Mark Levinson N390S manual

Owner’ s Manual Nº390S CD Pr ocessor[...]

W ARNING: 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 P ARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equ[...]

Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Mark Levinson preamplifier . Important Safety Instructions 1. AL W A YS 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 A[...]

4 “Mark Levinson” and the Mark Levinson logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent numbers and other worldwide patents issued and pending. “Madrigal Audio Laboratories” and the Madrigal Audio Laboratories logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent numbers and other worl[...]

5 T able of Contents Unpacking and Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Unpacking the Nº390S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Remove the T ransport Scr ew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Placement of the Nº390S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

6 Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Loading a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Playing a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Random Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

7 Using Learning Remote Contr ols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 T eaching Nº390S Fr ont Panel Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 T eaching Other Nº390S Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Special Commands T able . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 T r oubleshooting . . . . . . . .[...]

8 Unpacking and Placement Unpacking the Nº390S Unpack your Nº390S CD Processor and remove all accessories from the carton. Important! Keep all packing materials for futur e transport of your Nº390S. Shipping your new component in anything other than its purpose-designed packing material may r esult in damage that is not cover ed by the warranty [...]

9 The Nº390S is designed for continuous operation—hence the standby button on the front panel rather than a power button. However , a rear panel power switch is provided for your convenience should you want to disconnect the unit from the AC mains (as when taking a vacation, for example). Drawings are included in this manual to facilitate specia[...]

10 A Quick Start . . . W e 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 with the new product itself. W e strongly recommend that you read this manual thoroughly , as the Nº390S CD Processor inc[...]

11 Although no damage is likely to result to either CD player or preamplifier , the sound will be badly distorted and the volume may be much louder than you expect.) 4a. If going dir ect fr om the Nº390S to an amplifier! See Special Functions setup on page 47 to set the Nº390S to variable output mode. 5. Power up the r est of the system, leaving [...]

12 Special Design Featur es Congratulations on your purchase of the Nº390S CD Processor . The design team is confident you will enjoy the outstanding performance of the Nº390S for many years. In case you are interested in technical details, what follows is a brief outline of some of the key technologies in your new CD player . A New Generation Th[...]

13 Digital Servo Control The laser mechanism used in the Nº390S uses all digital servo controls of its operations. Critical functions such as focus and tracking are handled completely in the digital domain with mathematical precision. A digital servo remains stable over time, never needing readjustment under normal conditions. Digital Input/Output[...]

14 Convenience Featur es T oo often, high performance CD players have eschewed convenience in the hopes of seeming more “performance-oriented.” While there were good arguments for such a “minimalist” design in the days of analog turntables, the time is long gone when the audiophile needed to give up operational convenience for musical perfo[...]

15 Design of the fully balanced DAC/analog output module follows the Mark Levinson tradition of rigorous component selection. An unusual hybrid design approach incorporating both advanced Surface-Mount and “through-hole” technologies, allows us to utilize the optimum part at each location in the circuit, without the constraints on parts selecti[...]

16 Balanced Analog Rather than use the digital attenuator on-board the DAC, the V olume Control Nº390S incorporates a fully balanced analog volume control similar to that found in Mark Levinson separate preamplifiers. When activated (by turning on the variable output function under setup: sound ), the output of the Nº390S may be attenuated in pre[...]

17 2. Infrared T ransceiver (within display) Infrared commands transmitted from the remote control are received by a receiver behind this section of the display . Remote control of the Nº390S may be unreliable if there is not a clear line of sight between the remote control and the receiver (if the remote is far off-axis, or if the Nº390S is with[...]

18 5. Time Indicator The time section of the display can be set to display any of the following four indications of time in minutes and seconds: • time elapsed in track (neither LED lit) • time elapsed on disc ( time on disc LED lit) • time r emaining on track ( time r emaining LED lit) • time r emaining on disc ( time on disc and time rema[...]

19 function. For example, mode + would either: add a track to a play list; select the next digital input; advance to the next time indication; or raise the volume. Along with mode + and mode – , the mode button is also used to change the option settings. (See Special Functions .) 7. Repeat button Y ou may choose to either repeat the entire disc ([...]

