Mark Levinson 52 Owners Manual
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N
RefeRence PReamPlifieR OwneR’s manual
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N052 RefeReNce PReamPlifieR / Owner’s Manual
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table Of cOntents
About This Document 1
Special Design Features 2
Setup Menu 4
Input Setup, Aux Output, Volume Control,
Power Management, Advanced
Using Aux Mode 11
SSP Setup 12
Troubleshooting 14
Specifications 16
table Of cOntents / abOut this DOcument
abOut this DOcument
This User Guide primarily covers the system functions and
advanced options contained in your N
guide also covers setup for SSP (Surround Sound Processor)
mode. These resources allow you to finely tailor the behavior
and performance of the N
0
52 to fit your preferences and the
particulars of your equipment and listening room.
Before you read this User Guide, we recommend that you
thoroughly read the
0
your N
52 in printed form. The
N052 Quick-Start Guide,
the information you will need to unpack and place your N
connect it to the rest of your audio system and have a first listen.
NOTE: Within this User Guide, the term “Controller” is
used to refer to the N
0
52 Controller chassis and the term
“Preamplifier” is used to refer to the N
chassis. The term “N
0
52” is used to refer to the dual-
chassis combination.
0
52’s Setup menus. This
supplied with
Quick-Start Guide
0
52 Preamplifier
contains all
0
52,
For the sake of brevity, instructions in this guide refer only to the
use of front-panel controls. Functions accomplished by using
the front-panel Select knob, Setup button, and Enter button
may also be accomplished using the remote-control Select +/buttons, Setup button, and Enter button.
1
sPecial Design featuRes
sPecial Design featuRes
Thank you for purchasing the N052 Reference Preamplifier,
featuring an innovative dual-chassis design that allows the
audio circuits to deliver unrivaled musical reproduction. The
0
N
52 Preamplifier chassis isolates the audio circuits so that
only audio signals and extremely pure DC power are present.
The power supply and control circuits are combined in the other
chassis, protecting the sensitive audio signals.
Like most high-performance audio components, the N
0
52 relies
on clean, noise-free power to deliver maximum performance.
Unfortunately, most AC power does not meet these standards.
Common household appliances such as refrigerators, TVs and
computers often contaminate AC power lines with line noise,
spikes and other irregularities that make it difficult for audio
circuits to perform up to their full potential.
To protect audio circuits from contamination, the N
0
52
generates its own “secondary” AC power. An independent
power supply is dedicated to each audio channel, generating AC
power for a special power amplifier optimized to reproduce just
one frequency: 200Hz. This 200Hz frequency is rectified, filtered
and regulated again to create extraordinarily clean DC power.
A third cable supplies control signals between the Controller
and Preamplifier chassis’, preventing potentially noisy control
signals from coupling into the power supplies.
An advanced dual-mono design allows the N
0
52 to achieve
exceptional channel separation. Both audio channels use
independent power supplies, communication circuits, and audio
circuits. The Preamplifier chassis provides complete isolation
between the left and right channels, which are physically and
electrically separated by a thick aluminum wall. This innovative
approach isolates each channel, allowing the N
0
52 to produce
vividly detailed, three-dimensional sonic images.
For even greater isolation, the N
0
52 effectively deactivates
unused inputs to prevent interference from other components.
Discrete “T-switch” input switching, special shielding and
optimal circuit board placement allow the N
0
52 to “unplug”
inputs not in use – achieving more than 120dB separation
between even adjacent input connectors. As a result, input
signals pass through the N
0
52 with remarkable freedom from
interference.
0
The N
52 offers seven configurable inputs, each of which is
assigned to one of its three balanced (XLR) or four unbalanced
(RCA) stereo connectors. Unbalanced input signals are converted
to balanced signals upon entering the Preamplifier chassis, and
processed as balanced signals thereafter. During this rigorous
conversion process, meticulously balanced circuits preserve
all input signal information, passing it to the associated power
amplifier without the limitations of asymmetrical designs.
In addition to the above-mentioned inputs, the N052 also offers
a dedicated phono input featuring a proprietary Mark Levinsondesigned RCA connector that provides the same common mode
noise rejection benefits as a balanced XLR connector. The input
gain stage produces a symmetrical pair of opposite polarity
signals, based solely on voltage differences present at the input.
Each balanced signal follows the same signal path, including
identical RIAA equalization. Gain is distributed over two stages,
allowing ample bandwidth and open-loop gain for superior
performance – even at the 60dB input gain required for movingcoil phono cartridges. Originally introduced with the N
0
38, the
instrumentation amplifier stage resolves tiny electrical signals
from potentially noisy environments. This method offers
high common mode noise rejection without the limitations of
transformer-based designs. And to prevent the introduction of
radiated noise, the phono section is double isolated from the
rest of the preamplifier.
A balanced pair of RIAA equalization circuits follows the input
gain stages. These circuits include a filter constructed with
0.1% non-inductive thin-film resistors and 5% stacked-film
capacitors for uncompromised RIAA curve accuracy.
The Setup menu for the Phono input provides multiple loading
and input gain options that allow compatibility with most phono
cartridges, including moving-coil, moving-magnet, high-output
and low-output designs. The menu also provides a switchable
20Hz high-pass filter and allows compensation for left/right
phono playback device imbalances of up to 3.0dB in 0.1dB
increments.
