Mark Levinson 53 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
No53
Reference
Power Amplifier
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 the 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.
Mark Levinson and the Mark Levinson logo are trademarks of Harman International
Industries, Incorporated, in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft, Internet Explorer and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies
with which they are associated.
For customer service and product
shipment information, refer to the
www.marklevinson.com website.
©2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of Harman
International Industries, Incorporated. The information it contains is subject to
change without notice. Harman International Industries, Incorporated, assumes no
responsibility for errors that may appear within this document.
Part No. 070-18285| Rev 1 |10/08
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 any 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 other apparatus
that produce 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 your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where it exits from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. 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.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is 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.
15. The MAINS cord is intended to be the safety disconnect device for this apparatus and shall
remain readily operable at all times.
16. Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as
newspapers, tablecloths, curtains and so on.
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.
19. This product must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord that includes an
earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used.
iii
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The
apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Safety Terms & Symbols
Mark Levinson
Terms in This Manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
Warning! Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that,
if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal
injury 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.
Symbols on the
Product
iv
These symbols may appear on the product:
Appears on the component to indicate the presence of
noninsulated, dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage 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.
Documentation Conventions
This document contains general safety and operation instructions
for the N
read this document before attempting to use this product. Please
pay particular attention to safety instructions.
This manual is not intended as a general reference guide for home theater
systems. If you’re uncertain how to set up or maintain your system, seek
the advice of a professional installer or ask your dealer for a
recommendation.
o
53 reference monaural power amplifier. It is important to
Nº53 Power Amplifier
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................ 2
Product Description ...................................................................2
What’s in the Box .......................................................................3
Product Registration ...................................................................4
Installation Considerations ...................................................... 4
Unpacking .................................................................................4
Placement and Ventilation .........................................................4
Power Requirements ............................................................... 5
Operating States ........................................................................6
Front Panel ............................................................................. 7
Rear Panel ............................................................................... 8
Network Setup ...................................................................... 12
Material Requirements .............................................................12
Computer Requirements ..........................................................13
Connecting the Cables .............................................................13
Internal Web Page ...................................................................14
Network Setup Parameters ....................................................... 14
Connecting With DHCP (Recommended) ................................. 15
Setting Up the Computer .........................................................15
Connecting With Static IP Addressing .......................................17
Direct Connection ....................................................................18
ML Net .................................................................................. 20
Masters and Slaves ...................................................................20
Connecting the Devices ...........................................................20
Discovering Slaves ...................................................................21
Status Reporting ......................................................................21
Fault Reporting ........................................................................21
ML Net and Link2 ....................................................................22
Link2 ..................................................................................... 22
Troubleshooting .................................................................... 23
Fault Protection ..................................................................... 25
ML Net Fault Conditions ........................................................ 26
Restoring Factory Defaults ..................................................... 26
Care & Maintenance .............................................................. 27
Specifications ........................................................................ 28
Declaration of Conformity ..................................................... 30
1
Mark Levinson
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Nº53 Reference monaural power
amplifier. Totally redesigned and incorporating patented new
technologies, the Nº53 outperforms even the esteemed Nº33 in
both audio presentation and power performance.
Product Description
2
The Mark Levinson® Nº53 Reference monaural power amplifier
elevates amplifier performance to an entirely new level of
excellence. After extensive listening tests and exhaustive
measurements, the Nº53 demonstrates a phenomenal level of
performance capability with a larger dynamic range, cleaner
operation, and higher power levels through our proprietary
Interleaved Power Technology (IPT). The Nº53 can pass a musical
signal with utter integrity, regardless of how demanding that signal
and the loudspeakers used might be.
The Nº53 is capable of generating truly phenomenal power levels
into virtually any speaker load to support both instantaneous and
continuous demands. More impressive still, the Nº53 accomplishes
this feat without the slightest change in performance capability.
Unlike most amplifiers, the Nº53 has superbly efficient power
management, maintaining a constant thermally-balanced operating
temperature no matter how hard or long the amplifier is driven.
The Nº53 design incorporates the best qualities of traditional Mark
Levinson power amplifiers while adding our new IPT technology for
vastly superior sonic performance and a noise floor so low, it must
be experienced to be believed. From the isolated input circuitry to
the unique Mark Levinson binding posts, special care was taken to
minimize the introduction of noise. The input board is in a separate
compartment, totally isolated from the other circuitry. Whether the
input signal is single-ended or balanced, the input stage treats all
incoming signals as balanced to maximize the rejection of common
mode signals, preventing introduced noise from being applied to
the amplifier.
