Mark Levinson 326S - Manual (Page 3)

Unlike other stereo preamplifiers, the Nº326S is
designed to integrate with multi-channel surround
sound processors - minus the drawback of compet-
ing master volume level controls. A unique
surround sound processor mode allows the Nº326S
to set its master volume level control to unity gain,
passing complete control to the surround sound
processor. With no interference from the Nº326S,
the surround sound processor can maintain the rela-
tive volume level of all channels without distorting
its carefully calibrated input and output levels.
A modest connector complement includes three
balanced (XLR) and four single-ended (RCA) input
connectors. Single-ended input signals are converted
to balanced signals upon entering the chassis, and
processed as balanced signals thereafter. During this
conversion process, meticulously balanced circuits
preserve all input signal information, passing it to
the power amplifier without the limitations of more
asymmetrical single-ended designs.
The phono option, based on the No 32 design,
offers two channels of world-class phono preamp
that integrates seamlessly into the No 326S. Upon
installation, the No 326S automatically recognizes
the phono modules and assigns them to input 7.
The modules are highly configurable and customiz-
able. They work in conjunction with No 326S
software to offer accurate set-up and calibration for
virtually any LP source.
The rear panel includes separate main and record
output connectors, as well as two Link communica-
tion ports that make it possible for the Nº326S to be
included in Mark Levinson Link systems.
A large front panel “select” knob provides quick
selection of the desired input. When an input is
selected, just press and hold the front panel or
remote control setup button to open the correspon-
ding Set Inputs menu, which can be used to select a
custom name, optimize gain levels, set a master
volume level offset, or assign record output connec-
tors to individual inputs.
Following in the footsteps of the Nº32, the Nº326S
exceeds all reasonable expectations for a stereo
preamplifier. Its flexible design, including seven
configurable inputs, separate main and record
outputs, and full surround sound processor integra-
tion, allow it to accommodate a wide range of
demands. All this, plus the addition of an Arlon 25
main circuit board, create a preamp that is equally at
home in a dedicated two-channel audiophile listen-
ing room as it is in extensive theater installations.
Highlights
• Arlon 25 main circuit board
• 7 configurable inputs
• Separate main and record outputs
• 3 balanced (XLR) inputs
• 4 single-ended (RCA) inputs
• Complete surround sound processor integration
• Advanced dual-mono design
• Maximum channel isolation
• Independent power supplies for audio circuit
and control sections, each with their own low-
noise toroidal transformer
• Effective noise suppression and isolation tech-
nologies
• AC power filtering
• Two active voltage regulation stages
• Faraday shield to separate AC power from low-
voltage secondaries
• Independent audio circuits, communication
circuits, and power supplies for each channel
• Two separate proprietary discrete volume atten-
uator modules
• Deactivation of unused inputs to eliminate
ground loop noise
• Balanced conversion for single-ended input
signals
• Intuitive Set Inputs menu
• Large front panel display
• Two Mark Levinson Link communication ports
• RS-232 communication port
• Trigger output connector
• IR input connector
• Phono input option
Nº326S shown with the
steel shield box removed.