Owner's Manual Nº32 Reference Preamplifier R Madrigal Audio Laboratories WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. Marking by the "CE" symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the European Community. NOTICE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · · · · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna; Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver; Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected; Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. The information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this manual will be posted on our web site at http://www.madrigal.com. Important Safety Instructions
Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Mark Levinson® preamplifier. 1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component. 2. This product must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes an earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used. 3. AC extension cords are not recommended for use with this product. 4. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components. 5. NEVER operate this product with any covers removed. 6. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid. 7. NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit. 8. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks. 9. NEVER bypass any fuse. 10. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified. 11. NEVER attempt to repair this product. If a problem occurs, contact your Mark Levinson® retailer. 12. NEVER expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures. 13. NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere. 14. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children. 15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms. From all of us at Madrigal Audio Laboratories, thank you for choosing the Mark Levinson Nº32 Reference Preamplifier. 4 A great deal of effort went into the design and construction of this precision device. Used properly, it will give you many years of enjoyment. Table of Contents
Special Design Features of the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier ....... 7 controller/preamplifier ........................................................................ 7 architecture ........................................................................................ 7 a note about nomenclature ............................................................. 7 AC regeneration ................................................................................. 7 dual mono design .............................................................................. 8 extraordinary isolation ........................................................................ 8 fully balanced design .......................................................................... 8 discrete attenuator ............................................................................. 8 Arlon 25N circuit boards ..................................................................... 9 multiple outputs ................................................................................. 9 extensive customization ...................................................................... 9 optional phono modules .................................................................. 10 Unpacking and Placement ....................................................... 11 unpacking ........................................................................................ 11 installing the batteries in the remote control ..................................... 11 placement ........................................................................................ 11 continuous operation ....................................................................... 11 ventilation ........................................................................................ 12 Operating Voltage ................................................................... 13 Warm up & break-in period ............................................................... 13 A Quick Start... ........................................................................ 14 Front Panel ............................................................................. 16 sleep timer ..................................................................................... 20 Rear Panel, Nº32 Controller ..................................................... 21 building a link cable ....................................................................... 23 tip polarity for external IR input ....................................................... 23 Rear Panel, Nº32 Preamplifier .................................................. 26 Remote Control ....................................................................... 31 Customizing Your Nº32 ........................................................... 34 setup overview ................................................................................. 34 the menu system .............................................................................. 34 configuring line level inputs .............................................................. 35 available input names .................................................................... 36 changing input names ................................................................... 36 input programming tip .................................................................. 37 factory default input names ............................................................ 37 using custom input names ............................................................. 37 naming an input "SSP" ................................................................... 37 naming an input "EQ" .................................................................... 38 setting input gain........................................................................... 38 setting input offsets ........................................................................ 39 setting record out .......................................................................... 40 configuring phono inputs ................................................................. 40 phono setup menu ........................................................................ 40 phono parameters ......................................................................... 41 5 continued next page... 6 teach ir ............................................................................................. 42 setting a mute level .......................................................................... 43 setting a maximum level ................................................................... 43 configuring the DC trigger ............................................................... 43 checking the software version .......................................................... 44 Using the Nº32 with Learning Remote Controls ....................... 45 using the teach ir menu ................................................................... 45 available ir commands ...................................................................... 