Operating Manual Mark Levinson® Nº30.6 Reference Digital Processor 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 component. 1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component. 2. This product is equipped 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.
From all of us at Madrigal Audio Laboratories, thank you for choosing the Mark Levinson Nº30.6 Reference Digital Audio Processor. 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 the Nº30.6 ........................................................................................ 6 Placement of the Nº30.6 .................................................................................... 6 Operating Voltage .............................................................................. A Quick Start… ................................................................
Unpacking and Placement Unpacking the Nº30.6 Unpack your Nº30.6 Reference Digital Processor and PLS-330 Power Supply and remove all accessories from the cartons. Keep all packing materials for future transport. Included with your new Mark Levinson processor is a pair of knit, white gloves designed to assist you in the initial unpacking and placement of your new purchase. Please accept them as a token of our appreciation for having purchased one of our products. Placement of the Nº30.6 The Nº30.
Operating Voltage The PLS-330 is set at the factory (internally) for 100V, 120V, 220V, 230V, or 240V AC mains operation at either 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 rear panel of the PLS-330 (above 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 Nº30.6 Reference Digital Audio Processor incorporates several unusual features which enhance its operation.
Warm up/break-in period 5 CONNECT THE AC CORD TO THE PLS-330 AND TO YOUR AC OUTLET The AC recepticle for the power cord is located underneath the PLS-330, in the center of the unit. (This design reduces noise by bringing the power into the chassis precisely where it is needed, rather than routing it throughout the unit.) The Nº30.6 will take a few moments to initialize and will then be ready to use.
Special Design Features Congratulations on your purchase of the Nº30.6 Reference Digital Audio Processor. The Madrigal design team is confident you will enjoy the outstanding performance of the Nº30.6 for many years. In case you are interested in technical details, what follows is a brief outline of some of the key technologies in your new processor. Powerful DSP Capabilities “24/96” capability & HDCD® Your Nº30.
A larger buffer implies a longer delay between when information goes in and when it starts coming back out. With laserdiscs, for example, you must keep the in/out delay small so as to keep the soundtrack synchronized with the picture on the screen. An oversized buffer would make every movie’s audio out of step with its video, an unacceptable situation. It is possible to bypass the FIFO for movies, but you then lose all of its distortion-reducing benefits.
HDCD® Gain-Matching Some HDCD-encoded recordings are mastered at a level which is noticeably lower (6 dB) than conventional recordings, to allow for greater dynamic peaks. To avoid unexpected changes in average volume when going from one disc to another, the Nº30.6 can automatically reduce the volume of all recordings by six decibels. To remind you of of when it is in this mode of operation, the Nº30.6 will display the input’s name and “6 dB PAD” when locking on a digital input signal in the HDCD AUTO mode.
5 4 6 display intensity 2 digital record select MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES polarity invert 7 copy protect 1 aes/ebu 2 3 4 9 8 REFERENCE DIGITAL PROCESSOR Nº 30.6 emphasis 5 3 6 7 8 10 standby 1 Front panel, Nº30.6 1 STANDBY Provided the Nº30.6 is connected to AC power (via the PLS-330), pressing this button takes the Nº30.6 out of “standby” mode, turns the display on, and enables the front-panel controls. Pressing standby again places the Nº30.
5 DISPLAY INTENSITY Pressing this button varies the brightness of the display. Four brightness levels are available. When power is first applied to the Nº30.6 (or when power is restored after an interruption), the display is automatically set to its brightest level. Pressing the display intensity button once dims the display one level; pressing it again dims it further; pressing it again turns the display off. Pressing display intensity once more returns the display to its brightest level.
7 POLARITY INVERT Pressing this button inverts the polarity of the digital signal, to compensate for polarity differences during the recording process. Some recordings may simply “sound better” when this function is active. While polarity invert is selected, the LED above the button will light. Note: polarity invert doesn’t affect the digital outputs, and isn’t available for inverting the polarity of digital signals to be recorded.
1 2 3 Display, Nº30.6 1 INPUT ALIAS This part of the Nº30.6’s display shows the name of the input selected, as determined during setup (see “Assigning input names” in the “Installation” section of this manual). To facilitate operation in complex, multi-source systems, the Nº30.6 is capable of displaying a wide variety of names for each of its eight inputs. They are listed below.
3 SAMPLING FREQUENCY This part of the Nº30.6’s display shows the sampling frequency of the digital input being processed, expressed in kilohertz (kHz). One of five sampling frequencies will be shown: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz. After you press one of the source selection buttons, the Nº30.6 will reduce the volume and the display will show: While the Nº30.
1 right channel left channel 2 analog output analog output 3 balanced analog output balanced analog output control ports REFERENCE DIGITAL PROCESSOR Nº30.6 PHASTLink® compatible d e s i g n e d a n d m a nu fa c t u r e d i n U. S. A .
Connect the left channel’s analog dc in on the rear panel of the Nº30.6 to the left analog dc out on the rear panel of the PLS-330; likewise, connect the right channel’s analog dc in on the rear panel of the Nº30.6 to the right analog dc out on the rear panel of the PLS-330. 5 COMMUNICATION PORTS Your Nº30.6 includes both RS-232 and the Mark Levinson Linking system communications ports. The RS-232 port may also be used to update the operating software of the Nº30.
RJ-45 cables and connectors are used throughout the world for both telecommunications and computers, and are widely available. The connectors are crimped on to the ends of the cable such that pin 1 at one end is connected to pin 1 at the other end. Such a “straight-through” connection is (counter-intuitively) made by introducing a 180° twist in the cable between the two ends, as shown below. Building link cables From Nº30.6 Locking tab To Nº31.
