Mark Levinson N 326S User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Nº326S

Preamplifier

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. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, or 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 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.

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

16. The power cord is intended to be the safety disconnect device for this apparatus. Ready access
to the power cord should be maintained at all times.

17. 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

ii

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. 070-16658 | Rev 0 | 06/04

“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.

iii

v

Nº326S Preamplifier Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii

Section 1: Getting Started

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

Highlights • Product Registration

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

Unpacking • Placement • Remote Control Batteries

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

Warm-Up & Break-In Period • Continuous Operation

Quick Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8

Section 2: Basic Operation

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

Rear Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Linking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9

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

Remote Control Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

Operation Considerations • Command Overview

Section 3: Setup Menu

Navigating the Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

setup button • enter button • select knob & ± buttons •
volume knob & ± buttons

Set Inputs Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Set Inputs Menu Shortcut • Name • Gain • Offset •
Rec.Out

Teach IR Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8

Setup Menu Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

Mute • MaxVol • Trig. • Sw

vi

Table of Contents Mark Levinson

Section 4: Controls & Modes

Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

SLEEP

Display Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Polarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Mono Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

MODE • L + R Balance Control Tip • L – R Phono
Alignment Tip

SSP (Surround Sound Processor) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8

Section 5: Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

No Power • No Remote Control Operation • No IR
Learning • No Main Output • No Record Output • Audible
Hum • “Missing” Input • No Link Controls • Erratic
Behavior • If All Else Fails…

Restoring Factory-Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

Care & Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5

Appendix

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

Dimensions

Installation Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-4

Declaraton of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Index

vii

Nº326S Preamplifier Documentation Conventions

Documentation
Conventions

This document contains general safety, installation, and operation
instructions for the Nº326S Preamplifier. It is important to read this
document before attempting to use this product. 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 of 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 Nº326S Preamplifier. The Nº326S
features audio circuits, controls, architecture, and optional phono
modules based on the critically acclaimed Nº32. In fact, some
audio circuits, such as the proprietary discrete volume attenuators,
are identical to those found in the Nº32. The Nº326S is similar to
the Nº320S, but the main circuit board has been replaced with an
Arlon® board that responds more quickly to transient signals in
both the high and low frequency regions. The Arlon also presents
a deeper imaging that reveals more of the subtle nuances of a
recording, imparts a more engaging texture to the high frequen­cies, and presents more of the ambience of a recording. All of
these properties work together to yield a sonic signature that is
wider, deeper, warmer, and clearly superior.

With a single-chassis design, the Nº326S achieves separation of audio
circuit, control circuit, and power supply sections similar to that of
the dual-chassis Nº32. The internal structure of the Nº326S separates
these sections, while a steel shield box protects the power supply
and other circuits against electrostatic and magnetic interference.
Filtered AC power is routed outside audio circuit sections, providing
audio circuits with the quiet, shielded environment essential for
superior sound.

Like most high-performance audio components, the Nº326S relies
on clean, noise-free AC 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 compensate for this, the Nº326S offers a series of highly effective
noise suppression and isolation techniques that begin filtering AC
power for noise as soon as it enters the chassis. Audio and control
circuit sections use independent power supplies, each with its own
low-noise toroidal transformer. The audio circuit power transformer
includes a Faraday shield between the AC power line and low­voltage secondaries for improved isolation.

In addition, the Nº326S uses two active voltage regulation stages
for audio circuit sections. A high-power stage absorbs line-voltage

Getting Started

1

1-2

Getting Started Mark Levinson

and temperature variations, while a second high-performance
stage provides local, high-speed, low-noise power for audio cir­cuits.

An advanced dual-mono design allows the Nº326S to achieve
exceptional channel separation. Both audio channels use
independent power supplies, communication circuits, and audio
circuits. In fact, each channel’s audio circuits are located in a
separate area of the chassis. This innovative approach isolates
each channel, allowing the Nº326S to produce vividly detailed,
three-dimensional sonic images.

To maximize channel separation, all left-channel connectors are
located on one side of the rear panel and all right-channel
connectors are located on the other side of the rear panel. The
connector complement includes three balanced (female XLR) and
four single-ended (Mark Levinson-designed RCA) stereo input
connectors as well as separate stereo main and record output
connectors. Two Link communication ports make it possible to
link the Nº326S to compatible Mark Levinson components, while
a trigger output connector, ir input connector, and RS-232 port
offer even more control possibilities.

