Mark Levinson No 26 Owners manual

DEFEAT

0° 180° STEREO MONO

AUX 1

INPUT

MONITOR

TAPE 1

MONITOR SELECTORRECORD SELECTOR

TAPE 2

PHONO/

AUX 2

TUNER

CD

INPUT

SELECTOR BALANCE 1 BALANCE 2

TAPE 1

TAPE 2

MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES

DUAL MONAURAL

PREAMPLIFIER

Nº 26

5

4

6

3

2

1

OFF

OUTPUT

LEVEL

7

8

9

10

-3

2 7

0dB

+1

-1

-2

-4

+2

+3

+4

+5

-5

0dB

+1

-1

-2

-3

-4

+2

+3

+4

-5

+5

1

3 4 5 6 6

Front panel

1 RECORD SELECTOR

Selects between the program source (selected via the INPUT
SELECTOR), and either of two tape monitor inputs (selected via the
MONITOR SELECTOR).

In the DEFEAT position, the tape outputs are disconnected.

In the INPUT position, the tape outputs are connected while still
monitoring the selected source.

In the MONITOR position, the selected tape machine can be
monitored without affecting the signal at the tape outputs.

Note: Because of the switching arrangement employed in
the Nº26, we recommend that while making a critical
recording you don't operate the RECORD SELECTOR switch.

If you wish to monitor the signal from tape, set the RECORD
SELECTOR to MONITOR and use your tape machine's monitor
switch to switch between input and tape.

20°/180°

In the 0° position, the signal at the main outputs is in phase with the
input signal. In the 180° position, the output signal is inverted 180

degrees. This allows you to optimize your system's sonic
performance based on recording/mastering processes used for a
specific program.

The 0°/180° switch doesn't affect the tape outputs.

3 MONITOR SELECTOR

When the RECORD SELECTOR is in the MONITOR position, this selects
between the TAPE 1 and TAPE 2 inputs.

4 INPUT SELECTOR

Selects one of the six inputs: CD, TUNER, AUX 1, PHONO/AUX 2
(depending on the installed option), TAPE 1, or TAPE 2.

1

5 OUTPUT LEVEL

Adjusts volume at the main outputs.

The OUTPUT LEVEL control doesn't affect the tape outputs.

Note: In some systems, particularly those with high-efficiency
loudspeakers, high-gain amplifiers, and balanced
interconnections, it's possible that you may hear some low­level sound through your loudspeakers

OUTPUT LEVEL control set to OFF

.

even with the Nº26's

If this occurs with all inputs, reduce the
internal switches). If this occurs only when listening to the
source connected to the Nº26's optional balanced input,
reduce the
See "Set-up and installation."

6 BALANCE 1, BALANCE 2

Adjusts volume at the main outputs.

The BALANCE controls don't affect the tape outputs.

7 STEREO/MONO

Selects between monaural or stereo mode at the main output.

The STEREO/MONO switch doesn't affect the tape outputs.

balanced input gain

(via the internal switches).

line gain

(via the

2

2 4 4

10

BALANCED OUTPUT

RL

1

PRECAUTION

MAIN OUT TAPE 2 OUT TAPE 1 OUT

RLRLRL

TUNER TAPE 2 IN TAPE 1 IN

3

5 5 7 8 9

POWER
SUPPLY

Rear panel

Disconnect all associated equipment from the AC mains BEFORE
making any signal connections and applying power to the Nº26/PLS-

226.

1 BALANCED OUTPUT

If your power amplifier is equipped with balanced input
connectors, it's best to connect it to the Nº26 via these connectors,
particularly if long cable lengths are required.

Connect the right-channel and left-channel BALANCED OUTPUT of
the Nº26 to the appropriate balanced inputs of the power
amplifier.

INPUT

6

DUAL MONAURAL

PREAMPLIFIER

CD AUX 1 PHONO/AUX 2

RL RL RL

Nº 26

DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED

IN U.S.A. BY
MADRIGAL

AUDIO LABORATORIES INC.

S/N:

OPTIONAL BALANCED INPUT

RL

AUX 2

PUSH PUSH

11

The pin assignments of these XLR-type male outputs are:

PUSH

21

3

Pin 1: Signal ground
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)
Connector ground lug: chassis ground

Refer to your power amplifier's operating manual to verify that the
pin assignments of its input connector correspond to the Nº26. If
not, wire the cable so that the appropriate output pin connects to
the equivalent input pin.

2 MAIN OUT

Connect these outputs to the right-channel and left-channel
inputs of your power amplifier or electronic crossover.

These outputs are affected by the OUTPUT LEVEL control on the
front panel of the Nº26.

3 TUNER

Accepts right-channel and left-channel signal leads from a tuner
or other line-level source equipment.

3

4 TAPE 1 OUT, TAPE 2 OUT

Connect these outputs to the right-channel and left-channel tape
inputs of your tape machine.

5 TAPE 1 IN, TAPE 2 IN

Accept right-channel and left-channel signal leads from the tape­output connectors of a tape machine. These inputs can also be
used with other line-level source equipment.

These outputs are unaffected by the OUTPUT LEVEL control on the
front panel of the Nº26.

6 POWER SUPPLY INPUT

Accepts one end of the DC cable that connects the Nº26 to the
PLS-226.

7CD

Accepts right-channel and left-channel balanced signal leads
from a CD player or other line-level source equipment.

8 AUX 1

Accepts right-channel and left-channel signal leads from line-level
source equipment.

9 PHONO/AUX 2

If your Nº26 is equipped with the phono option, connect your
turntable's right-channel and left-channel signal leads to these
inputs.

