Harman No526, No523 User Manual
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DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER OWNER’S MANUAL
526
523
TABLE OF CONTENTS / ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About This Document 2
Special Design Features 3
Installation Considerations 4
Unpacking, Placement and Ventilation, Power Requirements, Operating States
Getting Started 6
Front-Panel Overview: Rear Panel, Remote Control Overview
Quick Setup and Listen 12
Remote Control, Initial Connections
Setup Menu 15
Setup Menu Navigation, Input Setup, Volume Control, Power Management and Display, Advanced, Output
SSP Setup 20
Troubleshooting 22
Specifications 24
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This Owner’s Manual covers unboxing of, familiarization with,
and configuration of your preamplifier. This manual will enable
you to finely tailor the behavior and performance of the preamp
to fit your preferences and the particulars of your equipment and
listening room. It is strongly recommended that you follow this
manual in the order in which it is written so that you understand
safety considerations before configuring this sophisticated
preamplifier.
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N0 526 / N0 523 DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL
SPECIAL DESIGN FEATURES
SPECIAL DESIGN FEATURES
Thank you for purchasing a № 526 or № 523 dual-monaural
preamplifier. Combining Mark Levinson’s unsurpassed analog
performance with flexible system configuration and optional
advanced digital and phono capabilities, these preamplifiers
push the reproduction of source material to new levels of
realism.
Architecture
The foundation of these preamplifiers is their proprietary
Mark Levinson discrete, direct-coupled, fully balanced, dualmonaural signal path with discrete, balanced R-2R ladder
volume controls. They feature individual signal switching
relays for each of their stereo inputs: two balanced (XLR)
and three single-ended (RCA), plus phono; and six additional
digital inputs on the № 526. Volume controls use discrete 15bit R-2R ladders and low-noise analog switches for the widest
possible bandwidth and maximum signal integrity. System
integration and expansion are possible using the outputs, which
can operate full-range or with a switchable fourth-order, 80Hz
filter allowing for seamless integration systems with powered
subwoofers.
Audio Chassis
Building upon this superb analog platform, the № 526 adds
equally outstanding digital audio capability. An ESS SABRE32
D/A converter with proprietary jitter elimination circuitry and
fully balanced, discrete I/V circuitry forms the heart of the digital
audio processing stage. Six digital audio inputs are provided
including one AES/EBU, two coaxial and two optical plus a USB
audio processor capable of asynchronous data transfer of highresolution DSD and PCM at up to 192kHz, 32-bit resolution. For
low-resolution audio formats, proprietary HARMAN Clari-Fi®
music restoration technology reconstructs information and
bandwidth lost in compressed file formats. System integration
and communication ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, IR
input, and 12V trigger input and output. A system IR remote
control is included.
Features
• Mark Levinson proprietary discrete, direct coupled, fully
balanced, dual-monaural signal path
• Discrete, balanced R-2R ladder volume controls
• Digital inputs: USB asynchronous, AES/EBU balanced, two
Toslink optical, two Coaxial (№ 526 only)
• Analog inputs: two balanced, three unbalanced, phono with
grounding pin
• Analog outputs: XLR balanced pair, RCA unbalanced pair, 1/4inch (6.3mm) headphone
• Supports high-resolution formats including 32-bit, 192kHz
PCM and double-speed DSD (№ 526 only)
• Mark Levinson DAC featuring the renowned ESS Sabre 32-bit
processor (№ 526 only)
• Phono stage with selectable gain, infrasonic filter, resistive
and capacitive-loading settings
• Selectable fourth-order, 80 Hz high-pass filter allows
seamless integration of subwoofer
• Designed and handcrafted in the USA
ENGLISH
Construction
The chassis of the preamplifiers utilizes modular architecture
to isolate critical low-level analog and digital circuitry from the
power supplies. The 6000-series extruded aluminum and steel
chassis features internal heatsinks and Mark Levinson’s iconic
appearance of black with silver trim.
N0 526 / N0 523 DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL
3
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
UNPACKING
When unpacking your preamplifier:
• Save all packing materials in case you need to ship your
preamp in the future.
• Inspect your preamp for signs of damage during shipment. If
you discover damage, contact your authorized Mark Levinson
dealer for assistance in making appropriate claims.