For even greater isolation, the Nº326S deactivates unused inputs
to prevent interference from other components. When an input is
deactivated, the Nº326S disconnects the input signal and ground
connection, eliminating ground loop noise between the Nº326S
and the associated component. As a result, input signals pass
through the Nº326S with remarkable freedom from interference.

The Nº326S offers seven configurable inputs, each of which is
assigned to one of its balanced (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) input
connectors. Single-ended input signals are converted to balanced
signals upon entering the 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 single-ended designs.

A large front panel select knob provides convenient selection of
the desired input. When an input is selected, just press and hold
the front panel or remote control setup button to open the
corresponding Set Inputs menu, which can be used to change
input names, optimize input gain levels, offset input volume
levels, and assign record output connectors.

Two Mark Levinson-designed discrete volume attenuators control
master volume level with unparalleled accuracy and sonic neutrality.
Constructed from Arlon®circuit boards with local power supply
regulation and bypass capacitors, the volume attenuators generate

1-3

Nº326S Preamplifier Getting Started

optimal power and isolation for even the most sensitive adjust­ments. Precision surface-mounted resistors accommodate adjust­ments in 1.0dB increments up to 23.0dB and in 0.1dB
increments above 23.0dB.

Unlike most stereo preamplifiers, the Nº326S is designed to
integrate with multi-channel surround sound processors without
the complications associated with competing stereo and multi­channel master volume controls. SSP (surround sound processor)
mode allows the Nº326S to deactivate its master volume control
to send line-level input signals to the associated processor. With
no interference from the Nº326S, the processor controls the
relative volume level of all channels, allowing it to maintain its
carefully calibrated levels.

Following the Mark Levinson tradition, the Nº326S exceeds all
reasonable expectations for a stereo preamplifier. Its flexible
design – including seven configurable inputs, separate main and
record output connectors, and complete surround sound processor
integration – allow it to accommodate a wide range of demands.
Even more, a series of advanced techniques shield audio circuits,
resulting in an incomparable sound befitting sophisticated music
reproduction systems.

Highlights •7 configurable inputs

• Maximum channel separation

• Advanced dual-mono design

• Multi-channel surround sound processor integration

•3 balanced (female XLR) and 4 single-ended (Mark Levinson­designed RCA) stereo input connectors

• Separate main and record output connectors

• Independent power supplies, communication circuits, and
audio circuits for each channel

•Effective noise suppression and isolation techniques

• AC power filtering

•2 active voltage regulation stages for audio circuit sections

• Independent power supplies for audio circuit and control circuit
sections, each with its own low-noise toroidal transformer

• Faraday shield between AC power line and low-voltage
secondaries

•2 proprietary discrete volume attenuators

•Deactivation of unused inputs to eliminate ground-loop noise

1-4

Getting Started Mark Levinson

• Balanced conversion for single-ended input signals

• Mono or stereo playback

• Selectable output signal polarity

• Balance control

•Intuitive Set Inputs menu

• Sleep timer (standby)

• Large front panel display

• Selectable display intensity

•2 Mark Levinson Link communication ports

• Configurable trigger output connector (12 or 5V)

• ir input connector

• RS-232 port

•Optional phono modules

Product Registration Please register the Nº326S within 15 days of purchase. To do so,

register online at www.marklevinson.com or complete and return
the included product registration card. Retain the original, dated
sales receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

Installation Considerations

The Nº326S requires special care during installation to ensure
optimal performance. Pay particular attention to the bulleted
items that appear in this section and to other precautions that
appear throughout this user guide.

Unpacking • DO save all packing materials for possible future shipping

needs.

• DO inspect the Nº326S for signs of damage during shipment.
If damage is discovered, contact an authorized Mark Levinson
dealer for assistance making appropriate claims.

• DO locate and remove the accessory box from the carton.
Make sure it contains all of the items listed in the table at the
top of the next page. If not, contact an authorized Mark
Levinson dealer.

