EasyManua.ls Logo

Mark Levinson 38S User Manual

Mark Levinson 38S
38 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image
Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc.
Operating Manual
Mark Levinson
®
Nº38S
Preamplifier
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Mark Levinson 38S and is the answer not in the manual?

Mark Levinson 38S Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypePreamplifier
Number of Channels2
Weight25 lbs
Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio> 100 dB
Maximum input voltage10V RMS
Maximum output voltage10V RMS
InputsRCA
OutputsRCA
Input impedance100k ohms

Summary

Safety and Regulatory Information

Warnings and Cautions

Safety warnings and cautions for reducing risk of fire or electric shock.

FCC Notice

Equipment tested and found to comply with FCC rules for digital devices.

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

List of 15 safety precautions for operating the preamplifier.

Unpacking and Placement

Unpacking the Nº38S

Instructions for unpacking the preamplifier and its accessories.

Installing Remote Control Batteries

Guide to installing batteries in the remote control.

Unit Placement and Ventilation

Recommendations for placing the unit and ensuring proper ventilation.

Precautionary Note

Important safety note regarding system grounding.

Operating Voltage

Voltage Settings and Verification

Information on factory voltage settings and how to verify.

Power Requirements

Details on the power requirements and AC mains line.

A Quick Start Guide

Initial Setup Procedure

Step-by-step guide to get the Nº38S up and running quickly.

Front Panel Controls

Display Intensity Button

Controls display brightness and linked components.

Alphanumeric Display

Shows operational status and information.

Mode Indicators

LEDs indicating the current Operational Mode.

Mode Button

Cycles through Monitor, Record Select, and Balance modes.

Front Panel Controls continued

Inverted Polarity Indicator

Indicates inverted polarity of the output signal.

Output Level Control

Adjusts listening volume and channel balance.

Mono Button

Toggles between Stereo and Mono operation.

Source Selector Buttons

Selects audio inputs for Monitor or Record modes.

Mute Button

Reduces main output level temporarily.

Standby Button

Toggles the unit between operation and Standby mode.

Rear Panel Connections

Balanced Main Outputs

Connects to power amplifier balanced inputs for optimal performance.

Rear Panel Connections continued

Biamplification Capability

Using balanced Y-adaptors for multiple outputs.

Single-Ended Main Outputs

Connects to power amplifier single-ended inputs.

Balanced Inputs 1 and 2

Accepts balanced signals from source equipment.

Record Outputs

Connects to tape inputs of a recorder.

Linking Connections

Slave and Master Communicator Ports

Ports for linking compatible Mark Levinson components.

Connection Details

Building a Link Cable

Instructions for creating an RJ-45 Link cable.

Power Amplifier Link Connection

Connecting the power amplifier's Link port.

Inputs 3-6

Accepts single-ended inputs from line-level sources.

Using a Turntable

Connecting a turntable via a phono preamp.

External IR Input

Input for infrared repeater control.

Remote Control Functions

Mono Button

Toggles between Stereo and Mono operation.

Display Button

Controls display brightness and Standby mode.

Source Selection Buttons

Remotely selects the six inputs of the Nº38S.

Volume +/- Buttons

Adjusts listening volume.

Polarity Button

Inverts the output polarity of the Nº38S.

Mode Button

Cycles through operational modes.

Mute Button

Temporarily reduces output level.

Set-up and Installation

Connections and Cables

Details on RCA and XLR connectors and recommended cables.

Power Connection and System Activation

Connecting the AC power cord and initial system startup.

Aliases

Available Input Aliases

List of alternative names for the six inputs.

Aliases Configuration

The EQ Alias

Special alias for connecting an equalizer.

Programming Input Aliases

Steps to rename input aliases.

Alias Programming Details

Assigning Record Outputs

Associating Record Outputs with specific inputs.

Unrealistic Test Conditions

Notes on noise from specific test conditions.

Programming Input Offsets

Adjusting Relative Source Levels

Matching output levels of different sources.

Automatic Output Level Setting

Setting Preferred Input Levels

Remembering a preferred volume level for each input.

Programming the Mute Function

Customizing Mute Level

Defining the output level reduction for the Mute function.

Volume Lock Feature

Establishing Maximum Volume

Setting a maximum volume limit for the preamplifier.

Standby and Time-out Features

Standby Timer Operation

Setting the preamplifier to go into standby automatically.

Set-up Mode Time-outs

How the system exits set-up modes if inactive.

Operational Modes

The Monitor Mode

Standard mode for listening to sources.

The Record Select Mode

Mode for selecting sources for recording.

Operational Modes Details

The Balance Mode

Fine control over relative Left/Right channel volumes.

Balance Control Tip

Using balance control for accurate sound-staging.

Using Surround Sound Processors

Processor Placement: After Preamp

Why surround processors should not follow the preamp.

Processor Placement: Before Preamp

Why surround processors should not precede the preamp.

Integrating Surround Sound Processors

Processor Placement: Tape Loop

Why surround processors should not be in a tape loop.

Nº38S Surround Sound Interface

How the Nº38S integrates with surround processors.

Surround Sound Wiring Diagram

Diagram showing connection with a surround sound processor.

Noise in A/V Systems

Ground Isolation Adaptor

Constructing an adaptor to break ground loops.

Linked Functions

Display Intensity Linking

Synchronizes display brightness across linked components.

Standby Link Operation

Links the Nº38S to other components' Standby status.

Input Selection Linking

Links input selection between components.

Record Link Function

Prevents accidental interruption of digital recording.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning the Unit

Instructions for cleaning the preamplifier's cabinet.

U.S. and Canadian Warranty

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Details on 90-day and five-year limited warranties.

Obtaining Service

Service Procedures and Authorization

How to obtain service and necessary documentation.

Specifications

Technical Specifications List

Detailed technical measurements of the Nº38S.

Dimensions

Unit Dimensions Diagram

Diagrams showing top and side views with measurements.

Related product manuals