A Mark Levinson-designed discrete volume attenuator controls
the master volume level with unprecedented accuracy and sonic
neutrality. Constructed from Nelco
®
4000-13SI circuit boards
with local power supply regulation and bypass capacitors,
this volume attenuator generates optimal power and isolation
for even the most sensitive adjustments. Sixty-eight surfacemounted, precision resistors per channel provide more than
65,000 possible settings between 0dB (maximum attenuation)
and 80dB, accommodating adjustments in 1.0dB increments up
to 23.0dB and in 0.1dB increments above 23.0dB.
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The N
52 is designed to integrate with multichannel surroundsound processors without the complications associated with
competing stereo and multichannel volume controls. A unique
surround-sound processor (SSP) mode deactivates N
0
52 volume
controls and sends line-level input signals to the associated
processor. With no interference from the N
0
52, the processor
controls the relative volume level of all channels, maintaining
its carefully calibrated output levels.
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sPecial Design featuRes
To maximize channel separation, left-channel and rightchannel connectors are located on opposite sides of the rear
panel. The connector complement includes separate Main
and Auxiliary stereo outputs, available on both balanced (XLR)
and unbalanced (RCA) connectors. Flexible Auxiliary output
configuration options allow them to be used to feed powered
subwoofers, recording devices or a second zone.
The N052 represents the ultimate combination of compelling
performance and almost limitless potential. Its unique dualchassis structure shields audio circuits to create truly spectacular
sound, while its advanced design – including eight configurable
inputs, separate Main and Auxiliary outputs, complete surroundsound processor integration, and extensive control possibilities
– accommodates even the most demanding applications. All of
this makes the N
0
52 a reference-quality component befitting the
most sophisticated music reproduction systems.
3
setuP menu
setuP menu
This section explains the use of the Setup menus on your N052,
which allow you to customize and configure the unit.
SETUP MENU NAVIGATION
Pressing the Setup button displays the Setup menu on the
Controller’s front-panel display. When the Setup menu is active,
use the Select knob to scroll through options, the Enter button
to select and deselect options, and the Volume knob to adjust
parameters. To move back a level in the menu structure (or exit
the Setup menu), press the Setup button repeatedly until the
desired menu is shown in the display.
INPUT SETUP
Setup Menu
Input Setup
Volume Control
Power Mgmt
Advanced
The Input Setup menu allows you to customize the following
parameters for the selected input:
The following settings are available for all inputs.
Name:
This option offers a choice of preset names for the
selected input (CD, SACD
the following special names:
Unused: This option removes the selected input from the list
of available inputs. The input will be skipped when selecting
the active input.
™
, DVD, Blu-ray™, DAC, EQ) as well as
Input Setup
Set Input 1
Set Input 2
Set Input 3
Set Input 4
Set Input 5
Set Input 6
Set Input 7
Set Phono
Set Input X
Name=XXX
Gain=XXX
Offset=XXX
SSP=XXX
Aux=XXX
Mono=XXX
Ph Gain=XXX
Ph Bal=XXX
20Hz HPF=XXX
R Load=XXX
C Load=XXX
Manual Entry: This option allows you to enter a custom
name for the selected input. Use the Select knob to select
the character you want to change, use the Volume control
to choose from the list of available characters and press
the Enter button to confirm each character. After the eighth
character is entered, the new name will be saved.
Not Available for
Phono Input
Available only for
Phono Input
NOTE: To prevent noise due to the input’s high gain
factor, if you are not connecting a phono source to the
Phono input set the Phono input name to “Unused.”
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Gain:
The output level of audio devices can vary from brand-tobrand and model-to-model, making some devices sound louder
or quieter than others. The Gain and Offset parameters combine
to let you precisely compensate for that variance, allowing
all associated devices in your system to output at a similar
volume level.
The Gain setting offers a choice of 0dB, +6dB, +12dB, or +18dB
of gain boost for the selected input. Use this parameter to boost
any lower-output devices in your system near to the level of
higher-output devices. For finer control of input gain, use the
Offset parameter, as described below.
NOTE: The Gain parameter should be set before the
Offset parameter.
Offset:
This setting works to fine-tune the gain value established
by the Gain parameter (see above). It offers a setting range of
–20.0dB to +20dB, in 0.1dB steps, starting from the setting of
the Gain parameter. Whenever an input is selected, the N
0
52
applies the setting of the Offset parameter to the volume level
of the Main and Auxiliary outputs.
SSP:
The SSP setting configures the selected input for complete
integration with a multichannel surround sound processor. See
SSP Setup
on page 11 for more information. (Note: The SSP
setting is not available for the Phono input.)
setuP menu
Aux:
This setting lets you select the Auxiliary output connectors
to which the input will be routed when that input is selected with
the Aux mode:
Both: The input is routed to the unbalanced (RCA) and
balanced (XLR) Auxiliary output connectors.
RCA Only: The input is routed only to the unbalanced (RCA)
Auxiliary output connectors.
XLR Only: The input is routed only to the balanced (XLR)
Auxiliary output connectors.
Off: The input is not routed to either set of Auxiliary output
connectors.
NOTE: The following Auxiliary output conditions will apply
if you use the Aux mode to set the Auxiliary output signal to
anything other than “Off” or “Main Var[iable]:”
Input Setup
Menu Aux
Setting for
Selected Input
Both Active (0dB gain) Active (+6dB gain)
RCA only Active (0dB gain) Muted
XLR Only Muted Active (0dB gain)
Off Muted Muted
RCA Auxiliary
Outputs
XLR Auxiliary
Outputs
See
Using the Aux Mode,
on page 10, for more information.
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