1-5

Nº326S Preamplifier Getting Started

Item Quantity

Detachable AC power cord 1

Link communication cable 1

1/8-inch hex key 1

Phillips-head screwdriver (size 1) 1

Nº326S remote control* 1

White gloves (pair)** 1

Warranty & Product Registration Card 1

* The remote control comes with two AAA batteries, which

should be replaced as needed.

** The white gloves are provided to assist with the initial unpacking

and installation of the Nº326S.

Placement • DO install the Nº326S on a solid, flat, level surface such as a

shelf or table.

• DO install the Nº326S close to associated components to keep
interconnect cabling as short as possible.

Note

In some cases, it is better to use longer interconnect cabling
between the preamplifier and the power amplifier to allow
for shorter loudspeaker wires.

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

• DO allow at least a 4-inch clearance above the Nº326S for
proper heat dissipation. It is strongly recommended to install
the Nº326S on its own shelf for proper ventilation.

• DO refer to Dimensions (page A-3) for assistance with custom
installations.

•

DO NOT place the Nº326S on a thick rug or carpet or cover

the Nº326S with a cloth, as this might prevent proper cooling.

•

DO NOT expose the Nº326S to high temperatures, humidity,

steam, smoke, dampness, or excessive dust. Avoid installing
the Nº326S near radiators and other heat-producing appliances.

1-6

Getting Started Mark Levinson

•

DO NOT install the Nº326S near unshielded TV or FM

antennas, cable TV decoders, and other RF-emitting devices
that might cause interference.

• DO NOT place the Nº326S on a windowsill or in another
location in which it will be exposed to direct sunlight.

• DO NOT obstruct the IR receiver located in the front panel
display. When the Nº326S is not using the ir input connector,
the remote control IR transmitter must be in line-of-sight
with the IR receiver for proper remote control operation.

CAUTION

BEFORE MOVING THE Nº326S, MAKE SURE IT IS
POWERED OFF WITH THE FRONT PANEL POWER
BUTTON. THEN, MAKE SURE THE POWER CORD IS
DISCONNECTED FROM THE ~ac mains CONNECTOR
AND THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET.

WARNING

MAKE SURE ALL COMPONENTS ARE PROPERLY
GROUNDED. DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY PURPOSE OF
POLARIZED OR GROUNDING-TYPE PLUGS WITH
“GROUND-LIFTER” OR “CHEATER” ADAPTORS. DOING SO
MAY CAUSE DANGEROUS VOLTAGES TO BUILD UP
BETWEEN COMPONENTS. THE PRESENCE OF THESE
VOLTAGES MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURIES AND/OR
PRODUCT DAMAGE.

Remote Control The remote control comes with two AAA batteries, which should

Batteries be replaced as needed. It is recommended to use Alkaline batteries,

which do not leak and last longer.

To replace the remote control batteries:

1. Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the
remote control.

2. Use the supplied Phillips-head screwdriver (size 1) to remove
the three screws that hold the battery compartment cover in
place. These screws are identified in the illustration to the left.

3. Remove the battery compartment cover from the remote
control.

4. Remove the old batteries inserted in the battery compartment
(if applicable).

Screws

1-7

Nº326S Preamplifier Getting Started

5. Insert two AAA batteries as shown in the illustration to the
left. Make sure the batteries are correctly inserted observing the
proper polarity.

6. Align the battery compartment cover with the guide on the
back of the remote control.

7. Replace the three screws that were removed in step 2.

8. Properly dispose of the old batteries (if applicable).

Power Requirements

The Nº326S can be powered with a standard 15amp AC power
line. If other components are also connected to the AC power
line, the combined power requirements of all components should
be considered.

When shipped, the Nº326S is configured for 100, 120, 220, or
230VAC power operation at 50 or 60Hz. In compliance with CE
regulations, the Nº326S is configured for 230VAC power operation
at 50Hz in European Union countries. Before operating the Nº326S,
make sure the ~ac mains connector label indicates the correct
operating voltage for the current location.

CAUTION

• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE OPERATING

VOLTAGE. CONSULT AN AUTHORIZED MARK LEVINSON
DEALER IF THE OPERATING VOLTAGE IS INCORRECT
OR IF THE OPERATING VOLTAGE MUST BE CHANGED
FOR RELOCATION PURPOSES.

