common impedance coupling.
  • Page 10 Getting Started Mark Levinson For external controls, the Nº502 introduces ML Net protocol, which controls and synchronizes other Mark Levinson products through the use of an Ethernet port. RS-232, programmable triggers, and Mark Levinson Link2 functions are also supported. The Nº502 Media Console is Mark Levinson’s finest processor to date.

  • Page 11: Installation Considerations

    3 to 4 inches (8 to 10cm) of clearance above the Media Console for proper heat dissipation. DO NOT place the Nº502 on a thick rug or carpet or cover the Nº502 Media Console with a cloth, as this might prevent proper cooling.

  • Page 12: Power Requirements

    Power Requirements At the factory, the Nº502 Media Console is configured for 100, 120, 220, or 230-240 VAC power operation at 50Hz or 60Hz. Before operating the Nº502, ensure that the power label on the rear panel near the AC input connector indicates the correct operating voltage.

  • Page 13: First-Time Operation

    4. Plug the power cord into the rear panel AC Input connector of the Nº502 and then connect to your wall outlet. Make sure that the power rating listed on the rear panel of the Nº502 is less than the power available at the wall outlet.

  • Page 14: Replacing The Remote Control Batteries

    Also confirm that the audio track can be heard through the front left and right speakers. Now that the Nº502 Media Console is unpacked and initial power-up confirmed, it’s time to set up and calibrate the system. The rest of the manual is designed to help with these steps.

  • Page 15: Section 2: Basic Operation

    Surround button Menu button 10. Enter button Switches the Nº502 controls between the Main Zone and Remote Zone. 1. Zone button When the Zone LED is lit, only the Remote Zone controls are active. Controls that are Main Zone specific (for instance, the Video Profile menu) are not accessible while the Zone LED is lit.
  • Page 16 Nº502 Media Console. In addition, pressing the Setup button from within any menu closes the menu structure. To set up the Nº502, refer to Chapter 3: Customizing the Nº502. Accesses the Main Zone Audio menu to make real-time adjustments to 5.
  • Page 17 Nº502 is in Standby mode. Controls the AC input to the Nº502 when the supplied power cord is 13. Power button connected between the rear panel power connector and an electrical outlet.

  • Page 18: Rear Panel Overview

    Basic Operation Mark Levinson Rear Panel Overview The numbers in the rear panel illustration correspond with the summary list of items below. Composite Video Monitor Out 15. Analog Audio Outputs Inputs Component Video 16. Analog Audio Inputs HDMI Inputs Output 17.
  • Page 19 The monitor output can only be turned on by a key press command on the Nº502 front panel. To activate the Monitor Out connector, press and hold the Display Intensity button until the front panel display turns off. The Monitor Out connector is now active.
  • Page 20 Basic Operation Mark Levinson Uses the Link2 protocol to link two or more Mark Levinson components. 10. Link2 port For more information on the Link2 protocol and how to use it with the Nº502, refer to the “Link2” section of the Appendix.
  • Page 21 SR. Input Provides AC power to the Nº502 when the supplied power cord is 19. AC Input connected from the AC Input connector on the Nº502 rear panel to an electrical outlet. Caution! Before operating the N 502, verify that the voltage label near the AC input connector indicates an operating voltage compatible with the voltage level of the electrical outlet you intend to use.

  • Page 22: Remote Control Overview

    16. Zone button Function F3 button 17. Standby button Light button and buttons provide basic navigation within the menu 1. Navigation system of the Nº502. The navigation buttons: buttons • highlight a new option from a list using the buttons. •...
  • Page 23 Basic Operation Accesses the Audio Adjust menu to make real-time adjustments to various 2. Menu button audio features of the Nº502. In addition, when the Menu button is pressed from within any menu, the navigation returns to the previous menu level.
  • Page 24 Mute function can be modified in the Setup menu. 2-10 Switches the Nº502 controls between the Main Zone and Remote Zone. 16. Zone Button When the front panel Zone LED is lit, only the Remote Zone controls are active.

  • Page 25: Remote Control Versus Front Panel

    Nº502 Media Console Basic Operation Remote Control Versus Front Panel Some menu navigation varies when using the front panel or the remote control. The table below identifies the differences between basic remote control and front panel navigation controls. Note For simplicity, most instructions in this manual refer only to the remote control buttons.

