Mark Levinson N 320S manual

Owner’ s Manual Nº 320S Pr eamplifier[...]

Important Safety Instructions Read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before attempting to operate this component. 1. NEVER clean or make/break connections to this component unless it and all associated components are powered off and disconnected from electrical outlets. 2. AL W AYS terminate this connection with a three-cond[...]

Notice This component has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This component generates, uses, and radiates radio frequency energy and, if not installed and [...]

ii Intr oduction Mark Levinson T able of Contents Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv Section 1: Getting Started Special Design Featur es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1 Highlights • Pr oduct Registration Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4 Unpacking • Placement[...]

iii Nº 320S Intr oduction Section 4: Contr ols & Modes Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1 SLEEP Display Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2 Polarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

iv Intr oduction Mark Levinson Documentation Conventions This document contains general safety , installation, and operation instructions for the Nº 320S Preamplifier . It is important to read this document before attempting to use this product. Pay particular attention to safety instructions. Appears on the component to indicate the presence of u[...]

1-1 Special Design Featur es Thank you for purchasing the Nº 320S Preamplifier . A direct descendant of the Nº 32 Reference Preamplifier, the Nº 320S features audio circuits, controls, ar chitecture, and optional phono modules based on the critically acclaimed Nº32. In fact, some audio circuits, such as the proprietary discrete volume attenuato[...]

1-2 Getting Started Mark Levinson Special Design Features (continued) An advanced dual-mono design allows the Nº 320S to achieve exceptional channel separation. Both audio channels use independent power supplies, communication circuits, and audio circuits. In fact, each channel’ s audio circuits are located in a separate area of the chassis. Thi[...]

1-3 Nº 320S Getting Started adjustments in 1.0dB increments up to 23.0dB and in 0.1dB increments above 23.0dB. Unlike most stereo preamplifiers, the Nº 320S is designed to integrate with multi-channel surround sound processors without the complications associated with competing stereo and multi- channel master volume controls. SSP (surround sound[...]

1-4 Getting Started Mark Levinson Highlights (continued) • Balanced conversion for single-ended input signals • Mono or stereo playback • Selectable output signal polarity • Balance control • Intuitive Set Inputs menu • Sleep timer (standby) • Large front panel display • Selectable display intensity • 2 Mark Levinson Link communic[...]

1-5 Nº 320S Getting Started Item Quantity Detachable AC power cord 1 Link communication cable 1 1/8-inch hex key 1 Phillips-head screwdriver (size 1) 1 Nº 320S remote control * 1 White gloves (pair)** 1 W arranty & Product Registration Card 1 * The remote control comes with two AAA batteries, which should be replaced as needed. ** The white g[...]

1-6 Getting Started Mark Levinson • DO NOT install the Nº 320S near unshielded TV or FM antennas, cable TV decoders, and other RF-emitting devices that might cause interference. • DO NOT place the Nº 320S on a windowsill or in another location in which it will be exposed to direct sunlight. • DO NOT obstruct the IR receiver located in the f[...]

1-7 Nº 320S Getting Started 5. Insert two AAA batteries as shown in the illustration to the left. Make sure the batteries are correctly inserted observing t h e proper polarity . 6. Align the battery compartment cover with the guide on the back of the remote control. 7. Replace the three screws that were removed in step 2. 8. Properly dispose of t[...]

1-8 Getting Started Mark Levinson W arm-Up & Br eak-In Period (continued) After this initial period, performance will remain consistent unless power is disconnected from the ~ac mains connector. Power is disconnected from the ~ac mains connector when the Nº 320S is powered off with the front panel power button ; the power cord is disconnected [...]

1-9 Nº 320S Getting Started CAUTION NEVER MAKE OR BREAK CONNECTIONS TO THE N º 320S UNLESS IT AND ALL ASSOCIA TED COMPONENTS ARE POWERED OFF AND DISCONNECTED FROM ELECTRICAL OUTLETS. T o begin using the Nº 320S: 1. Make sure the Nº 320S and all associated components are powered off and disconnected from electrical outlets. Note The Nº 320S off[...]

1-10 Getting Started Mark Levinson Quick Start Guide (continued) 4. Reconnect the Nº 320S and all associated components to electrical outlets. Then, power on the Nº 320S and all associated components. It is recommended to power all power amplifiers on last. 5. Rotate the Nº 320S front panel select knob or press the remote control select ± butto[...]

2-1 Fr ont Panel Over view Unless otherwise specified, the numbered items in this section indicate the commands the front panel performs during normal operating mode. Refer to Section 3: Setup Menu and Section 4: Controls & Modes for information about other commands the front panel performs. 1. power button Powers the Nº 320S on and off when t[...]