• BE ADVISED THAT DIFFERENT OPERATING VOLTAGES

MAY REQUIRE THE USE OF DIFFERENT POWER CORDS
AND/OR ATTACHMENT PLUGS. CONTACT AN
AUTHORIZED MARK LEVINSON DEALER FOR
ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE.

Warm-Up & Break-In Although the Nº326S delivers superior performance from the first

Period time it is powered on, this performance will continue to improve

as the Nº326S reaches its normal operating temperature and
various components “break in.” The greatest performance
improvements will occur within the first 25 to 50 hours of use.
Sound quality will continue to improve for about 300 hours.

1-8

Getting Started Mark Levinson

After this initial period, performance will remain consistent unless
power is disconnected from the ~ac mains connector. Power is
disconnected from the ~ac mains connector when the Nº326S is
powered off with the front panel power button; the power cord is
disconnected from the ~ac mains connector or the electrical outlet;
or an extended power failure or power outage occurs. Power is not
disconnected from the ~ac mains connector when the Nº326S is
in standby.

When power returns, the Nº326S will require a brief warm-up and
break-in period (not the full 300 hours). It is recommended to
allow the Nº326S and other audio components to stabilize for
about 2 minutes.

Note

•When powered on with the front panel power button,

the Nº326S automatically enters standby after completing
the initialization sequence.

• The main output connectors are muted while the

Nº326S performs the initialization sequence.

Continuous Operation The Nº326S should be unplugged during lightning storms and

extended periods of non-use. Otherwise, it is designed for
continuous operation. For best performance, make sure power is
connected to the ~ac mains connector at all times. During
normal operation, do not use the power button to power off the
Nº326S. Instead, use the front panel or remote control standby
button to place the Nº326S into standby, which allows the
Nº326S to remain warmed-up to deliver optimal performance at
all times.

Quick Start Guide

These instructions are intended to accommodate immediate use of
the Nº326S. However, it is important to read this owner’s manual
before attempting more extensive use. This owner’s manual contains
information about features that enhance operation and performance,
as well as important safety, installation, and operation instructions
designed to prevent personal injuries as well as product damage.

1-9

Nº326S Preamplifier Getting Started

CAUTION

NEVER MAKE OR BREAK CONNECTIONS TO THE Nº326S
UNLESS IT AND ALL ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS ARE
POWERED OFF AND DISCONNECTED FROM ELECTRICAL
OUTLETS.

To begin using the Nº326S:

1. Make sure the Nº326S and all associated components are
powered off and disconnected from electrical outlets.

Note

The Nº326S offers balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA)
stereo connections. For best performance, use balanced
(XLR) connections whenever possible. A balanced connection
between the Nº326S and the associated power amplifier will
offer the highest possible performance with the best
protection against RF interference and other common mode
noise.

2. Connect the desired Nº326S stereo input connectors to the
source component (e.g., CD player) output connectors.

• Use the Nº326S balanced (XLR) stereo input connectors

labeled 1, 2, or 3 if the source component offers balanced
(XLR) output connectors.

• Use the Nº326S single-ended (RCA) stereo input connectors

labeled 4, 5, 6, or 7 if the source component does not offer
balanced (XLR) output connectors.

3. Connect the desired Nº326S stereo main output connectors to
the associated power amplifier.

• Use the Nº326S balanced (XLR) stereo main output

connectors if the associated power amplifier offers balanced
(XLR) input connectors.

• Use the Nº326S single-ended (RCA) stereo main output

connectors if the associated power amplifier does not offer
balanced (XLR) input connectors.

1-10

Getting Started Mark Levinson

4. Reconnect the Nº326S and all associated components to
electrical outlets. Then, power on the Nº326S and all associated
components. It is recommended to power all power amplifiers
on last.

5. Rotate the Nº326S front panel select knob or press the remote
control select ± buttons to select the Nº326S input that
corresponds to the Nº326S stereo input connectors selected in
step 2.

• The Nº326S front panel display indicates the name and

volume level of the selected input.

• Factory-default input names correspond to their assigned

stereo input connectors. For instance, Input 1 is assigned
to the stereo input connectors labeled 1, Input 2 is assigned
to the stereo input connectors labeled 2, and so on.