46 Modes of Operation ................................................................ 47 normal operation ............................................................................. 47 the record select mode ..................................................................... 47 the balance mode ............................................................................ 48 balance control tip ......................................................................... 48 mono modes .................................................................................... 49 phono alignment tip ...................................................................... 49 polarity ............................................................................................. 49 reset defaults .................................................................................... 49 operating without a preamplifier ...................................................... 50 Using Surround Sound Processors ............................................ 51 the SSP must not come after the preamp .......................................... 51 the SSP must not come before the preamp ........................................ 51 the SSP must not be in a tape loop ................................................... 52 the SSP & the Nº32 ........................................................................... 52 noise in a/v systems .......................................................................... 52 Linked Functions ..................................................................... 54 display intensity ................................................................................ 54 standby link ...................................................................................... 54 volume link ...................................................................................... 54 select link ......................................................................................... 54 play link ........................................................................................... 55 record link ........................................................................................ 55 HDCDTM link ..................................................................................... 55 Care and Maintenance ............................................................. 56 U.S. and Canadian Warranty .................................................... 57 90-day limited warranty .................................................................... 57 five year extended warranty ............................................................. 57 Obtaining Service .................................................................... 58 Specifications .......................................................................... 60 Dimensions, Nº32 Controller ................................................... 62 Dimensions, Nº32 Preamplifier ................................................ 63 Special Design Features of the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier controller/preamplifier architecture The Nº32 employs an unusual two-chassis design that optimizes the division of labor within the product. The traditional two-box approach to preamp design places the power supply in a box by itself, with all control and audio circuitry in the other box. In the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier, the audio circuitry has primacy of place with a chassis of its own, with power supply and control circuitry in a separate chassis. Thus the display and user controls are effectively isolated from the sensitive audio signals. The only signals entering the chassis that handles audio signals are the audio signals themselves and extremely pure DC power. Within this manual, the chassis that contains the power supplies and user controls will be referred to as the Controller; the chassis that contains the actual audio circuitry will be called the Preamplifier; when the two-box system is being described, its name will be the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier. This nomenclature is consistent with the engraved names on the components themselves. a note about nomenclature 7 AC regeneration The foundation upon which any audio component is built is the power supply. Without an extremely clean, noise-free power supply, no audio circuit can live up to its potential. Unfortunately, we live in a world in which the quality of AC mains power is increasingly in question. The modern conveniences upon which we have become so dependent introduce line noise, spikes, and various other irregularities. Everything from refrigerators to televisions and computers inject their peculiar contaminations back onto the AC line, making it increasingly difficult for a high performance audio component to live up to its potential. In the Nº32, we solve this problem by becoming our own power utility. Strange as this sounds, it is effectively true. There are two independent, unusually high quality power supplies dedicated to the two audio channels. The DC power from these supplies is then used to power a special power amplifier that is fully optimized for reproducing only one frequency: 400 Hz. This extremely pure 400 sine wave is then rectified, filtered, and regulated again to create extraordinarily pure DC power for the use of the critical preamplifier circuits. By creating our own dedicated 400 Hz AC power and then using that to create "second generation" DC power for the audio circuitry, we keep the contamination of the modern electrical grid at a safe distance from the sensitive audio circuits we look to for our musical enjoyment. dual mono design As might be expected, the Nº32 uses a dual mono design that isolates each channel from the other. In addition to separate power supplies for the two audio channels (and additional, completely separate power supplies for the control, display and communication circuitry in the Controller), the Preamplifier chassis itself offers complete isolation between channels. In fact, there is a die-cast aluminum wall between the two channels in the Preamplifier, separating Left from Right channels physically as well as electrically. The remarkable efforts to preserve isolation between channels in the Nº32 deliver superior imaging specificity and accuracy, creating a vividly rich, three dimensional sonic image. extraordinary isolation 8 In addition to the isolation between channels, isolation between inputs in the Nº32 is unsurpassed. By using a discrete "T-switch" input switching along with special shielding and board layout, the selected source effectively has the preamplifier "all to itself." By effectively "unplugging" inputs not being used, this design delivers better than 120 dB separation between even adjacent input connectors, ensuring that you hear only the source you intend to hear, without even subtle contamination from other active source components. fully balanced design As with other current Mark Levinson preamplifiers, the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier is fully balanced from input to