• Please register your preamplifier within 15 days of purchase
at marklevinson.com.
• Retain your original, dated sales receipt as proof of warranty
coverage.
• Remove the accessory box from the shipping carton. Make
sure that all of the items listed below are included. If any are
missing, contact your authorized Mark Levinson dealer.
o IEC power cord (terminated according to the region to
which the unit is shipped)
o Remote control with preinstalled batteries
o Phillips screwdriver (for replacing remote batteries)
o Pair white gloves (for use during unpacking and initial
setup)
o Documentation
PLACEMENT AND VENTILATION
• Install the preamplifier on a shelf with several inches of
clearance above it to ensure proper ventilation. Do NOT
install the preamplifier inside of an enclosed cabinet or rack.
• Ensure that you install the preamplifier on a solid, flat and
level surface.
• Install the preamplifier as close as possible to associated
audio components to keep interconnecting cables as short as
possible.
• Select a dry, well-ventilated location that is out of direct
sunlight.
• DO NOT expose the preamp to high temperatures, humidity,
steam, smoke, dampness, or excessive dust.
• DO NOT block chassis ventilation holes.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
The preamplifier is configured at the factory for 100, 115, or
230 VAC power operation at 50Hz or 60Hz. Before operating,
ensure that the power label on the rear panel near the AC input
connector indicates the correct operating voltage. A detachable
IEC power cable intended for use in the region where the unit is
sold is included.
Connection to an AC voltage other than that for which the
unit is intended can create a safety and fire hazard and may
damage the unit. If you have any questions about the voltage
requirements for your preamplifier or about the line voltage in
your area, contact your authorized Mark Levinson dealer before
plugging the unit into an AC power outlet.
WARNING! MAKE SURE all components in the audio
system are properly grounded. Do NOT defeat the
safety purpose of polarized or grounding-type plugs
with “ground-lifter” or “cheater” adapters. Doing so
may cause dangerous voltage to build up between
components, which may result in personal injuries and/
or product damage.
You should unplug the preamplifier from the AC wall outlet during
lightning storms and extended periods of non-use.
CAUTION: BEFORE moving the unit, make sure it is powered off
by removing the power cord from the AC power outlet and the
unit’s rear panel.
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N0 526 / N0 523 DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL
OPERATING STATES
The preamplifier has three operating states:
Off: The AC mains power is disconnected by using the rearpanel Power switch or by removing the power cord from the
rear panel.
Standby: The Standby mode has three settings that can be
selected via the Setup menu: Green, Power Save, and Normal.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
ENGLISH
Green:
This mode removes power from almost all of the
circuits, allowing the unit to be activated only via an IR control
signal, a 5V – 12V trigger or a press of the Standby button.
This mode provides maximum power conservation and is the
factory-default Standby mode. In Green standby, the LED is
dimmed.
Power Save:
This mode removes power from the audio circuits,
but keeps the control circuitry powered and ready to receive
commands from either the front panel controls or the remote
control. This mode provides moderate power conservation.
In Power Save standby, the LED is dimmed.
Normal:
This mode shuts off the display and mutes its audio
outputs, but keeps all of its control and audio circuits powered.
This mode provides the least amount of power conservation
but allows the audio circuits to remain warmed up to deliver
optimal performance at all times. Power consumption: 100W.
On: The entire unit is powered up and all configured outputs
are active.
The preamplifier has an Auto Off feature that automatically
places it into the Standby mode after 20 minutes of no user
control input or audio signal passing through the unit. The
factory-default setting for the Auto Off feature is on (engaged).
You can turn the Auto Off feature off (disengaged) in the Setup
menu.
N0 526 / N0 523 DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL
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GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
FRONTPANEL OVERVIEW:
Input
Knob
headphones
Headphone
Output
Connector
N0 526 AND N0 523
IR
Receiver
polarity
Setup Button
Polarity Button Enter
setup
enter
Button
Front-panel controls/indicators
Input knob:
Rotate this knob to select the desired input to send
to the outputs. The name and volume level of the selected input
are indicated on the display. (Note: the Input knob will bypass
any input for which the Input Name Setup menu parameter has
been set to “Unused.”)
