Owner`s manual

HDCD

Gain-Matching

Some HDCD-encoded recordings are mastered at a level which is notice-

ably lower (6 dB) than conventional recordings, to allow for greater dy-

namic peaks. To avoid unexpected changes in average volume when going

from one disc to another, the Nº360 can automatically reduce the volume

of all other recordings by six decibels. To remind you of of when it is in this

mode of operation, the Nº360 will display “

-6 dB PAD” when locking on a

digital input signal in the

HDCD AUTO mode.

In our listening tests, we have determined that the only sonically transpar-

ent gain-matching technique is to raise the volume of the preamplifier by

the requisite 6 dB when playing those discs that require it. All other design

options introduce a compromise in sound quality.

For Best Performance: We recommend that you use the HDCD MANUAL gain-

matching in your Nº360 digital audio processor.

If you are using the Nº360 with a Mark Levinson Nº380 or Nº380S

preamplifier, simply name the appropriate input on the preamplifier

“No360” (explained in the preamp manual), and connect the two products

with a Communications Link cable. In this case, the Nº360 will tell the

preamplifier to change its volume setting as necessary to compensate for

differing CD mastering techniques, and you never have to think about it.

(The preamp’s display will show “HD+6” to indicate a change required by the

HDCD recording being played through the Nº360; it will revert to normal

and show “HD+0” when you return to conventional recordings. Older Nº38

and Nº38S preamplifiers may require a new EPROM to take advantage of this

feature.) This technique ensures that you always get the best possible sound

from your system, without any unexpected changes in level, regardless of

the recordings you play.

If you are using the Nº360 with any other preamplifier, follow the steps

below. (You will have to adjust the volume on some HDCD recordings

manually.)

1 Press and hold the mode button on the front panel

After a few seconds, the display will change to show SET NAME and

the current name of the selected input. When you let go, it will show

NAME and the current name of the input. (Ignore this for now. You’ll

learn how to rename your inputs to match your sources later on in this

manual.)