output. In fact, even single-ended inputs are converted to balanced upon entering the preamp, and are handled in a balanced fashion thereafter. The rigorous implementation of the balanced circuitry within the Nº32 conveys all of the information present in the source signal to the power amplifier, without the limitations of assymetrical single-ended designs. discrete attenuator The Mark Levinson Nº38 introduced revolutionary volume precision and resolution to the world of high end preamplifiers, with the firstever 0.1 dB-step volume control. In the Nº32, this same approach is taken to an even higher level in a discrete attenuator of Madrigal's design that uses 66 surface-mounted, precision resistors per channel. Used in combination, this balanced volume control gives us over 65,000 possible volume settings between zero- and maximum-attenuation. (Don't worry, we don't use them all.) This design, implemented on an Arlon 25N printed circuit board with local, discrete regulators, delivers greater transparency than any volume control technology we have ever experienced. It also provides increments as small as 0.1 dB, allowing you to select precisely the correct volume for any given recording, and to do so repeatably. Arlon 25N circuit boards Madrigal designs have long explored new technologies that better serve the cause of music, some of which have been quite esoteric. For example, the single biggest difference between a Nº380 and a Nº380S is the printed circuit board material used in the more costly "S" version (cyanate ester). In the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier, a new circuit board material is introduced to the Mark Levinson product range: Arlon 25NTM. This new material outperforms even the already-remarkable material used in the Nº380S preamplifier in terms of its uniformly low dielectric constant and other critical characteristics. Interestingly, the benefits of Arlon 25N accrue only on circuit boards that contain active devices (such as transistors). On a board such as the input board, which contains only signal traces and high performance switches, neither Arlon 25N nor cyanate ester have been found to improve performance. Thus, in such areas we use the highest quality FR-4 glass epoxy circuit boards which, while still being premium quality, provide significant cost savings over the more exotic materials without any performance penalty. While in some ways it might be easier to simply use Arlon-25 everywhere, doing so would not yield good value. We understand that the Nº32 represents a big investment for anyone to make in their music system, and are careful to ensure that it is money well spent. 9 multiple outputs The Nº32 Reference Preamplifier includes two pairs of main outputs per channel: a pair of balanced outputs on high quality XLRs, and a pair of single-ended outputs on Madrigal-designed RCA jacks. The XLR and RCA outputs are buffered independently of each other, and may be used simultaneously without degrading performance. The XLRs are wired in parallel with one another, as are the RCAs, to facilitate biamping and other applications. extensive customization Although the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier may be used as it arrives from the factory, without further setup or modifications, it may also be customized rather extensively to suit the particulars of the system in which it is used. For full information on this subject, please refer to the section of this manual entitled "Customizing Your Nº32." For the purposes of this introduction, you should know that every input can be given alternative, custom names (e.g., "CD" instead of "INPUT 4"), and that many details of the preamplifier's operation may be customized. For example, each input may be set up for its optimal combination of gain (0, 6, 12, or 18 dB) and volume offsets (to ensure that all sources are the same perceived volume when switching between them, to within 0.1 dB). If you purchase the optional phono modules (see below), they too may be extensively customized in their operation. optional phono modules The Nº32 Reference Preamplifier also has, as an option, two mono Reference Phono preamplifiers that can be installed within the Preamplifier chassis by your dealer. This phono preamp is itself fully balanced (phono cartridges are inherently balanced, being push-pull devices that do not reference ground). All active circuitry resides on Arlon-25 circuit boards (even more important here than elsewhere, given the tiny voltages present in a phono section). Phono loading and gain settings may be set independently for each of the two included inputs, and remembered by the system. Even balance may be fine-tuned to compensate for small errors in phono cartridges (quite common), and remembered as you switch among inputs. To fully optimize the functioning of your Nº32 phono preamplifier, please see "Customizing Your Nº32" later in this manual. 10 Unpacking and Placement
unpacking Unpack your Nº32 Preamplifier and keep all packing materials for future transport. Locate and remove all accessory items from the Accessory Box within the Controller shipping carton. Accessories include: 1 detachable AC power cord 1 Nº32 remote control 1 5/64" Allen key 2 multi-pin DC cables 2 AAA alkaline batteries 1 3/32" hex driver Also included with your new Mark Levinson component is a pair of knit, white gloves to assist you in the initial unpacking and placement of your new purchase. Please accept them as a token of our appreciation for having purchased one of our products. installing the batteries in the remote control Using the supplied 5/64" Allen key, remove the two screws in the bottom end cap of the remote control (i.e., the end opposite the IR transmitter lens). Insert the two alkaline batteries found in the Accessories box, being careful to follow the polarity indications given on the inside of the battery compartment. Replace the end cap and the screws, using the Allen key. If at some point you notice that your remote control seems not to be performing as well as it once did, its batteries are probably running low. Check the batteries periodically, and replace batteries before they are "dead." (Fully discharged batteries are prone to leaking corrosive chemicals--the greenish "gunk" you may have seen around battery terminals of other remote controls.) The Nº32 should be placed close to your source equipment, thus keeping interconnect cabling short. We strongly recommend mounting each chassis of the Nº32 on its own shelf to allow for proper ventilation. 11 placement continuous operation The Nº32 is designed for continuous operation--it is designed to be connected to the AC mains at all times for the best performance. While we also include a front-panel power switch that actually disconnects the Nº32 from the AC mains, we recommend you use the standby button instead, which leaves the Nº32 warmed up and sounding its best at all times. ventilation Be sure to allow 3 to 4 inches of clearance above the Nº32 to allow heat dissipation through air circulation. Drawings are included in this manual to facilitate special installations and custom cabinetry (see "Dimensions").
