Mark Levinson 436, 434 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Nº436
Nº434

1. Read these instructions

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or another apparatus
that produces heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong is provided for safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into the outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. The MAINS cord is intended to be the safety disconnect device for this apparatus. Ready access
to the MAINS cord shall be maintained at all times.

11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, or the point where it exits from the apparatus.

12. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.

13. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer

or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury or tip over.

14. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

15. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as when the power cord or plug has been damaged; liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus; or the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

16. Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as
newspapers, table cloths, curtains, etc.

17. No naked flame sources, such as candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

18. Terminals marked with this symbol may be considered HAZARDOUS LIVE and the

external wiring connected to these terminals requires installation by an INSTRUCTED
PERSON or the use of ready-made leads or cords.

Warning!

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the apparatus to rain or moisture. Do
not place objects containing liquid, such as vases, on this apparatus.

Important Safety Instructions

FCC 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 harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, 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 an authorized Mark Levinson dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution!

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Canada

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

3 Oak Park

Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.marklevinson.com

Customer Service

Telephone: [phone]

Sales Fax: [phone]

Service Fax: [phone]

Product Shipments

16 Progress Road

Billerica, MA 01821-5730 USA

Part No. 070-630430 | Rev 6 | 07/04

“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 worldwide patents issued and pending.

©2004 Harman Specialty Group. All rights reserved.

This document should not be construed as a commitment on the
part of Harman Specialty Group. The information it contains is
subject to change without notice. Harman Specialty Group assumes
no responsibility for errors that may appear within this document.

iv

Introduction Mark Levinson

Table of Contents

Introduction

Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

FCC Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii

Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vi

Section 1: Getting Started

Special Design Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

Massive Power Supply • Balanced Design • True Voltage Source •
Adaptive Bias • Extensive Protection

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Product Registration

Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Placement • Rack-Mounting • Ventilation

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7

Warm-up & Break-in Period • Operating States • Continuous
Operation

Section 2: Basic Operation

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Linking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

Link Connections • Constructing Link Communication Cables •
Creating a Slave Chain • Link Controls

Section 3: Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Care & Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

v

Nº436/434 Introduction

Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3

Dimensions, Nº436 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4

Dimensions, Nº434 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-6

vi

Introduction Mark Levinson

Documentation
Conventions

This document contains general safety, installation, and operation
instructions for the Nº436/434 Power Amplifiers. It is important
to read this document before attempting to use these components.
Pay particular attention to safety instructions.

Appears on the component to indicate the
presence of uninsulated, dangerous voltages
inside the enclosure – voltages that may be
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

Appears on the component to indicate important
operation and maintenance instructions
included in the accompanying documentation.

Appears on the component to indicate
compliance with the EMC (Electromagnetic
Compatibility) and LVD (Low-voltage Directive)
standards of the European Community.

Warning! Calls attention to a procedure, practice,

condition, or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in
personal injuries or death.

Caution! Calls attention to a procedure, practice,

condition, or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in
damage or destruction to part or all of the
component.

Note Calls attention to information that is essential to

highlight.

1-1

Special Design Features

Thank you for purchasing the Nº436/434 Monaural Power
Amplifier, combining the massive power and strength of a large
power amplifier with the elegance and finesse of a small power
amplifier. This section describes some of the design features that
make this unique combination possible.

Massive Power Supply The Nº436/434 uses a large, robust power supply with a high-

capacity, low-noise toroidal transformer and four large, low ESR
(Equivalent Series Resistance) capacitors. Specifically, the Nº436
uses a 2372 VA transformer with 80,000µF total capacitance, while
the Nº434 uses an 801 VA transformer with 72,000µF total
capacitance.

Heavy, oxygen-free copper bus bars enhance the efficiency of
power distribution with the power amplifier, eliminating variances
caused by wiring harnesses, which are commonly found even in
high-performance power amplifiers. High-frequency power supply
bypass is accomplished on individual PC boards by five types of
components. As a result, a uniformly low power supply imped­ance is seen by various circuits within the power amplifier provid­ing the foundation for a rare combination of massive power and
extraordinary finesse.

Balanced Design A truly balanced input topology eliminates the need for an input

buffer amplification stage, allowing the source to directly drive
the first stage differential amplifier. Matched impedances are pre­sented to the source as both signals travel identical circuit paths.
Meticulous attention to detail, including careful mirror-imaging of
circuits, minimizes magnetic field distortions that can be caused
by such a massive power delivery system. Balanced input signals
remain balanced throughout voltage gain stages, achieving rejec­tion of common mode noise and distortion in the final, current
gain stage.

Getting Started

1-2

Getting Started Mark Levinson

Special Design Features (continued)

True Voltage Source The Nº436/434 operates as a true voltage source, maintaining the

appropriate voltage within its rated voltage output according to
the demands of the source material rather than the current
demands of the loudspeaker. As a result, the Nº436/434 doubles its
power output each time loudspeaker impedance is cut in half. For
example, the Nº436 offers rated power at 350W per channel at 8Ω
and 700W per channel at 4Ω.

To control the flow of its remarkable power capabilities to the
loudspeakers, the Nº436 uses 16 TO-3P output transistors in eight
matched, complementary pairs per channel. Similarly, the Nº434
uses eight TO-3P output transistors in four matched, complemen­tary pairs per channel.

Although most loudspeakers cannot absorb the continuous full
power capabilities of the Nº436, many high-quality loudspeakers
require extreme short-term power levels when reproducing music
at realistic levels. The Nº436/434 can meet these demands without
power supply “sag” or sonic performance alterations, allowing
either power amplifier to reproduce music with amazing authority
and control. Power needs depend on listening habits, the listening
room, and associated loudspeakers.

Adaptive Bias The Nº436/434 uses a proprietary adaptive biasing scheme to

deliver the advantages of a Class A output stage without the asso­ciated thermal management problems and sonic compromises.
This unique adaptive biasing scheme does not allow output
devices to be reverse-biased, replacing dynamic distortions with a
sweeter sound that provides a greater sense of ease regardless of
volume level. Contact an authorized Mark Levinson dealer for
additional information about Adaptive Bias.

Extensive Protection Designed to prevent damage to itself and associated components,

the Nº436/434 is armed with several protective features. For
example, the AC input to each transformer is fused to protect
against excessive current conditions that occur when shorted
outputs are driven. Inrush limiting prevents premature aging of
power supply components during power cycles, switching off-line
once the power supply is charged. And, a controlled-clipping
circuit prevents output devices from saturating, using wave-shaping
action to avoid the harsh, high-frequency harmonics generated by
hard-clipped output devices.

1-3

Nº436/434 Getting Started

In addition, the Nº436/434 uses state-of-the-art protections to
guard against the following fault conditions:

• Signal-related faults, including the presence of DC (direct
current) signals at the output and demands for excessive
current at the output (indicating a short-circuit). If a signal-
related fault is detected, the front panel indicator LED blinks
rapidly, remaining lit and unlit for equal intervals. The
Nº436/434 shuts itself down to protect itself and associated
loudspeakers. To restore normal operation, remove the source
of the fault. Then, power cycle the Nº436/434 using the
power button.

• Power-related faults, including over or under-voltage (±10%)
conditions at the ~ac mains connector. If AC mains voltage is
too high or too low for safe operation, the front panel indicator
LED blinks rapidly, remaining lit for longer intervals. Normal
operation will not be restored until AC mains voltage falls
back into a safe operating range.

For example, a 120V model of the Nº436/434 will operate
from approximately 108-132V, while a 240V model of the
Nº436/434 will operate from approximately 216-264V. Outside
of these limits, the Nº436/434 will activate sleep mode. When
AC mains voltage returns to the safe operating range, the
Nº436/434 can be taken out of sleep mode using the standby
button.

• Thermal-related faults, such as if the Nº436/434 becomes over­heated. The front panel indicator LED blinks rapidly, remain­ing unlit for longer intervals. The Nº436/434
automatically activates sleep mode and remains in sleep
mode until output heat sink temperatures drop below 85˚C
(185˚F or 358K). When temperatures return to a safe operating
range, the Nº436/434 can be taken out of sleep mode using
the standby button.

1-4

Getting Started Mark Levinson

Unpacking

Warning! DO NOT attempt to lift or move the Nº436/434 without

adequate assistance. Failure to follow the procedures included
in this section may result in personal injuries and/or product
damage.

The Nº436 and Nº434 are massive power amplifiers. The Nº436
ships at 95 pounds (43.2kg) and the Nº434 ships at 65 pounds
(29.5kg). Rear panel handles are provided for safe, convenient
lifting and moving. Proper lifting requires at least two people.

Caution! DO NOT attempt to lift the Nº436/434 from its packing carton

alone.

DO NOT attempt to lift the Nº436/434 while bending at the

waist. When lifting, stand as straight as possible using the leg
muscles to lift.

When unpacking the Nº436/434:

• DO save all packing materials for possible future shipping
needs.

• DO inspect the Nº436/434 for signs of damage during
shipment. If damage is discovered, contact an authorized
Mark Levinson dealer for assistance making appropriate
claims.

Product Registration Please register the Nº436/434 within 15 days of purchase. To do

so, register online at www.marklevinson.com or complete and
return the included product registration card. Product registration
serves no warranty purposes. Retain the original, dated sales
receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

Installation Considerations

The Nº436/434 requires special care during installation to ensure
optimal performance. Pay particular attention to the precautions
included in this section and to other precautions included
throughout this owner’s manual.

1-5

Nº436/434 Getting Started

Placement • DO review “Important Safety Instructions” and “Power

Requirements” before installing the Nº436/434.

• DO place the Nº436/434 on a solid, flat, level surface such as
a table, shelf, or floor OR bolt the Nº436/434 into a rack­mounting system. Use a purpose-built rack-mounting system
to accommodate the weight of the power amplifier. Refer to
“Rack-Mounting” for additional information.

• DO position the Nº436/434 close to associated loudspeakers
to keep loudspeaker wires as short as possible. Use longer
interconnecting cables between the preamplifier and the
power amplifier. This is preferable because interconnecting
cables pass low-voltage signals, which transmit over distances
with greater accuracy than the high-voltage signals required
by loudspeakers.

• DO allow at least a 6-inch (15cm) clearance behind the
Nº436/434 for the power cord and signal cables to bend
without crimping or straining.

• DO see “Dimensions” for assistance with custom installations.

• DO NOT position the Nº436/434 near low-level components.
These power amplifiers are capable of producing massive
output currents, which could generate significant magnetic
fields that induce noise in some sensitive components.

• DO NOT place the Nº436/434 on a windowsill or in another
location in which it will be exposed to direct sunlight.

Caution! BEFORE moving the Nº436/434, make sure it is powered off

using the power button. Then, make sure the power cord is
disconnected from the ~ac mains connector and the electrical
outlet.

DO NOT attempt to move the Nº436/434 without adequate

assistance. Proper lifting requires at least two people.

Rack-Mounting The Nº436/434 can be rack-mounted using the optional rack-

mount kit available at authorized Mark Levinson dealers. This
purpose-designed kit provides adequate support for the power
amplifier as well as proper ventilation for the heat sinks. When
rack-mounted, the Nº436 occupies four standard rack units and
the Nº434 occupies three standard rack units.

1-6

Getting Started Mark Levinson

Ventilation The Nº436/434 uses a sophisticated ventilation system that

combines passive convection and active, fan-driven cooling to
maintain normal operating temperatures under a wide range of
conditions. Heat sinks are crosscut to allow for both horizontal
and vertical airflow, ensuring that the Nº436/434 delivers
maximum performance and reliability at all times.

When the Nº436/434 is installed in a location with reasonable
temperatures and ventilation, convection cooling alone provides
adequate heat dissipation at low and moderate listening levels.
When operating temperatures exceed a certain level, two
temperature-controlled, variable-speed fans automatically activate
to provide additional cooling.

Note The Nº436/434 fans are extremely quiet, even when running

relatively hard. In some cases, the fans may be heard when lowering
master volume after an extended period of high-volume listening.

When the Nº436/434 is taken out of standby, the fans will activate
momentarily to remove excess dust that may have accumulated in
the heat sinks.

• DO select a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.

• DO NOT obstruct the ventilation holes on the top and bottom
of the Nº436/434 or reduce airflow through the Nº436/434.

• DO NOT place the Nº436/434 on a thick rug or carpet or
cover the Nº436/434 with a cloth, as this might prevent proper
cooling. If the Nº436/434 is placed on the floor, use a thick
piece of tempered glass to provide firm support and proper
ventilation.

• DO NOT expose the Nº436/434 to high temperatures,
humidity, steam, smoke, dampness, or excessive dust. Avoid
installing the Nº436/434 near radiators and other heat­producing appliances.