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Nº502
Media Console
The Legend Continues...
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Mark Levinson and the Mark Levinson logo are trademarks
of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, in the
United States and/or other countries. Logic 7 is a trademark of
Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the
United States and/or other countries.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
Gennum is a registered trademark of Gennum Corporation.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface and HDMI are trademarks
or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Not responsible for typographic errors.
Part # 072-18528
www.marklevinson.com
The Legend Continues...
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The Legend Continues...
Nº502 Media Console
Modern home entertainment systems are comprised of an
assortment of components; however, it’s the media console that
defines the boundaries of the systems’ overall potential. It is
responsible for accomplishing many different critical functions
and has a direct influence on everything from the picture on the
screen to the sound that emanates from all of the speakers.
From the precisely machined aluminum surfaces of the chassis
to the elegant backlit engraved glass logo embedded in the
front panel, the Nº502 is a modern interpretation of the Mark
Levinson aesthetic, but that is only the beginning.
The Sound
Mark Levinson products have always been highly regarded
for their sound quality and the Nº502 is no exception. Towards
that end, every part of the audio path from the input to output
was carefully considered and designed to ensure optimal
sound quality.
Starting with the chassis, it was designed to double as an
integrated radio frequency (RF) shield providing immunity from
the RF emissions that are commonly radiated by other devices.
These emissions are a common source of noise that can find its
way into the sensitive audio circuits and degrade sound quality.
Another way for noise to enter a system is through the input
and output connectors which are usually connected directly to
the chassis, providing a direct path for noise to get
in. To prevent this from occurring on the Nº502, the input and
output connectors are electrically isolated from the chassis.
Inside the chassis, the Nº502 utilizes two AC power supplies to
completely isolate the digital and analog signal paths. A digital
supply is used to power the digital circuits, and a toroidal
power transformer is used to power the analog audio circuits.
In addition, both power supplies are carefully shielded in a
chamber inside the chassis to further prevent transformer noise
from leaking into the delicate analog circuits and degrading
sound quality.
Another method employed to reduce noise is
the use of 18-layer circuit boards with minimal
surface etches. They help to lower radiated
emissions within the chassis. We also isolate the
control signals from the audio signals to ensure
that they do not interfere with them. In the
event that any common mode noise is present
inside the system, all of the analog audio signals
are routed inside the chassis as differential
(balanced) signals, to cancel this noise out.
To reduce jitter and digital noise, a specially
designed low voltage differential signaling circuit
is utilized. A proprietary direct digital synthesizer
frequency locked loop controls the audio
master clock resulting in extraordinary jitter
performance. This is a closed loop control algorithm
which improves bandwidth and resolution.
Great care was also taken in the implementation of the level
controls for the Nº502 which offer an adjustment range of
120dB, preserving the full resolution of the signal.
Fewer passive components were employed to reduce noise and
distortion, and digital quantization noise is exceptionally low,
even at the lowest volume settings. This ensures that the level
controls do not significantly degrade the sound of the audio
passing through them, common in many other less rigorous
designs.
The Nº502 features Harman International’s proprietary Logic 7
technology in addition to the standard suite of Dolby®and
DTS®listening modes. Logic 7 processing is widely regarded in
the industry as the best surround-sound process available. In
simple terms, Logic 7 processing works by utilizing a unique
algorithm that engages all of the speakers in a system to
enhance the realism of the sound. By analyzing the spatial cues
included in the original sound, Logic 7 processing presents
them in a manner that makes the overall experience much
more engaging and enveloping.
Another important detail is the Nº502’s bass management
system which utilizes phase-matched signal paths to prevent
signal cancellation. Whenever two signals are combined, as
occurs in all bass management systems, the potential for soundaltering signal cancellation increases. By phase matching the
signal path, the Nº502 ensures that you hear every detail, the
way it was intended, regardless of the speaker configuration.
The Picture
Although Mark Levinson products are known for their
superlative sound quality, the Nº502 also establishes a new
benchmark for picture quality. In addition to providing an array
of analog and High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
inputs and outputs, the Nº502 also includes a state-of-the-art
video processor that can convert all of the inputs into a single
output and scale them to the optimum resolution for driving the
display device. This simplifies the overall system configuration
while providing the absolute best picture quality possible.
To clean up and sharpen compressed images from sources such
as standard DVD and satellite/cable TV broadcasts,
the Nº502 includes advanced noise reduction and
detail enhancement. Combined with the built-in
scaler, standard definition sources look like true
high definition sources. The Nº502 also includes
motion adaptive video de-interlacing with edge
interpolation for improving both standard
definition and high-definition sources. And for
the highest quality video sources currently
available today, the Nº502 readily handles
1080P/24Hz video inputs and outputs
with ease.