20 10. mode – and mode + buttons Using these two buttons in conjunction with the mode button, any of four different Nº390S functions can be controlled from the front panel: • PROGRAM (for creating custom play lists) • INPUTS (for selecting a digital source) • TIMES (for selecting a time indication) • VOLUME* (for controlling the volume o[...]

21 13. track r epeat LED This LED is lit when the Nº390S is set to repeat a single track endlessly . This feature is accessed using the repeat button (see number 7, page 19). 14. next/f.fwd button Pressing this button momentarily will advance the Nº390S to the beginning of the next track. Pressing and holding this button will instead perform a fa[...]

22 17. play button As you might guess, press this button in order to play a disc. If a programmed sequence of tracks exists for that particular disc, the program will be played from its beginning. Also, as you might expect, you may press the play button immediately after placing a disc in the Nº390S’ s drawer; the drawer will close and the Nº39[...]

23 19. Standby & Standby LED Assuming that the Nº390S is connected to AC power and the main power switch on the rear panel is in the “|” position (see Rear Panel, Nº390S ), pressing this button takes the Nº390S out of standby mode and enables the front-panel controls. When the Nº390S’ s main power switch is first turned on (or when po[...]

24 Rear Panel, Nº390S 1. AC power input and switch This input accepts AC power from the AC mains (via the sup- plied AC cable). W arning! The Nº390S is set internally for 100, 120, 200, 220, or 240V AC mains operation at either 50 or 60Hz. Make sur e that the label on the bottom of the unit indicates the corr ect AC operating voltage and fr equen[...]

25 Caution: Do not switch power off and on rapidly , as this interrupts the normal power -up sequence. W e advise waiting at least five seconds between power cycles. 2. Digital Outputs These outputs provide digital audio signal (DAS) via cables equipped with either XLR-type or RCA-type connectors to a digital audio processor . The XLR output confor[...]

26 3. digital inputs These inputs accept digital audio signal (DAS) via cables equipped with either EIAJ optical or RCA (S/PDIF) coaxial connectors from digital sources such as a compact disc transport, laser disc transport, digital audio tape transport, or digital broadcast receiver . The EIAJ input accepts digital audio signal (DAS) via optical c[...]

27 5. single-ended analog outputs These outputs provide single-ended line-level analog audio (via cables equipped with RCA-type connectors) to a preamplifier , integrated amplifier , or receiver . Alternatively , you may elect to use the variable output capability of the Nº390S as a volume control, driving the power amplifier in your system direct[...]

28 7. communication ports These communications ports allow the Nº390S to “link” to certain compatible Mark Levinson components. (See “ Special Functions .”) Linking Connections The Mark Levinson Linking system provides for inter-component communications. Normally , the digital processor in the system would serve as the “master” of this[...]

29 Electrically , the Link connection between the preamplifier and the power amplifier(s) in the system is independent of and distinct from the communications Links between various source components and the preamplifier . The reason for this is simple: the power amplifiers, lacking any microprocessor of their own, are dependent on the intelligence [...]

30 Remote Contr ol, Nº390S 1. IR T ransmitter window The Nº390S’ s Remote Control sends infrared (IR) commands through its projection lens, and the Nº390S receives IR commands through its Remote sensor window . (See “ Front Panel, Nº390S ”). If either of these lenses is obstructed, no IR commands can be received by the Nº390S. If you not[...]

31 • stop/dwr (  ) Press to stop play . The same button will operate the drawer if stopping the disc has no relevance (e.g., if it is already stopped, or if there is no disc inside the Nº390S). • pause (  ) Press to pause play in the current location. If left in pause mode for more than two minutes, the Nº390S will enter extended pause [...]

32 5. Numeric Keypad The numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 may be used to directly access individual track numbers of discs played by the Nº390S. For example, to go directly to track 13, press 1 followed by 3 , and then press play . Y ou do not have to add a 0 before a single-digit track number: 7 , followed by play , will take you directly[...]

33 6. Other Operational Buttons • time Pressing this button (followed by appropriate numbers from the numeric keypad) allows direct access to any particular time on a disc. Note that this is a context-sensi- tive control—the time accessed will be according to the currently selected time display mode, e.g., 30:00 with the time r emaining and tim[...]

