Operating Manual Mark Levinson® Nº380S Preamplifier Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
Important Safety Instructions Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Mark Levinson® power amplifier. 1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component. 2. This product must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes an earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used. 3.
From all of us at Madrigal Audio Laboratories, thank you for choosing the Mark Levinson Nº380S Preamplifier. A great deal of effort went into the design and construction of this precision device. Used properly, it will give you many years of enjoyment.
Table of Contents Unpacking and Placement ........................................................................ 6 unpacking ........................................................................................................... 6 installing the batteries in the remote control .................................................... 6 placement .......................................................................................................... 6 ventilation ..........................................
Unpacking and Placement unpacking Unpack your Nº380S Preamplifier and keep all packing materials for future transport. Locate and remove all accessory items from the cartons. Accessories include: 1 90° shielded AC power cord 1 Nº380S remote control 2 alkaline batteries 1 5⁄64" Allen key 1 1⁄8" Allen key Included with your new Mark Levinson preamplifier is a pair of knit, white gloves designed to assist you in the initial unpacking and placement of your new purchase.
Operating Voltage The Nº380S Preamplifier is set at the factory (internally) for 100V, 120V, 200V, 230V, 220V, or 240V AC mains operation @ 50 or 60Hz. (230V/50Hz only in European Union countries, in compliance with CE regulations.) This voltage setting cannot be changed by the user. Make sure that the label on the bottom panel of the Nº380S (adjacent to the AC cord) indicates the correct AC operating voltage for your location.
A Quick Start… We recognize that many people are understandably eager to begin listening to their new components, and that reading the manual is often done (if at all) at a later time—perhaps while listening to music through the new product itself. We strongly recommend that you read this manual thoroughly, as the Nº380S Preamplifier incorporates many unusual features which enhance its operation.
1 2 3 4 5 6 display intensity inverted mode polarity PREAMPLIFIER Nº 380S monitor mono 1 record select 2 3 7 balance 4 5 6 8 mute 9 standby 10 Front Panel 1 DISPLAY INTENSITY BUTTON Cycles among four levels of brightness (including “off”) for the display, allowing adjustment for various ambient lighting conditions. When “off,” the display will turn on for a few seconds whenever a setting is changed.
3 MODE INDICATORS Three LEDs give visual confirmation of the operational mode the Nº380S is in at any moment. When the balance control of the Nº380S is “off-center,” the balance LED remains lit as a reminder, in addition to other mode indicators that might be on to indicate either monitor or record select.
If you adjust the volume with either the volume knob or the remote control while mute is engaged, the preamplifier will adjust its volume from the muted volume and disengage the mute function. (This to prevent an unpleasant surprise when, having increased the volume while muted, someone un-mutes the system.) The factory default setting of the Mute circuit is -20 dB. (See “Setup and Installation” for information on changing the factory default setting.
1 2 3 4 right rec out 1 5 right rec out 2 4 c o m m u n i c a t i o n slave external p o r t s master left rec out 2 left rec out 1 PREAMPLIFIER Nº380S PREAMPLIFIER Nº38 designed and manufactured in U.S.A.
If your system calls for multiple outputs from the Nº380S (as might be the case for “passive” biamplification, for example), you may use balanced Yadapters to split each balanced output into two balanced outputs. The low output impedance (6Ω) of the Nº380S can easily drive multiple power amplifiers.
4 RECORD OUTPUTS Connect these outputs to the right-channel and left-channel tape inputs of your recorder. Make a note of which set of record outputs you used with which recording device. It is important to name the inputs you use and to associate the correct record output with the appropriate recording device. By giving the Nº380S this information, it can prevent accidental record loops that might otherwise create disturbing feedback.
Warning! Connecting the communication ports other than as described in this manual can damage the Nº380S and the associated Mark Levinson components, and will void those products’ warranties. 6 INPUTS 3-6 Accepts right-channel and left-channel (single-ended) inputs from line-level source equipment such as tuners, CD players, and tape decks. If a turntable is to be used with the Nº380S, it must be used in conjunction with a phono preamp such as the Mark Levinson Nº25.
Remote Control R MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES 1 2 3 4 1 MONO Pressing this button will toggle the Nº380S in and out of the mono mode, having the same effect as pressing the front panel mono button. Mono mode activates circuitry which combines Left and Right input signals, and sends the resulting monophonic signal to both Left and Right outputs. This circuit is particularly useful when listening to older, monophonic source material, at which time significant noise reduction may be realized.