  • Page 26: Menu System Overview

    Basic Operation Mark Levinson Menu System Overview The Nº502 Media Console includes a comprehensive, graphical menu system to aid in setup, configuration, and daily operation. The menu system has two operating paradigms: • Activity Mode provides the day-to-day interaction with the Nº502 Media Console, and allows the user to make real-time changes to specific audio parameters.
  • Page 27 Nº502 Media Console Basic Operation Accesses the Main Zone Audio menu to perform real-time audio Main Zone Audio adjustments to the Main Zone audio outputs. Press the Menu button to Menu access the Main Zone Audio menu. The Main Zone Audio menu contains:...
  • Page 28 The Surround Mode Adjust menu modifies the available Surround Mode parameters. Adjustments made in this menu are systemwide, affecting all applicable Activities. For descriptions of the available suround mode parameter settings, refer to the “Surround Modes Parameter Descriptions” section of Chapter 3: Customizing the Nº502.

  • Page 29: Status Panels

    There are two types of Status Panels – the Quick Status Panel and the Detailed Status Panel. With the exception of the Remote Zone Audio Quick Status Panel, all Status Panels relate to the Main Zone of the Nº502. Note Status Panels are not available during calibration.
  • Page 30 Basic Operation Mark Levinson The Detailed Status Panel provides a comprehensive summary of the Detailed Status current Activity. To access the Detailed Status Panel, press the button. Panel The elements listed vary based upon the current Activity and its setup.

  • Page 31: Section 3: Customizing The N O

    Setup menu. The Add New menu option creates a new Setup, Profile, or Activity. When Add New selected, the Nº502 creates a copy of the current Setup, Profile, or Activity and then saves the copy with a default name.
  • Page 32 The Nº502 creates the new Setup, Profile, or Activity by copying the loaded one and giving it a default name. Then the Nº502 opens the Setup menu for the newly made Setup, Profile, or Activity. The menu path at the top of the screen indicates the default name.

  • Page 33: Setup Step 1: Displays

    6. Select Save in the Name Selector and press Enter when finished creating your new Display Setup name. The Nº502 saves the name and opens the new Display Setup menu. Observe that the menu path on the top of the screen indicates the new name.

  • Page 34: Display Setup

    Setups, but only one video output can be active at any given time. Note For all source materials with HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection), video is disabled on the component output. However, the Nº502 menus are still displayed. The Detailed Status Panel identifies the presence of HDCP source material.
  • Page 35 The color space conversion of the input source material is then done by the Nº502, using its state-of-the-art video processing technology, rather than by the video display, which may not have the same processing capabilities.
  • Page 36 Nº502 selects a different resolution level. For example, if the Resolution is set to 1080p but the output is set to Component Video, the Nº502 outputs at a 1080i resolution level. The display EDID can also affect the allowed Resolution settings.

  • Page 37: Setup Step 2: Speakers

    Room Correction. There is a specific purpose to creating this master speaker configuration, and it’s an important feature of the Nº502 Media Console. The main advantage of this master speaker configuration, coupled with the Add New functionality, is it dramatically reduces the amount of time...