The Nº502 features an impressive six HDMI
inputs, each with its own receiver to deliver
exceptionally fast HDMI switching and the
ability to “preview” one HDMI input while
watching another. It also features two HDMI
outputs, so it can alternately drive two different
displays. Combined with the impressive video
processing capabilities, the Nº502 sets a new standard for
picture quality, even when compared to dedicated,
stand-alone video processors.
Audio Performance
Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz, +/– 0.1dB
General
Power Requirements
120V~, 60Hz / 100/220/230V~, 50-60Hz;
Digital Audio Sample Rates
factory set for destination country
32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, & 192kHz
®
Power Consumption 175W
A/D Conversion 24-bit/192kHz, PCM Multibit SD
Dimensions
D/A Conversion 24-bit/192kHz, PCM Multibit SD
Input Impedance 100k ohms
• Height (with feet): 9.46 inches (240.4mm)
• Height (without feet): 8.70 inches (221.0mm)
• Width: 17.48 inches (444.0mm)
• Depth: 17.4 inches (442.4mm)
THD + N 94dB (Reference level: 1kHz, 30kHz LPF)
Weight
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
94dB ohms (Reference level: 30kHz LPF)
Dynamic Range
94dB (Reference level: 1kHz, 30kHz LPF)
• Net weight: 54.5 lbs (24.6kg)
• Shipping weight: 71.0 lbs (32.5kg)
Operating Environment
Operating temperature
0º to 35ºC (32º to 95ºF)
Maximum Input Level 7.5V/15Vrms RCA/XLR
Storage temperature –30º to 75ºC (–22º to 167ºF)
Maximum Output Level 7.5V/15Vrms RCA/XLR
Relative humidity
Reference Input Level 2Vrms
Reference Output Level 1.5V/3Vrms RCA/XLR
95% maximum without condensation
Rack Mounting
Optional Rack Mount Kit is available,
refer to Chapter 1: Getting Started for ordering details
Remote Control
Handheld, back-lit IR operation;
requires two AAA batteries (included)
™
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The Legend Continues...
t
Nº502 Main Video Board
• Video board with twin Gennum®VXP®10-bit broadcast
quality processors for 7.8 gigaflops of processing power
• ZBC technology allows the power and ground planes to
act as a distributed capacitor which functions much better
at high frequencies than conventional bypass capacitors.
This reduces radiated emissions and helps to lower the
overall noise in the system.
• 18-Layer PCB allows more of the signals to be routed on
internal layers. When signals are routed between ground
and power layers, they are effectively shielded and radiate
considerably less. This significantly enhances video signal
to noise ratio.
Nº502
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Nº502 Specifications
Inputs
HDMI
Six HDMI Type A, Version 1.1, 19-pin connectors
Analog Video
• Four component video – one BNC & three RCA
connectors (Y, Pb, Pr)
• Three S-video connectors
• Three composite video, RCA connectors
Digital Audio
• Six S/PDIF coaxial (RCA) and three S/PDIF optical
(TOSlink) connectors
• Coaxial and optical input connectors conform to
IEC-958, S/PDIF standards
• Two AES/EBU inputs, XLR connectors
Analog Audio
• One unbalanced 8-channel input array, RCA connectors
• Four unbalanced stereo pairs, RCA connectors
• Two balanced stereo pairs, XLR connectors
• Four microphone inputs, 3.5mm mini plug, accepts either
stereo plug (tip/ring/sleeve) or mono plug (tip/sleeve)
Outputs
HDMI | Two HDMI Type A, Version 1.1, 19-pin connectors
Analog Video
• One component with three BNC connectors (Y, Pb, Pr)
• One composite monitor, RCA connector
Control Inputs & Outputs
• One RS-232 port, RJ-11 connector
• One Ethernet port, RJ-45 connector
• One ML link port, RJ-45 connector
• Four programmable trigger outputs, 3.5mm mini
plug, accepts either stereo plug (tip/ring/sleeve) or
mono plug (tip/sleeve)
• Output Voltage: 12V
• Output Current: 100mA
• One IR receiver, on front panel
• One IR Input jack, 3.5mm mini plug, accepts either stereo
plug (tip/ring/sleeve) or mono plug (tip/sleeve), 12V
Component Video Performance
Compatibility
480/576i, 480/576p, 720p, 1080i
A/D Conversion
12-bit, 110MHz (4x SD, 2x ED, 1x HD oversampling)
D/A Conversion
14-bit, oversampling to 216MHz
Input/Output Levels
• Y: 1.0Vp-p with 75 ohms load (700mVp-p video)
• Pb/Pr: +/–350mV with 75W load (700mVp-p)
S-Video and Composite Video Performance
The Experience
Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of the Nº502 is the
impressive graphical user interface (GUI). Utilizing a separate
graphics engine with bit-accurate graphics for all output
resolutions, setting up and using the Nº502 is an absolute joy.
