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Mark Levinson 383 User Manual

Mark Levinson 383
50 pages
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Nº383
Integrated
Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
R

Table of Contents

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Mark Levinson 383 Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeIntegrated Amplifier
Gain40 dB
Power Output100 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Inputs5 x RCA
OutputsSpeaker outputs
Output Impedance0.1Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio>80 dB
Input Impedance50kΩ

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Special Design Features of the N°383 Integrated Amplifier

Why an Integrated Amplifier?

Explains the rationale behind creating an integrated amplifier from a brand known for separates.

The Power Supplies

Details the three power supplies and their role in providing clean DC power to various circuit elements.

The Preamplifier Section

Describes the five analog input pairs and how single-ended signals are converted to balanced.

The Volume Control

Discusses the precision electronic control of analog volume using dual solid-state stepped attenuators.

The Power Amplifier Stage

Covers the output stage using devices from higher-end models and the cooling design.

Protection Features

Details internal and external component failure protection, including thermal and over-current protection.

Remote Control and User Experience

Explains the redesigned remote and user interface, including input naming and selector knob functionality.

Communication Features

Describes the software-controlled OS, updateability via RS-232, and DC trigger capabilities.

Construction Quality

Highlights the attention to detail, component quality, craftsmanship, and testing for reliability and longevity.

Unpacking and Placement

Unpacking Your N°383

Instructions for unpacking the amplifier and its accessories, including gloves.

Installing Remote Control Batteries

Step-by-step guide on how to insert batteries into the remote control.

Optimal Placement

Guidance on positioning the N°383 for optimal performance and ventilation.

Continuous Operation Recommendation

Recommends keeping the unit powered on via standby for optimal performance.

Ventilation Requirements

Specifies the necessary clearance for heat dissipation through air circulation.

Operating Voltage

Warm-up and Break-in Period

Details the expected sound quality improvement over time and initial warm-up.

A Quick Start Guide

Front Panel Controls

Power Button Function

Describes the function of the power button for connecting/disconnecting AC mains power.

Select Knob Operation

Explains its use for selecting inputs and navigating setup menus.

Alphanumeric Display Explained

Details the twelve-character display for showing operation status, input names, and settings.

Polarity Indicator Function

Explains the polarity inversion feature and its indicator LED.

Volume Knob Function

Describes its use for adjusting listening volume and relative channel balance.

Display Intensity Button

Controls display brightness levels and linked component displays.

Setup Button Function

Enters the setup mode for customizing amplifier settings.

Enter Button Function

Used to save changes made during the setup mode.

Balance Button Function

Allows adjustment of relative left and right channel volumes.

Mute Button Function

Reduces main output level by a user-modifiable amount.

Standby Button and Sleep Timer

Toggles the unit between standby mode and normal operation, with a special sleep timer function.

Rear Panel Connections

Inputs and Outputs Overview

Explains the layout of left/right channel connections for channel separation.

Speaker Binding Posts

Describes the custom gold-plated binding posts for loudspeaker termination.

External IR Input

Allows external control via infrared repeaters for installation flexibility.

DC Trigger In and Out

Facilitates system control by passing trigger signals between components.

RS-232 Port Functionality

Used for software updates and external control by automation systems.

Comm Port Functionality

Enables "linking" functions with compatible Mark Levinson components.

Building a Link Cable

Provides instructions on creating or obtaining RJ-45 cables for component linking.

Control Ports (PHAST™ Compatible)

Reserved ports for future PHASTLink™ communications.

Balanced Inputs 1 & 2

Accepts balanced audio signals via XLR connectors, conforming to AES standards.

Single-ended Inputs 3–5

Accepts single-ended audio signals via RCA connectors from various sources.

Single-ended (RCA) Record Output

Provides tape outputs unaffected by volume control for recording.

AC Mains Receptacle

IEC-standard socket for connecting the removable AC power cord.

Remote Control Operation

IR Transmission Window

The window on the remote for transmitting infrared control signals to the N°383.

Standby Button Operation

Toggles the unit between standby mode and normal operation.

Setup Button Operation

Duplicates the front panel setup button for remote menu access.

Enter Button Operation

Duplicates the front panel enter button for saving setup changes.