  • Page 38: Speaker Setup

    Customizing the Nº502 Mark Levinson Whenever a speaker is added to the system, the Nº502 needs to be recali- brated. So, if you started your setup with a 2-channel Speaker Setup, when you added the surround speakers, you’d have to recalibrate the whole system.
  • Page 39 Nº502 Media Console Customizing the Nº502 The Speaker Setup menu contains the following options: • Name – customizes the name of each Speaker Setup. Refer to the “Add New, Name, & Delete” section found at the beginning of this chapter for more details.
  • Page 40 Customizing the Nº502 Mark Levinson Although the Nº502 supports up to four subwoofers, the outputs can only Activating be activated as one or two L/R pairs. Subwoofers The Subwoofer 1 and Subwoofer 2 menu options control the activation or deactivation of each Subwoofer L/R pair for each Speaker Setup. The Subwoofer 1 menu option must be set to Yes to activate a Subwoofer L/R pair for the selected Speaker Setup.
  • Page 41 To set all of the speakers to full range, select the Set All Full Range parameter. This parameter sets the Front L/R, Center, Surround, and Back speakers to Full Range. If this option is selected, the Nº502: • Does NOT set the Subwoofer 1 or Subwoofer 2 outputs to Full Range.
  • Page 42 Check Microphones Run Automatic Calibration verifies that the Nº502 can accurately detect all of the microphones before beginning the calibration. Note The HSG microphone kit is required for the Automatic Calibration procedure.
  • Page 43 Standby mode or powered off. To Perform Automatic Calibration: 1. Put the Nº502 into Standby mode. 2. Connect the Mark Levinson microphone cables to the Nº502 rear panel Microphone Input connectors. Ensure there is a good connection between the microphone cables and the connectors.
  • Page 44 Customizing the Nº502 Mark Levinson The following illustration provides an example of proper microphone placement during the Check Microphones test. All of the microphones are positioned as close together as possible in an unobstructed location that is equidistant from the front left and front right speakers.
  • Page 45 There are four possible failure descriptions: • Not Detected – the Nº502 did not detect the microphone during the silence check. • Signal Too Low – the microphone was detected; however, the...
  • Page 46 Pay particular attention to ensure that the microphones are properly placed. The microphone placement determines whether the Nº502 calibrates optimal Room Correction, speaker distances, and output levels for a single listening position, several listening positions in a single row, or several listening positions in the listening space.
  • Page 47 Each microphone is positioned in a different listening position within a single row, allowing the Nº502 to calibrate the optimal Room Correction, speaker distances, and output levels for that row, at the expense of a single listening position.
  • Page 48 Each microphone is positioned in a single listening position in multiple rows, allowing the Nº502 to calibrate the optimal Room Correction, speaker distances, and output levels for a larger listening area, at the expense of a single listening position.
  • Page 49 In the second example, the microphones are positioned on the seat cushions instead of where the listeners’ heads will be. These improper microphone placements make it difficult for the Nº502 to calibrate optimal Room Correction, speaker distances, and output levels for the actual listening positions.
  • Page 50 Caution! During the test, the N 502 outputs high audio levels. The master volume level is not adjustable while the test is in progress, but the test can be aborted at any time by pressing the button.
  • Page 51 • Unable to Calculate – the microphones didn’t detect the calibration signals or the Nº502 could not calculate a value. • May Not Be Accurate – one or more of the microphones did not detect calibration signals at a reasonable level. The calibrated value might be inaccurate.
  • Page 52 19. The Automatic Calibration procedure is now complete. Exit the Setup menu and place the Nº502 into Standby Mode. Disconnect the microphone cables from the Nº502 rear panel connectors and put away the microphones. Be sure to pay close attention to proper handling of the microphones and cables.
  • Page 53 Speakers that are not active cannot be adjusted. Verify that the appropriate speakers are activated before beginning. Note The Nº502 sets the volume level to the Reference volume during the Internal and External Noise tests. Avoid adjusting the master volume level while the test is in progress.
  • Page 54 2. Place the SPL meter in the primary listening position. 3-24 3. On the Nº502, select External Noise Test from the menu. 4. Begin playback of the external calibration source. 5. Select the Front Left speaker in the External Noise Test menu. an adjustment bar is displayed.

  • Page 55: Video Profiles

    Customizing the Nº502 Video Profiles Video Profiles provide the video processing and video output controls for Setup:VideoProfiles:Film the Nº502 Media Console. The parameters include basic controls such as Name brightness or contrast, and state-of-the-art video processing technology Deinterlacing Adaptive Threshold that can enhance the video source material.
  • Page 56 However, the advanced processing of the Nº502 can mitigate some of these artifacts. The Nº502 has three types of deinterlacing formats available for selection: Temporal Filtering -– applies a time-based filter between two or more adjacent fields.
  • Page 57 Nº502 Media Console Customizing the Nº502 The Noise Reduction parameter reduces the video noise often present in Noise Reduction analog input sources. Selecting this option opens an adjustment bar with a range from 0 to 64 in increments of one. The larger the number selected, the greater the suppression of the noise.