7 MUTE Toggles between normal output level and the user-programmable mute function, reducing the level by 1 to 60 decibels (depending on the user’s programming). The factory default setting gives a 20 decibel reduction in output.
Setup and Installation connections and cables The Nº380S incorporates both 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 RCA-type connectors, offering superior contact integrity and mechanical locking when used in conjunction with the Madrigal cable-mounted RCAs.
setup overview The Nº380S Preamplifier has many provisions for custom-tailoring the system’s operation to match your preferences. The consistent method for modifying any of these settings is to enter a setup mode by: • pressing and holding a button for several seconds; • the setting is then modified, either by pressing a button or turning the volume knob; • and then the new preference is confirmed by pressing and holding the original button again for several seconds.
The factory default input name is NOT USED for each input except CD1 and CAS3 (for “cassette in input 3”, the most common recording device); these were configured for the Quick Start portion of this manual. Any or all input names (including these) may be changed easily to match the configuration of your particular system.
assigning record outputs 5 IF THE SOURCE IN QUESTION IS A RECORDABLE DEVICE… You will be further prompted to associate a particular record output with this particular device. Instead of showing “NEW DATA,” the display will read “RCD: NONE” as shown below. You may elect not to use either record output with this particular device, as may be the case if you have several devices in your system that are capable of recording. In this case, leave the display on “RCD: NONE” and move to Step 6.
results of unrealistic tests The Nº380S Preamplifier has been optimized to yield optimum sonic performance under normal, real-world operating conditions. This approach involves no disadvantage when the unit is used as designed. Unrealistic tests such as listening at full gain to an unterminated input which has been associated with an unterminated record output may result in some small amount of noise at the main output which does not occur when the Nº380S is used correctly.
4 PRESS AND HOLD THE MODE BUTTON ON THE FRONT PANEL After a few seconds the display will change to show SET DATA, as below. Release the mode button. 5 RAISE THE VOLUME TO MATCH YOUR REFERENCE Using the volume knob, raise the volume of your “quieter” source until it subjectively matches the volume level of your “loudest” source. The display will show the name of the input you are adjusting and the degree of additional output you are assigning to it, measured in decibels (0.0 to 20.
In order to take advantage of this automatic output level setting, follow the steps below: 1 SELECT THE INPUT WHOSE LEVEL YOU WOULD LIKE TO “AUTOMATE” 2 ADJUST THE VOLUME TO YOUR PREFERRED LEVEL This will be the preferred, programmed level. 3 PRESS AND HOLD THE MODE BUTTON ON THE FRONT PANEL Hold the mode button until the display reads “SET DATA,” as below: 4 TURN THE VOLUME KNOB COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM 0.
5 PRESS AND HOLD THE MODE BUTTON AGAIN… until the display reads NEW DATA. This indicates that your new automatic output level has been stored in nonvolatile memory. Your Nº380S will now automatically return to this volume setting whenever this input is selected. To reverse this situation, simply readjust the input offset as described above (in “programming input offsets”). Note: programming the mute function It is necessary for the Nº380S to have an Input Offset of 0.
2 ADJUST THE VOLUME KNOB TO YOUR PREFERRED SETTING You may select any value between -1 and -60 decibels (inclusive), in onedecibel increments. 3 PRESS AND HOLD THE MUTE BUTTON AGAIN When the display reads NEW DATA, the Nº380S will have saved your new setting in nonvolatile memory. The mute button will toggle you back and forth between the “normal” playback level and a level which is as many decibels below that level as you have elected to use as your mute function.
mal volume mode of operation. The display will read LOCK OFF to indicate the return to normal operation. standby timer In a similar fashion, you may elect to have the preamplifier (and the entire system, if Linked) go into standby after a certain period of time, much like a “Sleep Timer” on many alarm clocks. To engage the standby timer on the Nº380S: 1. PRESS AND HOLD THE STANDBY BUTTON UNTIL THE DISPLAY READS TIME OFF. 2. TURN THE VOLUME KNOB TO SELECT A TIME BETWEEN 1 AND 120 MINUTES.
Operational Modes the monitor mode The majority of time you spend with your Nº380S will be spent in the monitor mode. In this mode, the display indicates the name of the input you have selected and the listening volume (in decibels). The output control acts as a volume knob, increasing or decreasing the volume in 0.1 dB increments above 39.0 (with gradually increasing increments below this low level). The input selection buttons select the source to be listened to at any point in time.