2-1

Front Panel Overview

Unless otherwise specified, the numbered items in this section
indicate the commands the front panel performs during normal
operating mode. Refer to Section 3: Setup Menu and Section 4:
Controls & Modes for information about other commands the front
panel performs.

1. power button

Powers the Nº326S on and off when the supplied power cord
is connected to the ~ac mains connector and an electrical
outlet. When the Nº326S is powered off, pressing the power
button connects power to the ~ac mains connector and
powers on the Nº326S. When powered on, the Nº326S
automatically enters standby after completing the initialization
sequence. When the Nº326S is powered on, pressing the power
button disconnects power from the ~ac mains connector and
powers off the Nº326S.

Note

Before operating the Nº326S, make sure the ~ac mains
connector label indicates the correct operating voltage (page
1-7) for the current location.

Basic Operation

2

power

1

3

select

5 64

polarity

setup

8

enter

9

display intensity

10

mono

balance

11 12

volume

mute

7

PREAMPLIFIER

Nº 326S

standby

2

2-2

Basic Operation Mark Levinson

2. standby button & LED

Places the Nº326S into standby and takes the Nº326S out of
standby, which allows the Nº326S to remain warmed-up to
deliver optimal performance at all times. The front panel
standby LED blinks red to indicate that the Nº326S is in standby
and lights red to indicate that the Nº326S is not standby.

Note

Power is still connected to the ~ac mains connector when
the Nº326S is in standby.

3. select knob

Selects the desired input. Rotating the select knob scrolls
through all activated inputs. The front panel display indicates
the name and volume level of the selected input. Select knob
scrolling does not include deactivated inputs – inputs for
which the Name parameter has been set to unused.

4. front panel display

Includes 12 alphanumeric characters that provide one-line
viewing of information. During normal operating mode, the
front panel display indicates the name and volume level of
the selected input.

The right side of the front panel display includes an IR receiver
that receives infrared commands from the remote control IR

transmitter when the Nº326S is not using the rear panel ir
input connector. Refer to Operation Considerations (page 2-15)

for additional information.

5. polarity LED

Lights red to indicate that main output signal polarity has
been inverted with the remote control polarity button. Refer
to Polarity (page 4-3) for additional information.

6. mono LED

Lights red to indicate that mono playback has been activated
with the remote control mono button. Refer to Mono Playback
(page 4-5) for additional information.

2-3

Nº326S Preamplifier Basic Operation

7. volume knob

Adjusts master volume level. Rotating the volume knob
increases (clockwise) and decreases (counterclockwise) master
volume level in 1.0dB increments up to 23.0dB and in 0.1dB
increments above 23.0dB. The minimum master volume level
setting is OFF. The MaxVol parameter can be used to determine
the maximum master volume level setting in 0.1dB increments
between 40.0 and 80.0dB. The factory-default maximum
master volume level is 80.0dB.

The Offset parameter can be used to determine individual
input volume level offsets in 0.1dB increments between –20.0
and +20.0dB. The factory-default input volume level offset is

0.0dB. Whenever an input is selected, the Nº326S automatically
applies the Offset parameter setting to master volume level.

Note the following about using the volume knob:

• Rotating the volume knob quickly accelerates the rate of

change to accommodate large adjustments. Rotating the
volume knob too quickly decelerates the rate of change to
prevent accidental adjustments that could send dangerous
signal levels to the loudspeakers.

• Rotating the volume knob slowly decelerates the rate of

change to accommodate fine, precise adjustments.

Note

• The master volume control does not affect record output

levels.

• All Nº326S volume controls, including master volume

and balance, are deactivated when SSP mode (page 4-8)
is activated.

8. setup button & LED

Opens and closes the setup menu, which can be used to
configure the Nº326S to suit individual preferences and
listening spaces. The front panel setup LED lights red to
indicate that the setup menu is open.

9. enter button

Selects and deselects menu items when the setup menu is
open. The enter button performs no function during normal
operating mode.

2-4

Basic Operation Mark Levinson

10. display intensity button

Controls the illumination level of front panel display characters
and the front panel standby LED. Refer to Display Intensity
(page 4-2) for additional information.

11. balance button & LED

Opens and closes the balance control, which can be used to
control the left-to-right channel balance of the main output
connectors. The front panel balance LED lights red to indicate
that the balance control is open. Refer to Balance (page 4-3)
for additional information.