2-2 Basic Operation Mark Levinson Front Panel Overview (continued) 2. standby button & LED Places the Nº 320S into standby and takes the Nº 320S out of standby, which allows the Nº 320S to remain warmed-up to deliver optimal performance at all times. The front panel standby LED blinks red to indicate that the Nº 320S is in standby and light[...]

2-3 Nº 320S Basic Operation 7. volume knob Adjusts master volume level. Rotating the volume knob increases (clockwise) and decreases (counterclockwise) master volume level in 1.0dB increments up to 23.0dB and in 0.1dB increments above 23.0dB. The minimum master volume level setting is OFF . The MaxV ol parameter can be used to determine the maximu[...]

2-4 Basic Operation Mark Levinson Front Panel Overview (continued) 10. display intensity button Controls the illumination level of front panel display characters and the front panel standby LED. Refer to Display Intensity (page 4-2) for additional information. 11. balance button & LED Opens and closes the balance control, which can be used to c[...]

2-5 Nº 320S Basic Operation Rear Panel Overview CAUTION NEVER MAKE OR BREAK CONNECTIONS TO THE Nº 320S UNLESS IT AND ALL ASSOCIA TED COMPONENTS ARE POWERED OFF AND DISCONNECTED FROM ELECTRICAL OUTLETS. 1. ~ac mains connector Provides power to the Nº 320S through the supplied power cord when the supplied power cord is connected to the ~ac mains c[...]

2-6 Basic Operation Mark Levinson Rear Panel Overview (continued) 2. stereo input connectors Provide left and right-channel analog audio input. Three balanced (female XLR) connectors labeled 1-3 are available to accept line-level balanced input signals from associated components that offer balanced (male XLR) output connectors. Four single-ended (R[...]

2-7 N º 320S Basic Operation 4. stereo record output connectors Provide left and right-channel analog audio output at fixed levels. T wo single-ended (RCA) connectors labeled 1 and 2 are available to output single-ended signals to recording components such as CD-Rs and tape decks. The Rec.Out parameter can be used to assign the record output conne[...]

2-8 Basic Operation Mark Levinson Rear Panel Overview (continued) 6. phono ground connector Provides an earth-reference ground connection for a phono cartridge. One binding post labeled phono ground is available for a phono grounding wire. Connecting the phono grounding wire to the phono ground connector grounds the phono cartridge to the Nº 320S [...]

2-9 N º 320S Basic Operation Linking Linking is available for all Mark Levinson components that offer Link communication ports, including master , slave in , slave out , and communication ports. These communication ports can be used to “link” compatible Mark Levinson components in a slave chain , allowing them to share controls such as display[...]

2-10 Basic Operation Mark Levinson Making Link Connections (continued) • DO use constructed Link communication cables (if desired). Refer to Constructing Link Communication Cables (next page) for additional information. CAUTION LINK CONNECTIONS MUST BE MADE USING LINK COMMUNICA TION PORTS AND SUPPLIED OR CONSTRUCTED LINK COMMUNICA TION CABLES. CO[...]

Requirements & Connections Component All slave chains: • Must include compatible Mark Levinson components. The Nº 320S is compatible with the components listed on page 2-9. Refer to the appropriate documentation for Link compatibility information about other Mark Levinson components. • Must connect components in a certain order to prevent [...]

T o create a slave chain that includes the Nº 320S: 1. Load a disc in a digital transport that will be included in the slave chain (if applicable). 2. Make sure the Nº 320S and all associated components are powered off. 3. Refer to the table on the previous page and the illustration on the next page to make Link connections. In general, component[...]

N º 390S* CD Processor Step A: Connect the digital audio processor master communication port to the N º 320S slave in communication port. master/ slave out slave in slave in N º 320S Preamplifier Step B: Connect the N º 320S communication port to the first power amplifier input communication port. control input control N º 432 Power Amplifier [...]

2-14 Basic Operation Mark Levinson Link Controls (continued) The table below provides a general description of controls the Nº 320S shares with other linked components. Some controls may not be available for certain component combinations. Other Mark Levinson components may share additional controls. Refer to the appropriate documentation for addi[...]

2-15 N º 320S Basic Operation Note The N º 31, N º 31.5, N º 37, and N º 39 r emote controls can be used to contr ol N º 320S master volume level. This command is available over IR (not Link connections). Befor e using one of these r emote controls to adjust N º 320S master volume level, make sur e the digital transport setup menu volume con[...]

Operation Considerations (continued) • DO NOT use remote controls for different components at the same time. Remote controls for different components can interfere with one another . Command Overview Unless otherwise specified, the numbered items in this section indicate the commands the remote control performs during normal operating mode. Refer[...]

