Mark Levinson N 320S - Manual (Page 3)

of competing master volume level controls. A
unique surround sound processor mode allows
the Nº320S to set its master volume level control
to unity gain, passing complete control to the
surround sound processor. With no interference
from the Nº320S, the surround sound processor
can maintain the relative volume level of all chan-
nels 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 there-
after. During this conversion process,
meticulously balanced circuits preserve all input
signal information, passing it to the power ampli-
fier without the limitations of more asymmetrical
single-ended designs.
The rear panel also includes separate main and
record output connectors, as well as two Link
communication ports that make it possible for the
Nº320S 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 corre-
sponding 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 connectors to individual inputs.
Following in the footsteps of the Nº32, the
Nº320S exceeds all reasonable expectations for a
stereo preamplifier. Its flexible design, including
seven configurable inputs, separate main and
record outputs, and full surround sound proces-
sor integration, allow it to accommodate a wide
range of demands. Even more, several advanced
technologies protect audio circuits for a superior
sound sure to complement even the most sophis-
ticated home entertainment systems.
Highlights
• 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 proprietary discrete volume attenuator
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
320S shown with the steel
shield box removed.