  • Page 58: Audio Profiles

    Audio Profiles Audio Profiles provide the audio processing and audio output controls for the Nº502 Media Console. Because of the Activity-based nature of the Audio Profiles, you can create individual Audio Profiles for each input 3-28 source or type, allowing you to tailor your listening preferences while minimizing the time you spend adjusting the system.
  • Page 59 The L7 (Logic 7) Auto Azimuth parameter maximizes steering accuracy. L7 Auto Azimuth When set to On, the Nº502 continually monitors the 2-channel input signal and automatically adjusts the relative level and time offset of the input channels to ensure that signals are sent to the appropriate channels...
  • Page 60 Customizing the Nº502 Mark Levinson with maximum separation. When set to Off, the accuracy of the selected surround mode varies among sources. We recommend setting this parameter to On for film and broadcast sources, and to Off for music sources. The L7 Auto Azimuth parameter only applies when the Logic 7 surround modes are active.
  • Page 61 Nº502 Media Console Customizing the Nº502 When the Surround Back Processing>DTS-ES parameter is set to: • Off – DTS-ES decoding is NOT activated, regardless of the input source. • On – DTS-ES decoding is always activated. • Auto – DTS-ES decoding is activated for flagged 5.1-channel DTS-ES sources.

  • Page 62: Activities

    Customizing the Nº502 Mark Levinson Activities The Activities menu defines actions, such as “Watch a Movie” or “Play Games”, and then associates those actions to specific input connectors, Setups, and Profiles. Each input, Setup, and Profile can be assigned to more than one Activity, but only one Display Setup, Speaker Setup, Audio Profile, and Video Profile may be assigned to any single Activity.
  • Page 63 4:3 - treats all incoming source material as 4:3, regardless of the existing format. This control is used to aid the Nº502 in identifying the input aspect ratio for correct processing. Generally, it should be set to Auto. But if a source is not correctly identified, this control can be used to override the default processing.
  • Page 64 Refer to the “Speakers” section found earlier in this chapter for more detail. The Audio In menu associates the specific Nº502 rear panel audio input Audio In connector(s) to be used for the current Activity. Selecting the Audio In menu option displays the list of audio input connectors available on the rear panel.

  • Page 65: User Options

    Note PCM 5.1 audio is downmixed to PCM 2.0 audio when using an HDMI output. The Nº502 provides four triggers that can be used to activate other Triggers devices, such as amplifiers, lights, window shades, and video screens. The triggers can be activated by selecting a specific Activity or by taking the Nº502 out of Standby mode.
  • Page 66 Speaker Distances. The units of measure can be either feet or meters. The Audio Options menu customizes the Master Volume and Mute Audio Options controls on the Nº502. To access the Audio Options menu, press the Setup Setup button and select User Options from the Setup Menu.
  • Page 67 The Audio Options menu contains: • Power On Volume – determines the volume level of the Nº502 when taken out of Standby mode. Selecting this option displays an adjustment bar with a range of 1 to 50 in single increments.
  • Page 68 Refer to the “ML Net” section found later in this chapter for more information. The Nº502 has an internal Web page that provides an interface for any computer connected via the Ethernet port. Once the Network Setup is updated for your system, these internal Web pages can be accessed. Refer to the “Internal Web Pages”...
  • Page 69 When you stop scrolling, that parameter automatically loads and the pop-up window closes. Network Setup -ControlOptions-NetworkSetup To setup the Nº502 for network operation via the Ethernet port, first Host Name update the Network Setup menu. DHCP...
  • Page 70 IP address. • Subnet Mask – identifies the Subnet Mask for the Nº502. This IP address is automatically assigned by DHCP. If DHCP is Off, then you will need to enter this manually, and it must agree with the Subnet Mask address of the router.

  • Page 71: Triggers

    The Nº502 can download your configuration settings to a file on the hard drive of a computer, via the Ethernet port on the rear panel of the Nº502. For more information regarding how to save your configuration, refer to the “Restoring Factory Default Settings”...
  • Page 72 This example has Trigger 1 and Trigger 2 activated by an Activity. If Trigger 3 is set to activate when the Nº502 is taken out of Standby mode, it might send a signal to the amplifiers so that they are powered up at the same time.