Note

When the balance control is closed, the front panel balance
LED remains lit if the left-to-right channel balance of the
main output connectors is offset.

12. mute button & LED

Activates and deactivates mute. Pressing and releasing the mute
button once activates mute and attenuates master volume by

the selected mute level. The front panel mute LED lights red
to indicate that mute is activated. Pressing and releasing the
mute button again restores master volume to its original
level.

The Mute parameter can be used to determine the amount of
master volume level attenuation that occurs when mute is
activated. The mute level can be set in 0.1dB increments
between –10.0 and –80.0dB. The factory-default mute level is
–20.0dB.

Note

Rotating the front panel volume knob deactivates mute,
adjusting master volume from the muted volume level.

2-5

Nº326S Preamplifier Basic Operation

Rear Panel Overview

CAUTION

NEVER MAKE OR BREAK CONNECTIONS TO THE Nº326S
UNLESS IT AND ALL ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS ARE
POWERED OFF AND DISCONNECTED FROM ELECTRICAL
OUTLETS.

1. ~ac mains connector

Provides power to the Nº326S through the supplied power
cord when the supplied power cord is connected to the ~ac
mains connector and the electrical outlet. One IEC-standard
AC mains receptacle labeled ~ac mains is available.

Note

Before operating the Nº326S, make sure the ~ac mains
connector label indicates the correct operating voltage (page
1-7) for the current location.

The numbers in the Nº 326S rear panel illustration shown above correspond to the numbered items in the Rear Panel Overview section
that begins below. For maximum channel separation, all left-channel connectors are located on one side of the rear panel and all right­channel connectors are located on the opposite side of the rear panel.

MARK LEVINSON

PREAMPLIFIER Nº 326S

S/N

main outputs

3

10

Made in the U.S.A.

1

RIGHT CHANNEL

inputs

3 4 5

2

4 5 9

record outputs

1

communication

2

slave in

7

6

2

7 8

phono
ground

6

trigger
output

RS-232

ir

input

7

record outputs

6

4

2

1

5 4 3

2

LEFT CHANNEL

inputs

1

main outputs

1

2

2

~ac mains

1

3

2-6

Basic Operation Mark Levinson

2. stereo input connectors

Provide left and right-channel analog audio input. For each
channel, a set of balanced (female XLR) connectors is available
to accept line-level balanced input signals from associated
components that offer balanced (male XLR) output connectors.
The connectors in each set are labeled 1-3. Two sets of four
single-ended (RCA) connectors are available to accept line­level single-ended input signals from other associated compo­nents. The connectors in each set are labeled 4-7.

For best performance, use balanced connections whenever
possible. Refer to the illustration to the left and to the associated
component documentation to ensure that Nº326S balanced
input connector pin assignments correspond to the associated
component balanced output connector pin assignments. If
not, wire the cable so that the appropriate input pin connects
to the appropriate output pin.

Note

• The single-ended (RCA) input connector labeled 7

becomes the phono input connector when the Nº326S
phono modules are installed.

•A balanced connection between the Nº326S and the

associated power amplifier will offer the highest possible
performance with the best protection against RF
Interference and other common mode noise.

3. stereo main output connectors

Provide left and right-channel analog audio output. One
balanced (male XLR) connector per channel labeled 1 is avail­able to output balanced signals to an associated power ampli­fier that offers balanced (female XLR) input connectors. One
single-ended (RCA) connector per channel labeled 2 is avail­able to output single-ended signals to other associated compo­nents, including power amplifiers that do not offer balanced
(female XLR) input
connectors.

For best performance, use balanced connections whenever
possible. Refer to the illustration in the top-left corner of this
page and to the associated power amplifier documentation to
ensure that Nº326S balanced output connector pin assignments
correspond to the associated power amplifier balanced input
connector pin assignments. If not, wire the cable so that the
appropriate input pin connects to the appropriate output pin.

Push

Pin 2

Pin 1

Pin 3

Balanced (female XLR)

Input Connector

Pin Assignments

• Pin 1: Signal Ground

• Pin 2: Signal + (Non-Inverting)

• Pin 3: Signal – (Inverting)

• Connector Ground Lug: Chassis Ground

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Balanced (male XLR)

Main Output Connector