It is extremely important that all components in your system be properly grounded. Do not defeat a threeprong AC cords with "ground-lifter" or "cheater" adaptors, as doing so may allow dangerous voltages to build up between components. The presence of these voltages would pose a threat to both your person and your equipment. Caution! 12 Operating Voltage
The Nº32 Reference Preamplifier is set at the factory (internally) for 100V, 120V, 230V, 220V, or 240V AC mains operation @ 50 or 60Hz. (230V/50Hz only in European Union countries, in compliance with CE regulations.) This voltage setting cannot be changed by the user. Make sure that the label near the AC receptacle of the Nº32 Controller indicates the correct AC operating voltage for your location. If the voltage indicated on your Nº32 Controller is incorrect, or if you wish to change the AC operating voltage of your Nº32 as the result of moving to a different country than the one in which you purchased your preamplifier, see your Mark Levinson dealer. The Nº32 is easily powered by a normal 15-ampere AC mains line. If other devices are also powered from the same AC line, their additional power consumption should be taken into account. Warm up & break-in period Although your Mark Levinson Nº32 Reference Preamplifier delivers outstanding performance straight out of the box, you should expect to 13 hear it continue to improve as it reaches its normal operating temperatures and its various components "break-in." It has been our experience that the greatest changes occur within the first 25-50 hours, but that the preamplifier will continue to improve in sound quality for about 300 hours, after which time it remains quite constant. The only exception to this rule is if power is removed from the unit, allowing it to cool down. In this case you should expect a brief warm-up period before the preamplifier's sound quality is at its best. (Fortunately, you do not have to repeat the full 300-hour break-in period.) A Quick Start...
We recognize that many people are understandably eager to begin listening to their new components, and that reading the manual is often done (if at all) at a later time--perhaps while listening to music through the new product itself. We strongly recommend that you read this manual thoroughly, as the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier incorporates many unusual features which enhance its operation. Fortunately, we can help you get some music up and running on your system quickly, so that you may begin enjoying your new preamplifier while reading more about it. The goal here is simply to make some music quickly. (The following procedure assumes that the rest of your system is already connected; e.g., power amplifier to speakers, etc.) 1 Turn off your associated components This minimizes the opportunity for a momentary electrical surge to disturb your system while making connections. If you have a large power amplifier, allow its power supply to fully discharge before proceeding.
14 2 Connect the two DC cables between the Nº32 Controller and the Nº32 Preamplifier; plug in the Controller; turn on AC power on the front panel The "Controller" chassis acts as both power supply and control panel for the preamplifier, leaving the actual handling of the audio signal to the dedicated "Preamplifier" chassis. Connect the DC cables first, then plug the Controller into the wall (the IEC power connection is on the rear panel of the Controller), then make sure that the power button on the front of the Controller is pushed in. When power is first applied, the Nº32 will initialize, and set its output level to OFF. 3 Connect a source to any input, noting which you use For example, connect the output of your CD player to the Left and Right Input 1 XLR jacks on the rear panel of your Nº32 Preamplifier. High quality interconnecting cables such as Madrigal CZ Gel will yield superior results, and are strongly recommended. The Left and Right Main Out jacks on the rear panel of the Nº32 Preamplifier should be connected to the corresponding inputs of your power amplifier. If your power amplifier has balanced inputs and you have appropriate high-quality cables (with XLR plugs at both ends), we recommend using the Balanced Main Outs. Otherwise, use the (single-ended) Main Outs from the preamplifier to your power amplifier. Once again, high quality interconnecting cables such as Madrigal CZ Gel will yield superior results, and are strongly recommended. 5 Turn on your source component; turn on your power amplifier; select the appropriate input using the Select knob; slowly raise the volume on the Nº32 to a comfortable level Congratulations! You should now be able to enjoy your favorite music while reading the rest of this manual. 15 1 2
polarity select 3 4
mono volume 5 MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES REFERENCE CONTROLLER Nº32 power record out display intensity setup enter balance mute standby 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES REFERENCE PREAMPLIFIER Nº32 14 Front Panel