2-17 N º 320S Basic Operation (continued) 4. enter button Selects and deselects menu items when the setup menu is open. The enter button performs no function during normal operation. 5. volume ± buttons Adjust master volume level. Pressing the volume ± buttons increases (+) and decreases (–) master volume level in 1.0dB increments up to 23.0dB[...]

2-18 Basic Operation Mark Levinson Command Overview (continued) 7. polarity button Controls the polarity of the main output signal. Pressing and releasing the polarity button toggles between inverting and restoring main output signal polarity. The front panel polarity LED lights red to indicate that main output signal polarity is inverted. The pola[...]

2-19 N º 320S Basic Operation The Mute parameter can be used to determine the amount of master volume level attenuation that occurs when mute is activated. The mute level can be set in 0.1dB increments between –10.0 and –80.0dB. The factory-default mute level is –20.0dB. Note Pr essing the volume ± buttons deactivates mute, adjusting master[...]

3-1 Navigating the Setup Menu The front panel and remote control setup buttons provide convenient access to the setup menu structure shown below , which can be used to configure the Nº 320S to suit individual preferences and listening spaces. (continued) Setup Menu 3 The front panel display pr ovides one-line viewing of the setup menu shown here, [...]

3-2 Setup Menu Mark Levinson Navigating the Setup Menu (continued) T o open the setup menu: Press and release the front panel or remote control setup button . • When the setup menu is closed, pressing and releasing the setup button opens the setup menu on the front panel display as shown to the left. The front panel setup LED lights red to indica[...]

3-3 Nº 320S Setup Menu select knob & Scroll through menu items. Rotating the select knob or pressing t he ± buttons select ± buttons scrolls upward (clockwise/+) and downward (counterclockwise/–) through all menu items available on the open menu. The front panel display indicates the current menu item. volume knob & Adjusts the selecte[...]

3-4 Setup Menu Mark Levinson (continued) Set Inputs Menu The Set Inputs menu shortcut provides convenient access to the Shortcut Set Inputs menu for the selected input. When this shortcut is used, the four Set Inputs menu parameters for the selected input – Name , Gain , Offset , and Rec.Out – are available. No other setup menu items are availa[...]

Custom Name Description 3-5 Nº 320S Setup Menu (continued) INPUT 1-7 unused SSP SACD DAT VCR CASS RtoR MD CD-R SAT LD CD TUNER AUX DAC TAPE DVD No30 No30.5 No30.6 No35 No36 No36S No360 No360S No39 No390S Custom Names List Identifies the factory-default input name. This name can be customized one character at a time using the character list (next p[...]

3-6 Setup Menu Mark Levinson (continued) Character List The character list shown to the left provides access to 76 characters that can be used to enter custom input names one character at a time. Custom input names can consist of up to 7 characters, including letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and blank spaces. A custom input name entered with th[...]

3-7 Nº 320S Setup Menu • Select this character (if the character list option was selected in step 3). The blinking cursor will advance to the next character space. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all desired characters have been entered. When the seventh character is selected, the SA VING D A T A message will appear on the front panel display to indi[...]

3-8 Setup Menu Mark Levinson (continued) Rec.Out Assigns record output connectors to the selected input. The rear NONE, #1, #2, BOTH panel offers two single-ended (RCA) stereo record output connectors that pass audio at fixed volume levels. When an input is assigned for the record output connectors, the input signal is sent to both the assigned mai[...]

Description Command Description Command The Nº 320S sends infrared signals at 40kHz, the most common carrier frequency used in learning remote controls. However , if the learning remote control seems unable to learn IR commands: • Eliminate obstructions between the learning remote control and the left side of the front panel display. • Adjust [...]

T o teach Nº 320S IR commands to a lear ning remote control: 1. Prepare the learning remote control to receive IR commands. 2. Follow the instructions on page 3-2 to open the setup menu . 3. Rotate the front panel select knob or press the remote control select ± buttons until T each IR is selected. 4. Press the front panel or remote control enter[...]

3-11 Nº 320S Setup Menu Setup Menu Parameters Default Possible Parameter Setting Settings Mute -20.0dB -10.0 to -80.0dB MaxV ol 80.0dB 40.0 to 80.0dB T rig. 12v ,L 12v ,L; 5v ,P Sw N/A N/A Mute Determines the amount of master volume level attenuation that –10.0 to –80.0dB occurs when mute is activated with the front panel or remote control mut[...]