IR receiver:
the IR receiver receives commands from the
included remote control when the unit is not being controlled
via its rear-panel IR Input connector (see Rear-Panel Overview
for more information). Infrared communication requires lineof-sight between the remote and this “target” on the unit’s front
panel.
Volume
Knob
volumeinput
Intensity
Button
balance mute
Balance
Button
Mute Button
Standby
Display
Button
this ¼-inch (6.3mm) TRS phone
display intensity
Headphone output connector:
plug connector provides a line-level stereo signal that can drive
most headphones. When the unit detects that headphones have
been connected, the Balanced and Single-Ended outputs are
automatically muted, and the Volume knob switches to control
of the Headphone output level. When the unit detects the
headphones have been disconnected, the Balanced and SingleEnded outputs are automatically unmuted, and the Volume
knob returns to control of their level.
The balanced and single-ended outputs can be configured in
the Setup menu as Fixed (for use with recording components
or a second audio zone). When outputs are configured as Fixed,
they are not affected by any of the front-panel controls.
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N0 526 / N0 523 DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL
GETTING STARTED
Polarity button:
pressing this button inverts the absolute
polarity of the signal. The associated LED illuminates when the
signal’s polarity is inverted.
Setup button:
press this button to display the Setup menu, which
you can use to customize the preamp to suit your other system
components, individual preferences and listening space. The
Setup LED lights when the Setup menu is active.
Enter button:
press this button to select or deselect a menu
item when the Setup menu is displayed. When playing from a
digital source, pressing the Enter button displays the sample
rate, unless the PLL Lock is set to Wide.
Display Intensity button:
Press this button to change the
intensity of the front-panel display. Multiple presses of the
Display Intensity button cycle through the available brightness
levels: High, Medium, Low, and Off.
Balance button:
press this button to enter adjustment of the
left-to-right channel output balance (disabled if outputs are set
to Fixed in the Setup menu). The Balance LED lights when the
balance function is active.
NOTE: the Balance LED remains lit when the left-toright balance of the Main outputs is offset. Headphone
Balance can be adjusted independently of the Balanced
or Single-Ended outputs.
ENGLISH
Mute button:
press this button to mute and unmute the level of
the outputs by the amount determined in the Setup menu. The
LED lights when the mute function is active.
Volume knob:
turn this knob to adjust the volume level of the
outputs. The minimum volume level is OFF; the maximum
volume level is determined in the Setup menu. Whenever you
select an input, the unit applies the volume offset selected for it
in the Setup menu to the output volume level.
Standby button:
press this button to put the unit into and out of
the selected Standby mode. The LED illuminates when the unit
is On. When the unit is in Standby mode, it flashes slowly, with
brightness level to indicate Standby mode.
N0 526 / N0 523 DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL
7
GETTING STARTED
N0 526 AND N0 523 REAR PANEL
Right Channel
Balanced output
connector
Right Channel
Single-ended
output connector
Right Channel
Coaxial Analog
Input Connectors
Left Channel
Coaxial Analog
Input Connectors
Left Channel
Single-ended
output connector
main outputs
Designed and assembled in U.S.A.
Harman International I ndustries, Inc.
PREAMPLIFIER N
S/N
Right Channel
Balanced Analog
Input Connectors
analog audio inputs
1 2
O
526
input connectors
phono inputs
ground tfelthgir
Phono
Micro USB
connector
USB Type-A
connector
3 4 5
Ethernet
Port
IR Input
Connector
RS-232
Port
IR
RS-232
Balanced
AES/EBU
Digital Input
Connector
Left Channel
Balanced Analog
Input Connector
trigger
in
out
out
1
analog audio inputs
345
2 3 4 5 6
12
digital audio inputs
main outputs
Left Channel
Balanced output
connector
~ ac mains
120W
Coaxial
Digital Input
Connectors
AC Mains
Connector
Trigger Input
Connector
Trigger Output
Connectors
Optical
Digital Input
Connectors
Power
Switch
USB Digital Audio
Input Connector
Fuse Compartment
0
526 Only
N
(see rear-panel
labeling for value)
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N0 526 / N0 523 DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL