Owner’s Manual
Nº436
Nº434
Important Safety Instructions
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.
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: 781-280-0300 Fax: 781-280-0490 www.marklevinson.com
Customer Service
Telephone: 781-280-0300
Sales Fax: 781-280-0495
Service Fax: 781-280-0499
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.
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 |
iv |
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
Nº436/434 |
Introduction |
Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
Dimensions, Nº436 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4
Dimensions, Nº434 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-6
v
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
vi 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. |
Getting Started
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 highcapacity, 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 1-1 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 |
Mark Levinson |
True Voltage Source
1-2
Adaptive Bias
Extensive Protection
Special Design Features (continued)
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.
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.
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.
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 signalrelated 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 1-3 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.
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.
1-4
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.
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 rack- |
|
|
|
|
|
mounting 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 |
1-5 |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
1-6
•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.
Loading...