4-1 Standby Allows the Nº 320S to remain warmed-up to deliver optimal performance at all times. The Nº 320S cannot be placed into standby unless it is powered on with the front panel power button . Refer to Continuous Operation (page 1-8) for additional information. T o place the Nº 320S into or take the Nº 320S out of standby: 1. Make sure the[...]

4-2 Contr ols & Modes Mark Levinson SLEEP (continued) When the –OFF– setting is selected, the Nº 320S does not automatically enter standby. When a time increment setting is selected, the Nº 320S automatically enters standby after the designated amount of time has passed. For example, if the 2h 30m setting is selected, the Nº 320S automat[...]

4-3 Nº 320S Contr ols & Modes T o adjust display intensity: Press and release the front panel display intensity button or the remote control display button to cycle through the four available illumination levels. • Front panel display characters and the front panel standby LED automatically adjust to the selected illumination level. Polarity[...]

4-4 Contr ols & Modes Mark Levinson Balance (continued) The balance control facilitates precise adjustments in 0.1dB increments between 0.1 and 20.0dB. When the balance offset exceeds 20.0dB, the Nº 320S mutes the channel outputting the lower signal level. T o adjust the left-to-right channel balance of the main output connectors: 1. Press and[...]

4-5 Nº 320S Contr ols & Modes Mono Playback Sends mono (rather than stereo) signals to the main output connectors, whether those signals are using the balanced (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) main output connectors. The mono playback control has no affect on the record output connectors. T o toggle between mono and stereo playback: Press and relea[...]

4-6 Contr ols & Modes Mark Levinson 3. When the desired setting is selected, press and release the front panel or remote control enter button to close the MODE parameter. • Otherwise, the MODE parameter automatically closes a few seconds after the last command is received. If this occurs, the selected mono mode remains selected. L + R Balance[...]

4-7 Nº 320S Contr ols & Modes 8. When the desired adjustments have been made, press and release the balance button to close the balance control. • Otherwise, the balance control automatically closes a few seconds after the last command is received. If this occurs, the selected setting is automatically applied. 9. Press and release the mono b[...]

4-8 Contr ols & Modes Mark Levinson SSP (Surr ound Sound Pr ocessor) Mode • Allows for complete integration between the Nº 320S and a multi-channel surround sound processor. In the past, the difference between the number of channels in each component made integration difficult. • Sending multi-channel processor output signals to a stereo p[...]

4-9 Nº 320S Contr ols & Modes T o activate and use SSP mode: 1. Make sure the Nº 320S and all associated components are powered off and disconnected from electrical outlets. 2. Connect the output connectors on the surround sound source component to the input connectors on the surround sound processor. • For example, if this source component[...]

4-10 Contr ols & Modes Mark Levinson 7. Press and hold the front panel or remote control setup button until the Name parameter for the selected input opens on the front panel display as shown to the left. • The front panel setup LED lights red to indicate that the setup menu is open. 8. Press the front panel or remote control enter button onc[...]

5-1 T r oubleshooting Incorrect operation is sometimes mistaken for malfunction. If problems occur , refer to this section for troubleshooting information. If problems persist, contact Mark Levinson Customer Support at 781-280-0300 or www .marklevinson.com. No Power 1. Examine the power cord to ensure that it is connected to both the ~ac mains conn[...]

5-2 T roubleshooting & Maintenance Mark Levinson No IR Learning 1. Eliminate obstructions between the learning remote control and the left side of the front panel display. 2. Adjust the distance between the learning remote control and the left side of the front panel display. 3. Make sure the learning remote control and the left side of the fro[...]

5-3 Nº 320S T roubleshooting & Maintenance “Missing” Input 1. Make sure the Name parameter for the selected input has not been set to unused . No Link Contr ols 1. Make sure the slave chain includes Mark Levinson components that are compatible with the Nº 320S. 2. Examine Link connections to ensure a solid connection between linked compon[...]

• T o cancel restoration of factor y-default settings, release the setup and display intensity buttons . The CLEAR and CANCELLED messages will blink on the front panel display as shown below to indicate that restoration of factory default settings has been cancelled. 5-4 T roubleshooting & Maintenance Mark Levinson (continued) Restoring Facto[...]

5-5 Nº 320S T roubleshooting & Maintenance Car e & Maintenance The Nº 320S requires routine care and maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The bulleted items below indicate maintenance procedures that should be performed on a regular basis. Note Failur e to perform the maintenance procedur es included in this section may void the man[...]

A-1 Specifications Unless otherwise specified, these specifications indicate nominal values measured over a 20Hz to 20kHz bandwidth through balanced (XLR) connections. Power Consumption • 50W maximum Operating V oltage • 100, 120, 220, or 230V AC power at 50 or 60Hz (preset) Connector Complement • 3 balanced (female XLR) stereo inputs • 4 s[...]