34 • (+) volume Pressing this button on the Nº390S remote control will transparently and automatically raise the volume of a Linked Mark Levinson preamplifier , minimizing the need to juggle multiple remotes. Since this function depends on the ability of the Nº390S to pass the instruction to the Nº380 (for example), the two components must be [...]

35 Conditions that Affect IR communication between the Remote Control and the Nº390S IR Performance can be affected by: • direct sunlight • interior lighting • wall, window , ceiling, and floor treatments • the angle of the Remote Control relative to the Nº390S If the Nº390S will be subject to direct sunlight, place it no more than 10 fe[...]

36 Setup and Installation Caution! For your pr otection, review “Important Safety Instructions” befor e you install your Nº390S. Connecting AC Mains Plug the female end of the AC power cord into the appropriate socket on the rear panel of the Nº390S, being certain to seat it firmly , all the way into the receptacle. Double-check to make sure [...]

37 Connecting the Digital The Nº390S incorporates AES/EBU and S/PDIF electrical output Audio Outputs connectors for use with either digital recorders or with outboard digital processors. (See Rear panel, Nº390S .) Using appropriate cables, connect the appropriate outputs on your Nº390S to your external digital components. Making Link The Nº390S[...]

38 Basic Operation Before operating your Nº390S, take a minute to become familiar with its controls and their locations. (See “ Front Panel, Nº390S ” and “ Remote Control, Nº390S .”) Loading a CD T o load a CD: 1. Make sure that the main power switch is set to the “|” position. 2. Press stop/drawer to open the drawer . 3. Place a CD [...]

39 Navigating the Disc Y ou may skip to another track any time while a CD is playing. T o move to another track, press next (to go forward) or previous (to go backward) until the number of the track you want to play shows on the Display . (Y ou may also select the track using the numbered buttons on the Remote Control.) Play will resume as soon as [...]

40 Alternatively , you might want to set the Nº390S to play music for a specific period of time. Say you’d like to listen to music until the evening news begins in 30 minutes. Make sure both the time on disc and time r emaining LEDs are on (indicating time remaining on disc, the default display mode when in stop ); press time ; enter 3 0 0 0 ; a[...]

41 A-B Repeat T o repeat (continuously) a specific phrase or passage on a CD (when learning how to play a favorite solo, for example), press A–B on the remote at the beginning of the passage you would like to repeat. At the end of the passage, press A–B on the remote again. The passage you selected will repeat continuously . While the r epeat A[...]

42 The Nº390S’ s memory can store play lists for thousands of different CDs. Saved play lists remain in memory when you place the Nº390S into standby , when you turn off the main power switch — even if AC power is interrupted. When you load a CD, the Nº390S reads that CD’ s unique identification code. If you assemble a play list for a part[...]

43 Pr ogramming by If you want to play most of a CD, and just “omit” a few tracks, Omission you may want to use this shortcut: 1. Load a CD, and wait for the display to show the number of tracks and their total playing time. 2. Make sure that the Nº390S is in the programming mode by clicking the mode button until you see PROGRAM in the display[...]

44 Note: If you try to review a nonexistent play list, the display will show NO PGM . 4. T o view the next selection, press mode + again, and so on. 5. After you view the last selection, one more press of mode + will cause the display to show END PGM momentarily , and then move on to show the first track in the play list. Deleting a T rack from a Y[...]

45 5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each selection you want to add to your program. Make sure to press mode + after each selection. 6. If you would like to make this change permanent, press and hold mode + when you finish erasing selections from your program; the display will show REVISED . Overriding a Play List When you load a CD, the Nº390S reads it[...]

46 T o complicate matters further , different portions of (or instruments on) the recording may experience even or odd numbers of inversions, resulting in no single “correct” playback setting. This problem is particularly common among multiple-microphone recordings. Ultimately , only you can decide whether one polarity setting sounds better tha[...]

47 displayed, and then press the positive command for pr ogram + ( see Special Commands table, page 55 ) to revise the program. Overriding a Polarity If you want to double-check you previously-saved polarity program, Pr ogram simply press the polarity button at any time. Doing so will change the polarity of the Nº390S, but will not modify the pola[...]

