Owner`s manual

By creating our own dedicated 400 Hz AC power and then using that to

create “second generation” DC power for the audio circuitry, we keep

the contamination of the modern electrical grid at a safe distance from

the sensitive audio circuits we look to for our musical enjoyment.

dual mono design As might be expected, the Nº32 uses a dual mono design that isolates

each channel from the other. In addition to separate power supplies for

the two audio channels (and additional, completely separate power

supplies for the control, display and communication circuitry in the

Controller), the Preamplifier chassis itself offers complete isolation be-

tween channels. In fact, there is a die-cast aluminum wall between the

two channels in the Preamplifier, separating Left from Right channels

physically as well as electrically.

The remarkable efforts to preserve isolation between channels in the

Nº32 deliver superior imaging specificity and accuracy, creating a viv-

idly rich, three dimensional sonic image.

extraordinary isolation In addition to the isolation between channels, isolation between inputs

in the Nº32 is unsurpassed. By using a discrete “T-switch” input switch-

ing along with special shielding and board layout, the selected source

effectively has the preamplifier “all to itself.” By effectively “unplugging”

inputs not being used, this design delivers better than 120 dB separa-

tion between even adjacent input connectors, ensuring that you hear

only the source you intend to hear, without even subtle contamination

from other active source components.

fully balanced design As with other current Mark Levinson preamplifiers, the Nº32 Refer-

ence Preamplifier is fully balanced from input to output. In fact, even

single-ended inputs are converted to balanced upon entering the

preamp, and are handled in a balanced fashion thereafter. The rigorous

implementation of the balanced circuitry within the Nº32 conveys all

of the information present in the source signal to the power amplifier,

without the limitations of assymetrical single-ended designs.

discrete attenuator The Mark Levinson Nº38 introduced revolutionary volume precision

and resolution to the world of high end preamplifiers, with the first-

ever 0.1 dB-step volume control. In the Nº32, this same approach is

taken to an even higher level in a discrete attenuator of Madrigal’s de-

sign that uses 66 surface-mounted, precision resistors per channel.

Used in combination, this balanced volume control gives us over

65,000 possible volume settings between zero- and maximum-attenua-

tion. (Don’t worry, we don’t use them all.)