16 1 Select Knob This knob is normally used to select among the various inputs of the Nº32, with the resulting selections being shown in the display window, immediately to the right of the select knob. It is also used to select the input to be sent to the record outputs when the record out button is engaged. The select knob is also used during setup to select among various menu items available (the volume knob being used to actually adjust those items). For example, if you are using only two or three inputs on your Nº32, you may disable the unused ones so that the select knob selects only among connectors you are actually using. For more information on customizing your preamplifier in this and other ways, please see "Customizing Your Nº32." 2 Polarity Indicator The polarity (sometimes inaccurately called "absolute phase") of the output of the Nº32 may be inverted via the Nº32 remote control, in which case the red LED under the word polarity (within the display window) will light as confirmation. A second press of the polarity button on the remote control will restore the polarity of the output to its original, non-inverted state. 3 Alphanumeric Display This twelve-character display provides a wide range of information concerning the operation of the Nº32. The information displayed depends on what the Nº32 is doing. The information displayed is summarized below:
normal operation balance record out setup selected (audible) input name and volume setting direction and magnitude of balance offset "RECD" and Source to be recorded setup menus and settings In addition, this display will indicate any known fault conditions. For example, it will also inform you if a DC cable between Controller and Preamplifier is not properly connected. When used with Linked Mark Levinson power amplifiers, this display is used to indicate the presence of a fault condition (if any) in the ampli- 17 fier. (Please refer to the owner's manual of your amplifier for more information.) For more detailed information on the preamplifier's use of this display, please refer to the following sections on the use of the balance and record out buttons, as well as the section on "Customizing Your Nº32." 4 Mono indicator The mono button of the remote control toggles between stereo and mono operation of the Nº32. The LED under the word mono on the faceplate, within the display window, provides visual confirmation of being in the mono mode. There are multiple mono modes available in the Nº32: · · · ·
L+R (the factory default setting) L only R only L-R (For more detailed information on these mono modes, please see page 48.) To access the non-default modes, press and hold the mono button for several seconds; subsequent clicks of the mono button will move you through the options. Having selected the one you want as your new default, simply let the Nº32 "time out" and revert to its normal display. The mono button will now toggle between stereo and your preferred mono. 5 Volume Knob This control is normally used to adjust the listening volume, and does not effect the level of the signal being sent to the record outputs. When in balance mode, this knob is used to vary the relative output of the Left and Right channels. It is also used during setup for various adjustments; see "Customization of your Nº32." 6 Power Button This button connects and disconnects the Nº32 from the AC mains power. It is normally intended to be left engaged at all times, unless you plan to be away from your home for an extended period. By using the standby button rather than power to turn the system on and off, the Nº32 can remain warmed up and sounding its best at all times.
18 Should you disconnect the Nº32 from power for an extended period, either via this power button or by pulling its plug, it may require a few hours to return to thermal equilibrium and optimal performance. 7 Record Out Button Pressing the record out button allows you to select the input to be sent to the record outputs (using the select knob). Pressing it again returns you to normal operation and turns of the record out LED indicator. Note that the record outputs will be muted when the Nº32 is in standby. 8 Display Intensity Button Cycles among four levels of brightness (including "off ") for the display, allowing adjustment for various ambient lighting conditions. When "off," the display will turn on for a few seconds whenever a setting is changed. When used in conjunction with certain compatible Mark Levinson components, this button will control the display intensity of all linked components. (For more information, see "Linked Functions.") 9 Setup Button Pressing the setup button places the Nº32 into setup mode, and lights the LED indicator immediately above the setup button. While in setup mode, the display is used to show a series of menu choices that allow you to customize the Nº32 rather extensively, to better suit your system's needs and personal preferences. For more information on this customization, please see "Customizing Your Nº32." 10 Enter Button Used in conjunction with the setup button, the enter button allows you to save changes made to the Nº32 while in setup mode. For more information on this customization, please see "Customizing Your Nº32." 11 Balance Button Pressing the balance button allows you to adjust the relative vol- umes of the left and right channels. While in balance mode, the display changes to show you the current relative balance of the left and right channels, displaying the magnitude of the offset in decibels. If you leave the balance mode with the balance "off-center," the LED remains lit to remind you that the balance is not "even."