  • Page 73: Internal Web Pages

    Note To access the Internal Web Pages requires proper network setup on both the Nº502 and the computer. To set up the computer, refer to your computer operating manual. To set up the Nº502, refer to the “Network Setup” description in the “Control Options” section found earlier in this chapter.
  • Page 74 “Slaves”. Slave devices receive and respond to the commands of the Master device. An ML Net system can simultaneously support one Master device and up to 16 Slave devices. In most cases, the Master device is the Nº502 Media Console. The Nº502 can never be a Slave device. Note...
  • Page 75 Each discovered device must then be assigned to the ML Net system. To assign the Slave devices to the Nº502, go to the ML Net Setup menu, located in the Setup: Control Options menu. All of the devices found by the Nº502 are listed in the ML Net Setup menu.
  • Page 76 The ML Net system provides Slave status information on the Master Status Reporting device. These status reports are information-only and can be accessed on the Nº502 in the ML Net Status menu. Select any assigned Slave device from the menu list and the following status information is displayed: •...

  • Page 77: Using Surround Modes

    The error message identifies the failure and the identity of the Slave device experiencing the failure. The error conditions of the Slave devices that the Nº502 can report are: • Slave Device DC Offset – indicates that the Slave device is experi- encing a signal-related fault.

  • Page 78: Surround Mode Descriptions

    Customizing the Nº502 Mark Levinson Surround Mode Descriptions Each of the available Surround modes is described below. The table included with each description indicates the corresponding Surround mode parameters, their factory default settings, and all the possible parameter settings. Surround modes that have no adjustable parameters are indicated as such in the description.
  • Page 79 Nº502 Media Console Customizing the Nº502 L7 TV (Logic 7 TV) This mode is based on the L7 Film mode, but tailored specifically for broadcast sources. Parameter Default Setting Possible Settings +0.0dB +0.0dB, +3.0dB, +6.0dB Vocal Enhance Film Off, Music Surround, Music,...
  • Page 80 2-channel stereo, or 5.1-channel digital sources when your system is configured for surround back speakers. Dolby PLII is available for systems configured for 5.1-channel surround sound. Note The Nº502 handles Dolby EX encoding differently. Refer to the “Audio Profiles” section found earlier in this chapter for more details.
  • Page 81 Nº502 Media Console Customizing the Nº502 The table below identifies the Dolby Pro Logic Surround modes available for possible selection in the Nº502. These modes are only available if the listed conditions are met by the selected Activity. Dolby Pro Logic...
  • Page 82 DTS Neo:6 surround systems. Note The Nº502 handles DTS-ES encoding differently. Refer to the “Audio Profiles” section found earlier in this chapter for more details. DTS Neo:6 Cinema & DTS Neo:6 Music The DTS Neo:6 modes are designed for the playback of matrix-encoded digital stereo film or music sources.
  • Page 83 Nº502 Media Console Customizing the Nº502 Downmix The Downmix mode modifies a multi-channel signal, transforming it into a 2-channel signal. The downmixed reproduction of the input signal is sent to only the front left and right speakers. Parameter Default Setting Possible Settings –5dB to +5dB...
  • Page 84 Customizing the Nº502 Mark Levinson use all available channels, including 7-channel surround systems. This dramatically increases the perceived width and sense of envelopment of the listening space as compared to the basic mono sound. Parameter Default Setting Possible Settings –9dB –12dB to +6dB...

  • Page 85: Surround Mode Parameter Descriptions

    Mode parameters. The 5-Speaker Enhance parameter simulates 7-channel playback in 5-Speaker 5-channel speaker configurations. When set to On, the Nº502 provides an Enhance increased sense of spaciousness and envelopment through the surround speakers. This enhancement is most noticeable when the surround speakers are positioned to the sides of the primary listening position, or when the primary listening position is located against the rear wall.
  • Page 86 Customizing the Nº502 Mark Levinson The Compare function allows comparison listening between the factory Compare default setting of the selected Surround mode and the customized version that you created by modifying the Surround mode parameters. • Select the Default option to hear the Surround mode in its factory default condition.
  • Page 87 Re-Equalizer that occurs in movie theaters. • When set to On, the Nº502 applies a high-frequency filter. • When set to Off, the Nº502 doesn’t apply the filter. We recommend turning this parameter on for film sources as many films are mixed for movie theaters and might sound too “bright”...
  • Page 88 Surround Roll-Off control to the audio output connectors labeled Surround and Back. This filter is only applied to output signals generated by the Nº502. This parameter is available in all Logic 7 modes and the Mono Logic mode. The Vocal Enhance parameter controls the level of dialogue boost in the Vocal Enhance audio output connector labeled Center.