The record outputs may be disconnected (or “defeated”) by pressing the input selector button of the currently selected (to-be-recorded) input a second time. Doing so will toggle the record outputs on and off. The display will alternatively read the name of the chosen input and RECD OFF as shown below. Defeating the record outputs eliminates even the possibility that the input impedance of a recording device could have an effect on the sound quality of the preamplifier.
balance control tip Precise balance control is essential for obtaining accurate soundstaging. Output imbalances due to asymmetrical placement of the loudspeakers in the room are common, and degrade imaging accuracy. To correct this problem, place the Nº380S in mono mode and center the resulting image (which should be quite small) directly between the loudspeakers, using the balance control. Differences as small as 0.1 or 0.2 decibels have been found to be significant. Try it.
Using Surround Sound Processors The Nº380S Preamplifier incorporates a special surround sound processor mode which makes it uniquely capable of integrating the highest performance audio with surround sound—that is, dual-purpose music and movie systems. In order to better understand the value of this design, it is essential to understand a bit about the nature of a surround sound processor.
the SSP must not be in a tape loop The last remaining alternative would seem to be to insert the decoder “within” a preamplifier by hooking it up in a tape loop. Unfortunately, this setup returns the Left and Right outputs of the decoder to the preamplifier, where they can be inappropriately changed without changing the Center and Surround outputs. It is therefore inappropriate to place surround sound decoders in a tape loop.
wiring diagram using an SSP video 1 video 2 video 3 video 4 Surround Sound Processor LF RF R inverted mode polarity mon o 1 2 3 4 balance 5 6 mute RS Center/Sub Power Amplifier Sub Ctr RF RF MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES PREAMPLIFIER Nº 380S record select LS Surround Power Amplifier Ctr Sub display intensity monitor LS RS standby LF Main (Front) Power Amplifier LF Listening Room noise in a/v systems In some cases, connecting your audio and video systems together can result i
Linked Functions The Nº380S has the ability to “link” several of its functions to certain compatible Mark Levinson components (such as the Nº30.5 or Nº36S digital processors and the Nº31.5 and Nº37 CD transport). Note: To take advantage of linked functions, you must connect the Nº380S to the other, compatible Mark Levinson components via their communication ports. (See “Rear Panel” and “Setup and Installation.
Care and Maintenance To remove dust from the cabinet of the Nº380S, use a feather duster. To remove dirt and fingerprints, we recommend isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. Apply the alcohol to the cloth first and then lightly clean the surface of the Nº380S, going with the grain of the brushed aluminum. Warning! At no time should liquid cleaners be applied directly to the Nº380S, as direct application of liquids may result in damage to electronic components within the unit.
U.S. and Canadian Warranty 90-day limited warranty This Mark Levinson® product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase. To extend the warranty of this Mark Levinson product, return the warranty registration card along with a copy of the original receipt of purchase to Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc., P. O. Box 781, Middletown, CT 06457.
Obtaining Service We take great pride in our dealers. Experience, dedication, and integrity make these professionals ideally suited to assist with our customers’ service needs. If your Mark Levinson component must be serviced, please contact your dealer. Your dealer will then decide whether the problem can be remedied locally, or whether to contact Madrigal for further service information or parts, or to obtain a Return Authorization.
Specifications The correlation between published specifications and sonic quality is unreliable. A list of numbers reveals virtually nothing. All technical measurements must be subject to qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation. Measurements of the Nº380S yield excellent results by any standards. However, only those specifications that apply to its actual operation are included here.
Dimensions 13.38" 34 cm 0.425" 1.1 cm 7.68" 19.5 cm 2.85" 7.24 cm 0.10" 2.00" 5.1 cm 4.45" 11.3 cm 7.34" 18.6 cm 2.00" 5.1 cm 15.55" 39.5 cm 11.55" 29.3 cm 1.19" 3 cm 0.875" 2.2 cm 6.5" 16.5 cm 15.75" 40 cm 7.34" 18.6 cm 2.00" 5.1 cm 0.10" 2.5 mm 0.925" 2.3 cm 13.38" 34 cm 2.96" 7.5 cm 3.76" 9.5 cm 0.08" 2 mm 2.00" 5.1 cm 3.125" 7.9 cm (AC input) 2.25" 5.7 cm 2.25" 5.7 cm 0.08" 2 mm 0.5" 1.
Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc. 2081 South Main Street, P.O. Box 781 Middletown, Connecticut 06457 USA Telephone: (860) 346-0896 Fax: (860) 346-1540 http://www.madrigal.com/ R MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES is a registered trademark of Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc. a Harman International company 630260-2 © 6/1998 Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