Select Up and Down Buttons

Used for remote selection of inputs and navigation within setup menus.

Volume Up and Down Buttons

Adjusts the listening volume at varying speeds for fine or large changes.

Display Button Operation

Controls the front panel display brightness levels.

Mute Button Operation

Toggles between normal output and a user-programmable mute function.

Balance Button Operation

Allows fine-tuning of relative left and right channel balance from the listening position.

Polarity Button Operation

Inverts the polarity of the music signal to the outputs.

Battery Compartment Access

Instructions for accessing and replacing the AAA batteries in the remote control.

Customizing Your N°383

Setup Overview

Explains the general method for tailoring system operation to user preferences.

The Menu System Explained

Presents the complete N°383 Setup menu structure for reference.

Configuring Line Level Inputs

Details the four ways each line-level input can be customized (Name, Gain, Offset, Record Output).

Available Input Names

Lists the predefined names that can be assigned to inputs for easier identification.

Changing Input Names

Step-by-step instructions on how to change input names using the setup menu.

Input Programming Tip

A shortcut for customizing the currently selected input directly.

Factory Default Input Names

Explains the default input names and the benefit of customizing them.

Using Custom Input Names

Guide to creating custom input names up to seven characters long.

Naming an Input 'SSP'

Instructions for configuring an input for Surround Sound Processor mode.

Setting Input Gain

Details the four preamplifier gain settings for optimizing source matching.

Setting Input Offsets

Explains how to program volume offsets for consistent playback levels across sources.

Setting Record Output

Allows associating any input with the record output for recording purposes.

Teach IR Functionality

Enables learning and broadcasting infrared commands for macro functionality.

Setting a Mute Level

Customizes the magnitude of volume reduction when the mute button is pressed.

Setting a Maximum Level

Sets a maximum volume limit for the amplifier, useful for safety.

Configuring the DC Trigger

Configures the DC trigger output options (12V level or 5V pulse).

Checking the Software Version

Identifies the current software version and its updateability.

Using the N°383 with Learning Remote Controls

Using the Teach IR Menu

Lists custom infrared commands and explains how to teach them to a remote.

Available IR Commands List

Provides a complete list of all IR commands that can be learned or programmed.

Modes of Operation

Normal Operation

Describes standard use, display indications, and volume knob behavior.

The Balance Mode

Allows fine control over relative left/right channel volumes in 0.1 dB increments.

Balance Control Tip

Tips for using balance control for accurate soundstaging and imaging.

Polarity Adjustment

Allows inversion of music polarity to optimize sound for specific recordings.

Resetting Factory Defaults

Instructions on how to reset all customizable settings to factory defaults.

Using Surround Sound Processors

SSP Must Not Come After the Preamp

Explains why feeding a surround sound decoder with a preamplifier's variable output is inappropriate.

SSP Must Not Come Before the Preamp

Discusses the issues of using a processor before the preamp and its outputs with the preamp.

SSP Must Not Be in a Tape Loop

Explains why placing a surround sound decoder within a tape loop is inappropriate.

The SSP & The N°383 Integration

Details how the N°383's SSP mode facilitates seamless integration with surround processors.

Noise in A/V Systems

Addresses common A/V system noise issues like 50/60 Hz hum and ground loops.

Linked Functions

Display Intensity Linking

Adjusting display brightness on one component affects all linked components.

Standby Linking

Placing the N°383 in standby also puts linked components into standby.

Volume Linking

Allows remote control of volume and mute status of the N°383 via a linked transport.

Select Linking

Enables selection of N°383 inputs using a remote from a linked transport.

Play Linking

Activating play on a linked transport can activate other linked components and select inputs.

Record Linking

Prevents inadvertent interruption of digital recording processes in linked components.

HDCD™ Linking

Automatically adjusts volume for HDCD recordings when components are properly linked.

Care and Maintenance

U.S. and Canadian Warranty

90-Day Limited Warranty

Details the initial 90-day warranty period for defects in material and workmanship.

Five-Year Extended Warranty

Explains the terms and conditions for the extended five-year warranty coverage.

Obtaining Service

Specifications

Dimensions

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