19 12 Mute Button Pressing the mute button will reduce the main output level of the preamplifier by a user-modifiable amount, ranging from 1 to 60 decibels. Pressing the mute button a second time without adjusting the volume will return it to its previous setting. If you adjust the volume with either the volume knob or the remote control while mute is engaged, the preamplifier will adjust its volume from the muted volume and disengage the mute function. (This is to prevent an unpleasant surprise when, having increased the volume while muted, someone unmutes the system.) The factory default setting of the mute circuit is -20 dB. (See "Customizing Your Nº32" for information on changing the factory default setting.) 13 Standby Button The standby button toggles the Nº32 between normal operation and standby, wherein the display is turned off, the outputs are disconnected, and all controls are inoperable. All critical circuitry remains powered-up during standby to ensure immediate, optimal performance when you are ready to listen to music. The LED above the standby button will blink slowly when the Nº32 is in standby, indicating that power is still being provided to the unit. (If the Nº32 is Linked to other Mark Levinson components which are also in standby, they will blink in unison.)
sleep timer The standby button includes a special function that allows you to use the Nº32 as the heart of the world's most exotic sleep timer. By pressing and holding the standby button for several seconds, you will see the display change to SLEEP -OFF-; subsequent clicks of standby will cycle through a list of sleep timer settings ranging from OFF through four hours, in 30 minute increments. Setting the sleep timer to 1hr 0min for example, will cause the Nº32 to enter standby after an hour, and will also return the sleep timer's status to OFF (so as to avoid unintentional interruptions of your music at a later time). You may use the sleep timer function as often as you like, but you will have to set it as you want it to behave each time. The default setting is OFF. 20 14 Nº32 Preamplifier Power Indicator This LED glows to indicate that the Preamplifer chassis is receiving DC power from the Controller, and blinks in unison with the standby LED on the Controller chassis when the Reference Preamplifier is in standby. 1
right channel DC power 2 3 4 5 6 7
Nº25/S DC power 8
ac mains 9
earth 1
left channel DC power control ports
PHASTLinkTM compatible RS-232 communications ports
master slave in amplifier ir input trig out trig in Nº32 Reference Controller s/n _______ 10
RIGHT CHANNEL DC power inputs 4 5 6 7 8 phono ground 8 7 6 5 4 inputs LEFT CHANNEL DC power 1 2 3 record outputs main outputs refer to owner's manual prior to right phono opening the unit for any reason left phono 3 record outputs 2 main outputs 1 Please see bottom panel for additional information 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 MARK LEVINSON REFERENCE PREAMPLIFIER Nº32 s/n made in U.S.A. Rear Panel, Nº32 Controller
21 1 DC power output for left and right channels The Nº32 Controller acts as both the control center for your twopiece preamplifier and as the power supply for the preamplifier proper. This architecture ensures that only pure DC power and the audio signals themselves enter the chassis responsible for preamplification. Since the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier is a dual mono design, each channel has its own power supply. Two separate DC power cables are used to conduct the power from the Controller to the Preamplifier to avoid any possibility of interaction between channels. Connect the supplied DC power cables between the Controller and the Preamplifier. These cables are not directional. 2 Control Ports (PHASTTM compatible) These ports are reserved for future use as PHASTLinkTM communications ports. For more information, please contact your dealer and ask about PHASTTM home automation systems. 3 RS-232 port This port is used both for downloading new operating software into your Nº32 Reference Preamplifier (should new features ever be added, for example), and also for external control of the Nº32 by systems such as AMXTM and CrestronTM. For more information, please contact your dealer and ask about either AMX or Crestron home automation systems.