A-2 Appendix Mark Levinson Specifications (continued) Input Overload Gain XLR RCA Setting Connectors Connectors +18dB 1.6V 0.8V +12dB 3.3V 1.6V +6dB 6.6V 3.3V 0dB 13.2V 6.6V Input Impedance • 100k Output Impedance • <50 Ω THD + N • <0.001% Cr osstalk • <90dB (any input to any output, input terminated) Residual Noise • 20Hz to 2[...]

A-3 Nº 320S Appendix Dimensions (continued) Fr ont View polarity setup enter display intensity balance mute volume mono select power standby PREAMPLIFIER Nº 320 17.75” (450.85mm) 13.62” (345.95mm) 2.07” (52.45mm) 2.92” (74.04mm) 2.07” (52.45mm) 2.66” (67.56mm) 0.26” (6.48mm) T op View Specifications ar e subject to change without no[...]

A-4 Appendix Mark Levinson (continued) Installation W orksheet Set Inputs Input 1 Name Gain Offset Rec.Out Input 2 Input 3 Input 4 Input 5 Input 6 Input 7 Mute MaxV ol T rig. Sw Mono Playback Balance Intensity Polarity Setup Menu Parameters Control/Mode Settings Set Inputs Input 1 Name Gain Offset Rec.Out Input 2 Input 3 Input 4 Input 5 Input 6 Inp[...]

I-1 (continued) Index I SYMBOLS , iv, IFC , iv, IFC CAUTION , iv, 1-6, 1-7, 1-9, 2-5, 2-10, 3-5, 3-8, 4-9, 5-5, IFC , iv Note , iv, 1-5, 1-8, 1-9, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 2-7, 2-8, 2-9, 2-11, 2-12, 2-15, 2-16, 2-17, 2-18, 2-19, 3-2, 3-4, 3-7, 3-8, 3-10, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 5-5 WARNING , iv, 1-6, IFC A ~ac mains connector , 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 2-1,[...]

I-2 Index Mark Levinson Index (continued) D (continued) digital-to-analog converters , see D/A converters dimensions , Nº320S, A-3 display button , 2-18, 3-9, 4-3 DISPLA Y DIM IR command, 3-9 DISPLA Y FULL IR command, 3-9 DISPLA Y HALF IR command, 3-9 display intensity , 1-4, 2-4, 2-7, 2-9, 2-13, 2-14, 2-18, 3-9, 4-2 to 4-3, 5-1, A-4 display inten[...]

I-3 Nº320S Index L (continued) learning remote controls , 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 5-2 LEDs, front panel balance, 2-4, 2-18, 4-4, 4-6 mono, 2-2, 2-18, 4-5 mute, 2-4, 2-18 polarity , 2-2, 2-18, 4-3 setup, 2-3, 2-16, 3-2, 3-4, 3-6, 4-10 standby , 2-2, 2-4, 2-12, 2-16, 2-18, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 5-1 Link communication cables, 1-5, 2-9, 2-10 ( constructing ), 5-3 co[...]

I-4 Index Mark Levinson Index (continued) O obtaining service , IBC Offset parameter, 2-3, 2-17, 3-3, 3- 4, 3-7, 5-2, A-4 operating voltage , 1-7, 2-1, 2-5, A-1 operation considerations, remote control , 1-6, 2-15 to 2-16 output impedance , A-2 output level imbalances , 4-6 overload , input, A-2 P parameters, adjusting , 3-3 phono cartridges , 2-8,[...]

I-5 Nº320S Index S (continued) ST ANDBY KEY IR command, 3-9 stereo playback , 1-4, 4-5, 4-7 surround sound processors , 1-3, 4-8 to 4-10 see also SSP mode Sw parameter, 3-11, A-4 T table of contents , ii tape decks , 2-7, 3-5 T APE input name, 3-5 T each IR menu, 3-8 to 3-10 ( ill. ) THD + Noise , A-2 T rig. parameter , 2-8, 3-11, A-4 trigger outp[...]

W e take great pride in selling Mark Levinson products through a network of well-trained dealers who are dedicated to customer satisfaction. These professionals are ideally suited to design, install, and, if the need arises, facilitate the service of high- performance electronic home entertainment systems. Customer Support assists authorized Mark L[...]

3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | T elephone: 781-280-0300 | Fax: 781-280-0490 | www .marklevinson.com Customer Support: T elephone: 781-280-0300 | Sales Fax: 781-280-0495 | Ser vice Fax: 781-280-0499 Product Shipments: 16 Progr ess Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5730 USA Part No. 070-630493 | Rev 0 | 02/04[...]