  • Page 89: Name Selector

    Nº502 Media Console Customizing the Nº502 Name Selector Any Display Setup, Speaker Configuration, Audio Profile, Video Profile, or Activity can have a customized name associated with it. The same interactive display screen, the Name Selector, is used for all custom naming actions.
  • Page 90 4. Press Enter to save the new name. The Name Selector compares the new name to those currently in use. If the name is a repeat, the Nº502 displays an error message, indicating that the entered name is already in use and prompting you to select a different name.

  • Page 91: Section 4: Troubleshooting & Maintenance

    Nº502 and an electrical outlet. 2. Make sure the Nº502 is powered on with the power button. 3. Make sure the Nº502 is not in Standby mode (the LED should not be slowly blinking). 4. Examine the electrical circuit breaker to ensure that power is being supplied to the electrical outlet to which the Nº502 is connected.
  • Page 92 Troubleshooting & Maintenance Mark Levinson 5. Make sure the Nº502 main output connectors are connected to an operational power amplifier, and that the associated power amplifier is connected to operational loudspeakers. 6. Verify that the Activity has the correct input and output rear panel connections selected, as well as the correct Audio Profile.
  • Page 93 Troubleshooting & Maintenance 2. Verify that the Monitor Output is not active. Connect a monitor to the Monitor Out connector on the rear panel of the Nº502. If the monitor displays an image matching the Main Zone display image, then the Monitor Output is active. Refer to the “Rear Panel Overview”...
  • Page 94 2. Put the Nº502 into Standby mode. Wait 10 seconds. Then take the Nº502 out of Standby mode. 3. Power cycle the Nº502 by turning off the power switch; wait at least 10 seconds, and then turn the power switch to the On position. Then take the Nº502 out of Standby mode.
  • Page 95 Nº502 Media Console Troubleshooting & Maintenance 2. If the web browser cannot find the Host Name of the Nº502, verify the following: • Ensure that the local DNS server is properly configured. We recommend configuring the local DNS Server to “DNS Forwarding”...

  • Page 96: Automatic Calibration Errors

    NOT DETECTED Nº502 and that the microphone cable plugs are fully inserted for a solid connection. • The microphone might be damaged. Contact an authorized Mark Levinson dealer for assistance.

  • Page 97: Troubleshooting

    • Dipolar speakers could cause this error. However, the PHASE Nº502 does not report this error unless at least half of the microphones detect out-of-phase calibration noise signals. • Reflections from room objects can cause an out-of- phase error.

  • Page 98: Error Messages

    Some error messages close automatically while some may need to be closed. Any button press or knob turn clears the message. The Error Log page is part of the Nº502 Internal Web Pages and can Error Log only be viewed when the Nº502 is connected to a computer. The Error Log page is a diagnostic tool used by Mark Levinson Customer Service.
  • Page 99 If the Nº502 experiences a power failure condition, the front panel Power Failure LEDs indicate the failure upon power up. When the Nº502 is able to power up, the LEDs flash continuously between Off and full bright, regardless of the Display Intensity setting.
  • Page 100 Available Speaker Setups do not always support every surround mode option. Since the Nº502 dynamically builds the Surround mode selection list based upon the input source and speaker configuration, this problem only results from the direct access and selection of a specific Surround mode by use of the remote control Function keys.

  • Page 101: Troubleshooting Display Formats

    480p, and the input source is a fullscreen or letterbox DVD, in order to view the image correctly the DVD player must be set to a mode that adds the black bars on the left & right sides of the image and the Nº502 must be set to a 16:9 aspect ratio.
  • Page 102 502 does not reflect display format issues. Therefore, if the Main Zone display has a formatting issue and the 502 front panel display does not show the same issue, the problem must lie with the setup of the Main Zone display.
  • Page 103 & bottom. • Image is squashed vertically, so that people appear short & fat • The display may be set to the wrong aspect ratio. • The Nº502 may be set to the wrong display format. Input Source Symptoms Output...

  • Page 104: Restoring Factory Default Settings

    This is not a recoverable action – once the factory settings have been restored, all previous settings and calibration values are permanently erased. To save the configuration of the Nº502, refer to the “Saving the Nº502 Configuration” section in the Appendix before performing the procedure below.

  • Page 105: Care & Maintenance

    If needed, this cloth can be dampened with isopropyl alcohol. DO NOT dampen the cloth with Benzene, acetone-based cleaners, or other commercial cleaners. Wipe the Nº502 exterior surface in the same direction as the grain of the brushed aluminum. 4-15...
  • Page 106 Troubleshooting & Maintenance Mark Levinson 4-16...