The low-noise toroidal power supply features an oversized 2.8kVA
transformer with four 47,000µF low-ESR capacitors for more than
ample energy storage capacity. A separate, dedicated power supply
for the control circuitry provides double isolation between the main
audio supply and the noisier, digital control circuits. The second
power supply also contributes to more efficient power management
as the main supply is shut down during power save mode.
The chassis is comprised of four separate internal compartments to
provide shielding and isolation of critical circuitry. The power
supplies are placed in the bottom compartment, isolated and
shielded from the rest of the amplifier, to reduce interference from
magnetic fields and high current devices. The middle section
contains four amplifiers arranged symmetrically and mirror-imaged
Nº53 Power Amplifier
to main t ain se p arati o n whil e minimi z ing c r i tical c urrent l oop ar e as.
The top compartment contains the control circuitry, also with its
own independent regulated supplies and shielding from the heart
of the amplifier. Special attention was made to critical signals that
need to pass between different boards. Extensive use of lowvoltage-differential signaling (LVDS) for control signals is used to
maximize signal integrity while all critical analog signals remain
balanced to offer superb noise rejection.
The four interleaved amplifier modules are the crux of the superior
performance offered by the Nº53 - a larger dynamic range, cleaner
operation, and higher power levels. Our proprietary Interleaved
Power Technology (IPT), developed and perfected through years of
extensive listening tests and measurements, is based on the
rudiments of digital switching while avoiding the common
problems of most switching amplifiers.
“Dead bands” and output device limitations are common problems
in typical switching amplifiers, which use different output devices
for the positive and negative parts of the audio signal. Since both
devices cannot be active at once without overloading their power
capability, dead bands are caused by the lack of signal during the
transition between the devices. Adding to the audible distortion
resulting from these dead bands is the signal degradation caused by
device limitations, such as output power and switching frequency.
To compensate for these deficiencies, an aggressive filter is placed at
the audio output to eliminate introduced switching noise but this
in turn degrades the audio signal. The end result is an amplifier with
very poor sound reproduction ability.
3
The Nº53 supports the activation of both switching devices
concurrently, totally eliminating the problem of dead bands while
reducing stress on the output devices, permitting much higher
voltage rails and output power. Our proprietary IPT technology
features the use of four separate amplifiers, each of which digitally
manages a portion of the audio signal. The outputs of the amplifiers
are then recombined for the final output stage. This approach
provides the Nº53 with a very high switching frequency, enabling a
much smoother, cleaner roll-off by moving the noisier switching
frequencies further out of the audible range – and since the
frequency response extends well beyond the audio band, the output
filter is much less aggressive, minimizing audio signal degradation.
With phenomenal output power capability, a larger dynamic range,
cleaner operation, higher switching frequency, and a much lower
noise floor than even most traditional linear amplifiers, the Nº53
provides extraordinary audio performance and proves once again
that Mark Levinson power amplifiers truly represent the finest
audio amplifiers available.
Mark Levinson
What’s in the Box
Product Registration
The Nº53 Reference monaural power amplifier includes:
Item Quantity
Nº53 Reference power amplifier 1
Nº53 owner’s manual (this document) 1
Heavy white gloves 2 pairs
Cable with 3.5mm mini-plugs (for use with trigger) 1
Detachable AC power cord*
*varies by destination country
Register your Nº53 online at www.marklevinson.com within 15
days of purchase. Retain the original, dated sales receipt as proof of
warranty coverage.
1
4
Nº53 Power Amplifier
Unpacking DO save all packing materials for possible future shipping needs.
Installation Considerations
The Nº53 Reference power amplifier requires special care during
installation to ensure optimal performance. Pay particular attention
to instructions included in this section and to precautions included
throughout this owner’s manual.
DO inspect the Nº53 for signs of damage during shipment. If
damage is discovered, contact your authorized Mark Levinson
dealer for assistance in making appropriate claims.
DO use the built-in handles located at the top of the chassis to lift
and move the amplifier.
DO locate and remove the accessory bag from the carton. Make
sure it contains all of the items listed in the “What’s in the Box”
table on the previous page. If not, contact your authorized Mark
Levinson dealer.
Caution! DO NOT attempt to lift or move the N
without adequate assistance. The shipping weight of the N
Placement and
Ventilation
exceeds what a single person should lift alone. To avoid injury or
damage to the N
move the amplifier.
Two pairs of heavy white gloves, with special gripping surfaces
on the palms and fingers, are included with the N
gloves when lifting or moving the amplifier.
DO install the Nº53 Reference amplifier in a location providing it
with proper ventilation. The Nº53 is designed for placement on the
floor, but can also be installed side-by-side in a rack.