right
analog output left
analog output balanced analog output control ports
PHASTLink® compatible balanced analog output
REFERENCE DIGITAL PROCESSOR Nº30.6
designed and manufactured in U.S.A. by MADRIGAL S/N digital outputs balanced analog output digital inputs communication ports master RS-232 electrical digital dc in 1
PUSH optical 4 5 6 7 8 rec electrical monitor optical rec balanced analog output 2
PUSH 3
PUSH 4 Slave and Master Communicator Ports analog dc in analog dc in main power communication ports slave out slave in REFERENCE CD TRANSPORT Nº 31.5 designed and manufactured in U.S.A. by MADRIGAL operating voltage, 50- S/N
digital outputs aes/ebu 90 - 110VAC~ 105 - 125VAC~ 180 - 220VAC~ 210 - 240VAC~ 230 - 250VAC~ eiaj st spdif
WA R N I N G : B E F O R E AT T E M P T I N G TO OPERATE THIS DEVICE, REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR PROPER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. These communications ports allow the Nº32 to "link" to certain compatible Mark Levinson components. (See "Linked Functions.") After making or changing Link connections, cycle power on all your Linked components to ensure that they "see" the change. The Mark Levinson Linking system uses a Digital Audio Processor as the Master of (and central clearinghouse for) inter-component communications. Other components such as digital transports are connected to the Master as "Slaves," and can be "daisy-chained" using their slave in and slave out jacks. As the ultimate destination of all source signals, the Nº32 Preamplifier must be the final "Slave" in the chain. (In technical terms, it terminates the communications bus.) In turn, the Nº32 can also control one or more associated compatible Mark Levinson power amplifiers--hence its "amplifier" communications port. Thus, if the only other Mark Levinson Link-compatible component you have is a digital audio processor, connect its master port to the Nº32's slave port using a "straight-through" RJ-45 cable. If there are additional Mark Levinson Link-compatible components in the system, place the Nº32 at the end of the chain by connecting the last slave out port to the Nº32's slave port. See the diagram (left) for clarification. In short (you might refer to the diagram at left):
master (processor) ¡ slave in (transport) slave out (transport) ¡ slave in (next transport, as needed) slave out (last transport) ¡ slave (preamplifier) amplifier (preamplifier) ¡ slave in (power amplifier) slave out (power amplifier) ¡ slave in (power amp, as needed) right channel DC power control ports
PHASTLinkTM compatible RS-232 communications ports
master slave in amplifier ir input trig out trig in Nº25/S DC power ac mains earth left channel DC power Nº32 Reference Controller s/n _______ RIGHT CHANNEL DC power inputs 4 5 6 7 8 phono ground 8 LEFT CHANNEL DC power 7 6 5 4 inputs 1 2 3 record outputs main outputs refer to owner's manual prior to right phono opening the unit for any reason left phono 3 record outputs 2 main outputs 1 Please see bottom panel for additional information 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 MARK LEVINSON REFERENCE PREAMPLIFIER Nº32 s/n made in U.S.A. PUSH 2 1 3 balanced input MONAURAL AMPLIFIER Nº 33H S/N single ended input WARNING: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS DEVICE, REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR PROPER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE AVAILABLE INSIDE; DISCONNECT AC-MAINS CABLE BEFORE OPENING UNIT. q 100VAC ~ q 210VAC ~ q 240VAC ~ operating voltage, 50 ­ 60 Hz:
q 120VAC ~ q 220VAC ~ q 200VAC ~ q 230VAC ~ mains fuses: 100V and 120 V: JTD-15A 200V - 240 V: JTD-35A No User Serviceable Components For service, contact Madrigal Audio Laboratories or an Authorized Dealer. Any modifications to this equipment will void all warranties. MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES, INC. 22 slave out slave in remote turn-on jacks c o m m u n i c a t i o n s p o r t s PUSH 2 1 3 balanced input MONAURAL AMPLIFIER Nº 33H S/N single ended input WARNING: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS DEVICE, REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR PROPER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE AVAILABLE INSIDE; DISCONNECT AC-MAINS CABLE BEFORE OPENING UNIT. q 100VAC ~ q 210VAC ~ q 240VAC ~ operating voltage, 50 ­ 60 Hz:
q 120VAC ~ q 220VAC ~ q 200VAC ~ q 230VAC ~ mains fuses: 100V and 120 V: JTD-15A 200V - 240 V: JTD-35A No User Serviceable Components For service, contact Madrigal Audio Laboratories or an Authorized Dealer. Any modifications to this equipment will void all warranties. MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES, INC. slave out slave in remote turn-on jacks c o m m u n i c a t i o n s p o r t s The RJ-45 cable needed for the Link connection between source components and the preamplifier may be purchased from your Mark Levinson dealer. It may also be made to length using two RJ45 connectors and the appropriate length (up to 100 feet/30 meters) of RJ-45 (flat, eight conductor) cable. RJ-45 cables and connectors are used throughout the world for both telecommunications and computers, and are widely available at low cost. The connectors are crimped on to the ends of the cable such that pin 1 at one end is connected to pin 1 at the other end. Such a "straight-through" connection is (counter-intuitively) made by introducing a 180° twist in the cable between the two ends, as shown below.