  • Page 107: Appendix

    Appendix Specifications All specifications are subject to change without notice. Inputs HDMI Six HDMI Type A, Version 1.1, 19-pin connectors Analog Video • Four component video – one BNC & three RCA connectors (Y, Pb, Pr) • Three S-video connectors •...
  • Page 108 Appendix Mark Levinson Outputs HDMI Two HDMI Type A, Version 1.1, 19-pin connectors Analog Video • One component with three BNC connectors (Y, Pb, Pr) • One composite monitor, RCA connector Analog Audio • One unbalanced 7.4-channel array, RCA connectors •...
  • Page 109 Nº502 Media Console Appendix Audio Performance Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/– 0.1dB Digital Audio Sample 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, & 192kHz Rates 24-bit/192kHz, PCM Multibit ΣΔ A/D Conversion 24-bit/192kHz, PCM Multibit ΣΔ D/A Conversion Input Impedance 100KΩ...

  • Page 110: N O 502 Media Console Dimensions

    Appendix Mark Levinson 502 Media Console Dimensions The diagram below provides detailed dimensions for the Nº502 Media Console. The views included are the left side, top, and front.

  • Page 111: Declaration Of Conformity

    Bedford, MA 01730-1413 The equipment identified here conforms to the Directive(s) and Standard(s) specified above. Type of Equipment: Media Console Models: Mark Levinson No. 502 Date: February 2008 Harman Specialty Group Vice President of Engineering 3 Oak Park Drive Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA...

  • Page 112: Rack Mount Kit Instructions

    3. Position one of the dress plates included with the rack mount kit across the top of the Nº502 and screw to the rack using two of the screws from the kit.

  • Page 113: Activity Menu & Zone Menu Trees

    Nº502 Media Console Appendix Activity Menu & Zone Menu Trees NOTE: All defaults appear in bold. Activity Activity -Offsets Button Off; -14.0dB to +14.0dB in 0.1dB Stereo Front Offset Movie steps, Even NOTE: The Zone menu always has the Center Offset Music same options as the Activity menu.

  • Page 114: Display Setup & Video Profile Setup Menu Trees

    Appendix Mark Levinson Display Setup & Video Profile Setup Menu Trees Setup Video Profile parameter defaults: Button Chroma Noise Video Adaptive Film Contrast / Tint / Deinterlacing Reduction/ Profile Threshold Detection Saturation Sharpness Correction Brightness Film Adaptive Setup TV / Video...

  • Page 115: Speaker Setup Menu Tree

    Nº502 Media Console Appendix Speaker Setup Menu Tree Setup Setup Setup:Speakers Button :5.1:Crossovers:Frequency Displays Front L/R Speakers Video Profiles Center Audio Profiles 2-Channel Surrounds Activities 2-Channel + Sub Back User Options Add New Set All Full Range Opens Name Selector :Speakers:5.1:Crossovers...

  • Page 116: Audio Profile Setup & Activity Setup Menu Trees

    Appendix Mark Levinson Audio Profile Setup & Activity Setup Menu Trees Audio Profile parameter defaults: Setup Multi- Surround Button Audio 2-Ch L7 Auto Dolby Digital Mono Signal Channel LFE Mix Back Profile Signal Azimuth Compression Signal Processing Movies Mono Logic...

  • Page 117: User Options Setup Menu Tree

    Nº502 Media Console Appendix User Options Setup Menu Tree Setup Setup Setup:UserOptions-Display Button Preview Displays Status Message Time Speakers Main Screen Status Video Profiles Audio Profiles On Screen Display Activities Menu Background High, Medium, User Options Front Panel Status Low, Off...