DO install the Nº53 chassis on a solid, flat, level surface.
DO install the Nº53 power amplifier close to associated
components to keep interconnecting cables as short as possible.
DO select a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
DO allow at least 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10cm) of clearance above and
on each side of the amplifier for proper heat dissipation.
o
53, at least two people are required to lift or
o
53 power amplifier
o
53. Wear these
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53
5
Mark Levinson
DO allow at least 6 inches (15.24cm) of clearance behind the
amplifier so that the power cord and cables have space to bend
without becoming crimped or strained.
DO NOT place the Nº53 on a thick rug or carpet or cover the
amplifier with a cloth, as this might prevent proper cooling.
DO NOT obstruct the ventilation holes on the top and bottom of
the unit or reduce airflow through the Nº53.
DO NOT place the Nº53 near low-level components. The power
amplifier is capable of producing large output currents and hence
significant magnetic fields, which can induce noise in sensitive
components.
DO NOT expose the Nº53 power amplifier to high temperatures,
humidity, steam, smoke, dampness, or excessive dust. Avoid
installing near radiators and other heat-producing appliances.
Warning!
6
MAKE SURE all components 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 can
result in personal injuries and/or product damage.
Power Requirements
The Nº53 Reference power amplifier is configured at the factory for
100, 120, or 230 VAC power operation at 50Hz or 60Hz. Before
operating the Nº53, ensure that the voltage label on the rear panel
near the AC input connector indicates the correct operating voltage.
Caution! DO NOT attempt to adjust the operating voltage. Consult a Mark
Levinson dealer if the operating voltage is incorrect or must be
changed for relocation purposes.
Different operating voltages may require the use of different
power cords and/or attachment plugs. Contact a Mark Levinson
dealer for additional assistance.
The Nº53 is capable of passing remarkable sound at exceptional
power levels. Depending on listening habits, loudspeaker demands,
and the number of power amplifiers present in the system, it is
possible that the electrical service may become the limiting
performance factor of your home theater system.
Nº53 Power Amplifier
Caution! Building regulations and electrical codes differ from location to
If this case occurs, consider installing a dedicated AC circuit for the
home theater system. Contact a licensed electrician for assistance. If
more than one AC circuit is providing power to the system, contact
a licensed electrician to ensure that all components are operating
with the same solid, low-impedance ground reference.
location, making it impossible to anticipate the requirements of
amplifier high-current AC circuits, such as those that the N
capable of using. Contact a local, licensed electrician for further
information.
o
53 is
Operating States
Caution! BEFORE moving the N
The Nº53 Reference power amplifier is designed for continuous
operation and has four operating states:
• Off – AC power is disconnected using the rear panel Power
switch or by removing the power cord from the rear panel.
• Power Save – AC power is connected to the low-voltage power
supply, the communication circuits, and the control circuits. All
nonaudio functions, such as ML Net, are active.
• Standby – AC power is fully connected to the amplifier but the
outputs are muted.
• On – the Nº53 is fully powered and all outputs are active.
The Nº53 should be unplugged during lightning storms and
extended periods of nonuse as a precaution against potentially
damaging power surges through the line.
o
53 Reference power amplifier, make sure
it is powered off with the rear panel Power switch. Then make
sure the power cord is disconnected from the rear panel
connector and the electrical outlet.
7
Mark Levinson
Front Panel
The front panel contains one LED and one button, as shown.
Status LED
Indicates the operating state of the Nº53 and provides basic
diagnostic information when a fault condition occurs. Refer to the
table below for descriptions of LED behavior.
LED Behavior Description
Fully lit Indicates that the amplifier is powered on.
Slowly blinking Indicates that the amplifier is in Standby mode.
Dimly lit Indicates that the amplifier is in Power Save mode
or, when the Power switch is turned on, that the
amplifier is initializing.
Not lit Indicates that the amplifier is powered off.
Front Panel
Refer to the “Troubleshooting” section in the back of the manual
for a description of the Status LED behavior when a fault is detected.
Status
8
LED
Standby
Standby Button
Places the Nº53 into Standby or Power Save mode, depending upon
the state of the rear panel Power Save Mode switch. Pressing the
Standby button while the amplifier is in Standby or Power Save
mode turns on the amplifier.
Standby mode provides full AC power to the amplifier but mutes
the outputs. Power Save mode powers only the low-voltage power
supply, control circuits, and communication circuits so that only
nonaudio functionality is available.
Note When the amplifier enters or exits Power Save mode, there’s an
extended initialization period before the amplifier is fully powered on.
During this period, additional Standby button presses are ignored.
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