Set-up can be accomplished by using the remote control and
the screen in the theater, or by using the buttons and the screen
on the front panel. The GUI on both is the same, so if you can’t
access the screen in the theater for whatever reason, you can
still use the front panel and benefit from the same beautiful
GUI. This is essential for systems where the Nº502 is located out
of sight from the screen in the theater. It also facilitates easier
configuration of other components connected to the Nº502
that also utilize on-screen menus for set-up.
The hierarchal structure of the menus makes it easy to navigate
and further simplify its use. Each screen displays a menu path,
ensuring that you know where you are in the menu system at
all times. Controls are duplicated on both the remote control
and the front panel, so access is convenient whether the Nº502
is within reach or out of sight. All custom setup features are
stored, and the custom configuration can even be saved to a
personal computer through an Ethernet port for additional
peace of mind.
The Nº502 is equipped with a state-of-the-art auto calibration
system that accurately calculates speaker distances, output
levels and full room equalization in less than ten minutes.
Automatic calibration is available for every speaker
configuration and improves sound quality by removing the
interference of sound reflections that are caused by the room
itself. These reflections, or room modes, can be detrimental to
your listening experience by making the sound appear too loud
or too soft at various frequencies and cause lingering
resonances which mask the finer details in the sound. The
Nº502 room equalization effectively eliminates these room
modes and makes the entire system, including the room itself,
sound more neutral and true to the original recording. Once
set-up, the Nº502 is a breeze to
use. Day-to-day controls are kept separate from set-up controls
and all you need do is select an activity such as; “Watch a film,”
“Listen to music,” or “Watch TV” and adjust the volume. Each
activity automatically loads a speaker configuration, an audio
profile and a video profile. This allows the Nº502 to essentially
reconfigure itself automatically to provide the desired listening
and viewing experience for each and every activity.
Control of the Nº502 is accomplished in a number of different
ways. There is the backlit, metal remote control, which feels
both substantial and elegant in your hand and was designed
with a minimal amount of buttons to make it easy to use. There
are the front panel controls for when you are within reach of
the Nº502. But perhaps the most extensive way to control the
Nº502 is by utilizing its RS-232 port in conjunction with a third
party controller, such as those available from Crestron or AMX.
This allows true two-way control of the Nº502 and if the
control system also has video input capability, the ability to send
the picture that is normally displayed on the front panel of the
Nº502 directly into the control system. This puts the GUI of the
Nº502 and the preview feature right into the touch-screen
controller itself, allowing these features to be used wherever the
controller is. In addition, the Nº502 includes a proprietary Mark
Levinson protocol called ML Net which utilizes Ethernet to
provide additional functions when other ML Net equipped
devices are connected to the Nº502.
The Final Word
The Nº502 is a remarkably powerful and flexible media console
for the ultimate home entertainment system and is designed in
every detail to provide the absolute best in film and music
reproduction. It is this meticulous attention to detail that
makes a Mark Levinson product stand above the rest. It sets a
new standard for audio and video performance, control and
flexibility in a single chassis design. Using only the finest
materials and parts, the Nº502 honors the Mark Levinson
tradition and is sure to satisfy even the most demanding
enthusiast.
Analog Audio
• One unbalanced 7.4-channel array, RCA connectors
• One balanced 7.4-channel array, XLR connectors
• Remote Zone
• One unbalanced stereo pair, RCA connectors
HDMI Formats
HDMI Input
• Video: 480/576i, 480/576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• Audio: Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2,
96, 176.4, and 192kHz)
HDMI Output
• Video: 480/576i, 480/576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• Audio: Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2,
96, 176.4, and 192kHz)
Compatibility
NTSC/PAL
A/D Conversion
12-bit, 110MHz (4x SD, 2x ED, 1x HD oversampling)
Composite Input Level
1.0Vp-p with 75 ohms load
S-Video Input Level
• Y (Luma): 1.0Vp-p with 75 ohms load (700mVp-p video)
• C (Chroma): 300mVp-p with 75W load
Composite Monitor Output Level
• 1.0Vp-p with 75 ohms load
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