building a link cable
To Mark Levinson® digital processor To Nº32 Locking tab 180° twist Locking tab The power amplifier Link connection is made using a 6-conductor Link cable. Connect the Nº32's amplifier port to the slave in port of a compatible Mark Levinson power amplifier. Warning! Connecting the communication ports other than as described in this manual can damage the Nº32 and the associated Mark Levinson components, and will void those products' warranties. 23 5 External IR Input The Nº32 incorporates an infrared repeater input to facilitate a wide range of installation options. If desired, the Nº32 may be placed inside a cabinet or outside the normal line-of-sight in the listening area, with the controlling IR signal being relayed to the Nº32 by any of a number of commercially-available IR repeaters. The specifications for this ir input call for a triggering voltage of 5 volts at no more than 100 milliamps of current, with the tip of the 1/8" mini-plug having positive polarity, as below: tip polarity for external IR input ­ +
5 volts @ less than 100 mA If you would like more information on the possibility of using an infrared repeater with your Nº32, please contact your Mark Levinson dealer. 6 DC trigger in and out On a simpler level than PHAST, AMX, or Crestron, some systems control whether a given component is on or off (actually, operating or in standby) by means of a simple control voltage. If the appropriate 3-12V level "trigger" signal arrives at the trigger input of the Nº32, it turns on. When the Nº32 turns on, it passes along a trigger signal to another component (say, a power amplifier). In this way, it is possible (if you like) to set up a "daisy chain" of components that can be controlled by one another (at least to some degree.) The Nº32 can produce and send from its trigger output either a 5V pulse (such as a momentary contact switch might make) or a 12V level signal (where the presence of 12V forces the unit out of standby, and its absence forces it into standby). 7 Nº25/S power port 24 This port provides DC power in a plug-compatible format suitable for use with Mark Levison Nº25 and Nº25S outboard phono preamplifiers, for people who wish to continue using their older phono preamps. Connect the DC cable that came with your Nº25/ S to this power port rather than to the PLS-226 you would have been using previously. 8 AC mains receptacle This IEC-standard AC mains receptacle is used with the removable AC power cord to supply the Nº32 Controller with power. Warning! Prior to connection to the AC mains, please check the voltage label on the rear panel of the Controller to ensure that your unit conforms to the power supply in your area. Following the guidelines in the Quick Start section of this manual, connect the power cord to this receptacle and the AC mains outlet in the wall. When power is first applied to the Nº32, the preamp will run through an automatic initialization sequence which displays a software identification code, and then enters standby. For optimal sonic performance and longevity, the Nº32 is designed to remain powered at all times (the standby button merely mutes the preamplifier's outputs and turns off the display). There is an initial break-in period of at least 25-50 hours before the Nº32 achieves optimum performance. Note: If AC mains power to the Nº32 is interrupted, the main output will be muted. When power is restored, the initialization sequence described above will restore the preamplifier to standby. We recommend you allow the circuitry within your various system components to stabilize for 1 to 2 minutes before use after such a power outage. 9 Earth ground connection In some countries, there is no earth ground established when plugging into the AC mains. If your AC mains does not establish an earth ground, we recommend connecting this earth ground connection to a known earth ground. Known earth grounds include water pipes that are known to run through the ground, and copper spikes that are driven into the ground for this reason. If you have any doubts, please ask your dealer for assistance. 25 10 Nº32 Controller serial number label Please make a note of the serial number of your Nº32 Controller, as well as the (different) serial number of your Nº32 Preamplifier (see next section). We suggest writing both into the front of this manual so you can find them easily should you need them, without having to pull the equipment off the shelf. While you are at it, fill out and send in your warranty card so we can stay in touch with you! right channel DC power control ports
PHASTLinkTM compatible RS-232 communications ports
master slave in amplifier ir input trig out trig in Nº25/S DC power ac mains earth left channel DC power Nº32 Reference Controller s/n _______ 1 2 3
RIGHT CHANNEL phono ground 3
LEFT CHANNEL 2 1 DC power inputs 4 5 6 7 8 DC power 8 7 6 5 4 inputs 1 2 3 record outputs main outputs refer to owner's manual prior to right phono opening the unit for any reason left phono 3 record outputs 2 main outputs 1 Please see bottom panel for additional information 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 MARK LEVINSON REFERENCE PREAMPLIFIER Nº32 s/n made in U.S.A. 4 5 6