  • Page 118: Understanding Room Correction

    Appendix Mark Levinson Understanding Room Correction The Nº502’s Room Correction calibration is a powerful tool for optimizing the sound of your home theater system. We’ve included this section to provide a little background information explaining why correcting the room is so important for optimal sound quality.
  • Page 119 Nº502 Media Console Appendix The lower frequencies tend to behave in predictable ways because the wavelengths are larger than the typical objects in a room. The mid and high frequencies generally behave differently from room to room because the foot-by-foot and inch-by-inch details differ dramatically from room to room.
  • Page 120 Appendix Mark Levinson end result of this effect is that you hear an extremely complicated sum that cannot be easily characterized, but that contributes to the resonances that create the overall “room sound”. PARALLEL REFLECTIONS How Speakers Good speaker designers know that there are inevitable differences from one room to another that they cannot control.
  • Page 121 Nº502 Media Console Appendix bass, so a speaker placed inappropriately will produce either insufficient or excessive bass. This last point is very important. In most speaker designs, high-frequency sound is directional, while low-frequency sound is omnidirectional. If you’ve ever stood behind a speaker, this phenomenom is quickly apparent as you’ll hear more bass than anything else.
  • Page 122 Q. The Room EQ calibration of the Nº502 identifies room resonances and measures both their Q and frequncy in a highly precise manner. Using this information, the calibration then applies the proper parametric filters to neutralize these resonances.

  • Page 123: Surround Sound Issues

    Nº502 Media Console Appendix Surround Sound Issues Surround sound is a key component of modern multimedia presentations. An action movie DVD may have great video, but the moving image of an explosion offers little thrill to the viewer without an...
  • Page 124 Appendix Mark Levinson Distance value for side speakers should be set to this point When a room has multiple viewing positions, the distance and level settings will be more accurate if all of those seats are clustered together as closely as possible.

  • Page 125: Link2

    Slave devices receive and respond to the commands of the Master device. The Link2 protocol can support a maximum of one Master and eight Slaves in a chain. The Nº502 Media Console can only be used as a Master device. The power amplifiers must be Slave devices.

  • Page 126: Saving The N O 502 Configuration

    Ethernet port. The Nº502 uses an Internal Web page to interface with the computer. Use these instructions to download a copy of the Nº502 configuration to a computer, or to reload a previously-saved configuration.
  • Page 127 Connect the crossover cable between the Ethernet port (RJ45 connector) on the rear panel of the Nº502 and the Ethernet port of the computer. 1. Power up the Nº502 Media Console.
  • Page 128 502 System 2. In the address line, enter “http://192.168.50.2” and press Enter. Configurations This is the Static IP address of the Nº502, as set up in Step 7 of the “Setting Up the Nº502” section just completed. Note An active proxy server may interfere with the configuration download. To ensure proper download of the Nº502 configuration, turn off the proxy server...
  • Page 129 16. If you want to reinstall the selected configuration, press the Send button. Otherwise, press Cancel. 17. Once the configuration is loaded, a message flashes on the Nº502 front panel and main displays, acknowledging that the configuration has been sent. Then the Nº502 automatically resets.
  • Page 130 Appendix Mark Levinson A-24...

  • Page 131: Index

    Index Numerics 5-speaker enhance 3-55 calibration 3-11 automatic 3-7, 3-12–3-22 check microphones 3-13, 4-6 microphone inputs 2-6 academy filter 3-55 room correction 3-12, 4-10 activities run calibration 3-16, 4-7 accessing 2-3, 2-9 manual 3-22–3-24 delete 3-32 speaker distance units 3-36 menu 2-12 center width 3-55 move 3-35...
  • Page 132 Mark Levinson effect level 3-56 letterboxing 3-5, 4-13 enter button 2-2, 2-9 LFE mix 3-29 error messages 3-47, 4-6 light button 2-9 ethernet 2-6, 3-39, 3-41 Link2 2-6, 3-46 external control 3-41 lock options 3-41 ethernet port 2-6 Logic 7 3-29, 3-48–3-50, 3-55, 3-56, 3-57, 3-58...
  • Page 133 Nº502 Media Console setup step 2 3-7 remote zone audio unpacking 1-5 accessing 2-1, 2-10 noise reduction 3-27 menu 2-12 rear panel connectors 2-7 volume 3-37 resolution 3-6 offset adjustments 2-13 restoring factory defaults 3-41, 4-15 on demand only 3-42...
  • Page 134 Mark Levinson Logic 7 modes 3-29, 3-48–3-50 mode adjustment 2-14 mode descriptions 3-48 mode parameter descriptions 3-55–3-59 mode selection 3-29, 3-47 show all 3-54 surround back processing 3-30 surround delay 3-57 surround mix 3-58 surround roll-off 3-58 using modes 3-47–3-54...

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