If your Nº26 isn't equipped with a phono option, these inputs will
accept signal leads from any line-level source equipment.

10 Ground binding post

Connect your tonearm's ground lead to this binding post.

11 OPTIONAL BALANCED INPUT

If your Nº26 is equipped with the balanced input option, connect
the right-channel and left-channel balanced line-level signal leads
from source equipment with balanced output.

The pin assignments of these XLR-type female input connectors
are:

Pin 1: Signal ground

12

3

Refer to the operating manual of your balanced-output line-level
source to verify that the pin assignments of its output connector
correspond to the Nº26. If not, wire the cable so that the
appropriate output pin connects to the equivalent input pin.

Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)
Connector ground lug: chassis ground

4

Unpacking and placement

Unpacking

Placement

Ventilation

Unpack your Nº26 Preamplifier and PLS-226 Power Supply, and keep all
packing materials for future transport. Remove all accessories from the
cartons.

Carefully inspect the product for damage and flaws. If you find any,
see your Mark Levinson dealer immediately.

Place the Nº26 as close as possible to the source equipment, thus
keeping interconnect cabling as short as possible. It may be placed
on a shelf or in a cabinet where it's convenient to operate.

A one-meter DC cable is provided to connect the PLS-226 to the Nº26.
This allows you to place the PLS-226 so that it won't induce hum in the
Nº26 and other sensitive components. If you're placing the Nº26 and
PLS-226 adjacent to each other, place the PLS-226 to the right of the
Nº26 (viewed from the front). You should also place associated
equipment so that it doesn't induce hum in the Nº26 and other
sensitive components.

Be sure to allow 3 to 4 inches of clearance above both the Nº26 and
the PLS-226, to allow heat dissipation through air circulation.

Drawings are included in this manual to facilitate special installations
and custom cabinetry (see "Dimensions").

PRECAUTION

For your protection, review "Important safety instructions" before you
install your Nº26.

5

Voltage selection

The PLS-226 is factory-set (internally) for 100V, 120V, 200V, 220V, or
240V AC mains operation @ 50 or 60Hz. Make sure that the label on
the bottom of the PLS-226 indicates the correct AC operating voltage
for your location.

PLS-226 bottom-panel

label

PLS-226 POWER SUPPLY

AC INPUT

210 – 240VAC~
230 – 250VAC~

~50 – 60HZ

Voltage

indication

DC OUTPUTS

WARNING: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO

OPERATE THIS DEVICE, REFER TO
OWNER'S MANUAL FOR PROPER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS. HAZARDOUS VOL T AGE
AVAILABLE INSIDE; DISCONNECT AC~
MAINS CABLE BEFORE REMOVING COVER.

OPERATING VOLTAGE:

90 – 110VAC~

105 – 125VAC~
180 – 220VAC~

100 – 120VAC~
2A SLO–BLO 250VAC 3AB

MAINS

200 – 240VAC~

FUSES:

1A SLO–BLO 250VAC 3AB

SERIAL NO.

DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN U.S.A. BY

MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES INC.

If the voltage indicated is incorrect, see your Mark Levinson dealer.

If you wish to change the AC operating voltage of the Nº26/PLS-226,
see your Mark Levinson dealer.

The Nº26/PLS-226 can be powered by a normal 15-ampere AC mains
line. If other devices are also powered from the same AC line, their
additional power consumption must be taken into account.

6

Set-up and installation

Connectors and cables

Internal adjustments:

line gain

The Nº26 incorporates RCA-type and XLR-type connectors for audio
signal input and output.

The Madrigal-designed RCA-type connectors used for single-ended
audio interconnection are a great improvement over ordinary RCA­type connectors. The gold-plated XLR-type connectors employed are
of European design, and are made to professional standards.

When connecting the Nº26 to source equipment and power
amplifiers, we recommend Madrigal Audio Laboratories HPC
Interconnect Cable. HPC is available in various lengths, terminated
with RCA, XLR, and Camac connectors. See your Mark Levinson
dealer for more information.

The Nº26 offers internal gain adjustment of the line amplifiers, in 6dB
steps via two four-pole miniature rocker switches (one for each
channel). These switches have been factory-adjusted at the lowest
gain position (6dB of line gain in single-ended operation, and 12dB of
line gain in balanced operation). In practice, you should have enough
gain so that normal listening is possible with the OUTPUT LEVEL set at
approximately 6.

If you wish to increase the line gain, see "Making the internal
adjustments;" refer to the table below for the proper switch positions
for each gain setting.

Line gain settings

Internal adjustments:

phono gain

Phono gain settings

(high-gain option)

Phono gain settings

(low-gain option)

Switch Gain

#1 #2 #3 #4 Single-Ended Output Balanced Output
On On Off Off 18dB 24dB
Off On On Off 12dB 18dB
Off Off On On 6 dB 12dB

The Nº26 is available with either a high-gain or low-gain phono option.
Each option offers two internally adjustable gain settings via two two­pole miniature rocker switches, one for each channel. The high-gain
and low-gain phono options have been factory-adjusted at the lowest
gain settings (58dB and 38dB, respectively).

If you wish to increase the gain, see "Making the internal adjustments;"
refer to the tables below for the proper switch positions for each gain
settings.

Switch

#1 #2 Gain Nominal Cartridge Output (3.54 cm/sec)
On Off 58dB .2mV - .6mV
Off On 64dB .2mV and Lower

Switch

#1 #2 Gain Nominal Cartridge Output (3.54 cm/sec)
On Off 38dB Greater than 2.0mV
Off On 44dB 2.0mV and Lower

7