48 At any point, having selected the menu item you would like to change, use the mode + and mode – buttons to turn various options on or off, respectively . SOUND Menu Items : • Fixed/V ariable V olume The Nº390S gives you the option of engaging a high quality analog volume control, allowing you to use the Nº390S as a digital-sources- only ?[...]

49 • Locked V olume Lastly , if (and only if) the volume control circuitry is engaged, you have the option of setting a maximum volume beyond which the Nº390S will not go. This is particularly helpful if you have a combination of high sensitivity speakers and high sensitivity power amplifiers, which might make the normal maximum volume setting o[...]

50 • Display Link This links the display intensity functions of the Nº390S and the other Linked components. When the components are linked, all displays will be set to the same brightness. Pressing display intensity on any of the Linked components will affect all the displays. AUX IN’ s Menu Items: The Nº390S also allows you to rename the two[...]

51 input selection process to a simple toggle between the two used inputs. Labeling both auxiliary inputs “N.U.” will effectively disable the input selection process on the Nº390S, although it will still control the analog inputs of a Linked preamplifier . Changing Link Options The following procedure will guide you through changing your Link [...]

52 T o change between manual and timed/ automatic standby: 1. Press and hold the standby button until the display reads MANUAL . 2. Release the standby button and then use the previous and next buttons to either advance or reduce the amount of time you want to transpire between the last activity of the Nº390S and its going into standby . Y ou may [...]

53 If you change your mind, simply don’t touch any button for ten seconds and the Nº390S will return to normal operation. (Hint: you may remember that this special “hidden” feature of the Nº390S is accessed via a press-and-hold of the r epeat button by associating its use with the external IR “repeaters” so often used in custom installa[...]

54 These “positive control” commands in the Nº390S will place it into a certain mode of operation regardless of its current state. For example, a positive control command to enter standby will leave the Nº390S in standby if already there, or switch it to standby if it is currently operating. This type of positive control is especially helpful[...]

55 5. Repeat the pr ocess of “teaching” new special commands until all desir ed commands have been learned by your r emote control. If you take longer than approximately ten seconds between button pushes, the Nº390S will time out and return to normal operation. If this occurs, return to step #1 in this section. Y ou may move through the entire[...]

56 T r oubleshooting In general, refer any service problems to your Mark Levinson dealer . Before contacting your dealer , however , check to see if the problem is listed here. If it is, try the suggested solutions. If none of these solves the problem, contact your Mark Levinson dealer . 1. The Nº390S won’ t function, and the display is dark. ?[...]

57 5. When a CD is playing, the sound "skips."  The CD is severely scratched or dirty .  The Nº390S is on an unstable surface or is too close to your speakers. 6. The linked functions don’ t work.  The Link cable is disconnected, or is connected incorrectly . Check your Link connections.  The Link options are turned off. ?[...]

58 Car e and Maintenance T o remove dust from the cabinet of the Nº390S, use a feather duster . T o remove dirt and fingerprints, we recommend isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. Caution! Always apply the isopr opyl alcohol to the soft cloth and then wipe the Nº390S with the dampened cloth. Never pour or spray even small amounts of any liquid dir[...]

59 Specifications The correlation between published specifications and sonic quality is unreliable. A list of numbers reveals virtually nothing. All technical measurements must be subject to qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation. Measurements of the Nº390S yield excellent results by any standards. However , only those specifications t[...]

60 Output Complement : • 2 male XLR balanced audio outputs • 2 RCA single-ended audio outputs • 1 AES/EBU (XLR) digital output • 1 S/PDIF (RCA) digital output Other I/O • 2 RJ-45 modular Communication Links • 1 3.5mm external IR input jack • 1 IEC AC mains connector[...]

61 Dimensions[...]

62 Installation Notes[...]

63[...]

3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | T elephone: 781-280-0300 | Fax: 781-280-0490 | www .markle vinson.com Customer Support: T elephone: 781-280-0300 | Sales Fax: 781-280-0495 | Service Fax: 781-280-0499 Product Shipments: 16 Pr ogress Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5730 USA Part No. 070-630457 | Rev 1 | 04/04[...]