These inputs conform to the Sony/Philips Digital Interface Standard (S/PDIF), which calls for a 75Ω transmission of the DAS. Use a digital interconnecting cable specifically designed for the 75Ω S/PDIF standard, such as Madrigal MDC-2 cable, when using these inputs.
Caution! 22 When using a digital recorder (like a DAT) that also allows recording of analog signals, a specific combination of interconnections and settings on the digital recorder, the Nº30.6, and an associated preamplifier may create a “feedback loop” that may damage your system’s loudspeakers. For guidance in avoiding such a feedback loop, consult your Mark Levinson dealer.
right analog dc out digital dc out left analog dc out WARNING: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE operating voltage: THIS DEVICE, REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR PROPER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE AVAILABLE INSIDE; DISCONECT AC ~ MAINS CABLE BEFORE REMOVING COVER.
Setup and Installation Caution! Nº30.6 Input Names For your protection, review “Important Safety Instructions” before you install your Nº30.6/PLS-330. The Nº30.
signed for S/PDIF interconnection (via RCA-type connectors). Both are available in various lengths from your Mark Levinson dealer. Using appropriate cables, connect all your digital source components to suitable inputs on the rear panel of the Nº30.6 processor. If you have several such components, you might want to make a note of which component is plugged into which input on a piece of scrap paper.
Making Power Supply Connections After making all signal connections, connect the left channel’s analog dc in on the rear panel of the Nº30.6 to the left analog dc out on the rear panel of the PLS-330; likewise, connect the right channel’s analog dc in on the rear panel of the Nº30.6 to the right analog dc out on the rear panel of the PLS-330. Connect digital dc in on the rear panel of the Nº30.6 to the digital dc out on the rear panel of the PLS-330.
3 PRESS THE SELECTED INPUT BUTTON REPEATEDLY UNTIL YOU SEE THE NAME YOU WISH TO USE This action will cause the display to cycle through the list of available names, with the input number appended to the end of each name.
Linked functions The Nº30.6 has the ability to “link” six of its functions to compatible Mark Levinson components (like the Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport and the Nº380 or Nº380S Preamplifier). Note: To take advantage of linked functions, you must connect the Nº30.6 to the other components via their communication ports. (See “Rear panel” and “Set-up and installation.”) There are six linked functions. Record link ■ Record l ink: While the Nº31.5 is selected as the Nº30.
When the components are linked, all displays will be set to the same brightness. Pressing display intensity on either component will affect both displays. Polarity link ■ Polarity l ink: This links the d/a polarity button on the Nº31.5’s Remote Control to the polarity invert function of the Nº30.6. The polarity link also allows inverted polarity to be saved with a program, via the Nº31.5. The following Link is not a selectable option.
Troubleshooting In general, refer any service problems to your Mark Levinson dealer. Before contacting your dealer, however, check to see if the problem is listed here. If it is, try the suggested solutions. If none of these solves the problem, contact your Mark Levinson dealer. 30 1. THE Nº30.6 WON’T FUNCTION, AND THE DISPLAY IS DARK. ✓ The standby button on the front panel isn’t turned on. ✓ The PLS-330 isn’t plugged into the AC mains. ✓ The center (digital) section of the Nº30.
• to mute its digital output entirely, or • to downsample (to a maximum of 16 bits/48 kHz). Conveying the full 24/96 digital material out of a transport when the CSS flag has been invoked is a violation of copyright, and illegal. It may be that you are trying to listen to a disc which invokes CSS.
Care and maintenance To remove dust from the cabinet of the Nº30.6, use a feather duster. To remove dirt and fingerprints, we recommend isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. Caution! 32 Always apply the isopropyl alcohol to the soft cloth and then wipe the Nº30.6 with the dampened cloth. Never pour even small amounts of any liquid directly on the Nº30.6, as doing so may allow the liquid to reach the circuitry inside 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 Nº30.6 yield excellent results by any standards. However, only those specifications that apply to its actual operation are included here. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Frequency response: 10Hz - 20kHz +0dB, –0.
Dimensions Nº30.6 Front Dimensions 1-3/4" (44.5mm) 2-1/8" (54mm) 15-3/4" (400.1mm) 7-1/4" (184.2mm) 4-1/4" (108mm) 1 7/8" (22.2mm) 2-1/4" (57.2mm) 1/8" (3.2mm) 4" (101.6mm) 11-5/8" (295.3mm) 7/8" (22.2mm) 19-3/8" (492.1mm) Nº30.6 Rear Dimensions 1-15/16" (49.2mm) 1-13/16" (46mm) 2-1/16" (52.4mm) analog output analog output 5/16" (7.9mm) balanced analog output balanced analog output control ports 15-1/2" (393.7mm) S/N REFERENCE DIGITAL PROCESSOR Nº30.
Nº30.6 Top Dimensions 1/16" (1.6mm) 1-1/2" (38.1mm) 15/16" (23.8mm) 1-1/16" (27mm) 15-7/16" (392.1mm) 7-1/4" (184.2mm) 11-5/16" (287.3mm) 11-5/8" (295.3mm) 2-1/4" (57.2mm) 7/8" (22.2mm) 7/16" (11.1mm) 2-9/16" (65.1mm) 3/4" (19.1mm) 5/16" (7.9mm) 3/16" (4.8mm) PLS-330 Front Dimensions 15-3/4" (400.1mm) 4-1/4" (108mm) 1" (25.4mm) 1-1/4" (31.8mm) 2-1/4" (57.2mm) PLS-330 Rear Dimensions 15-1/2" (393.7mm) 4" (101.6mm) 1-1/16" (27mm) 1-3/16" (30.2mm) 2-1/4" (57.
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 HDCD® and High Definition Compatible Digital® are registered trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc. 630342 © 9/1998 Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
