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2
N
0
526 / N
0
523 DUAL-MONAURAL PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL
SPECIAL DESIGN FEATURES
Thank you for purchasing a N
0
526 or N
0
523 dual-monaural
preamplifier. Combining Mark Levinson’s unsurpassed analog
performance with flexible system configuration and advanced
digital and phono capabilities, these preamplifiers push the
reproduction of source material to new levels of realism.
Architecture
The foundation of these preamplifiers is their proprietary Mark
Levinson Pure Path discrete, direct-coupled, fully balanced,
dual-monaural signal path with discrete, balanced R-2R ladder
volume controls. They feature individual signal switching relays
for each of their stereo inputs: two balanced (XLR) and three
single-ended (RCA), plus phono; and six additional digital
inputs on the N
0
526. Volume controls use discrete 15-bit R-2R
ladders and low-noise analog switches for the widest possible
bandwidth and maximum signal integrity. System integration
and expansion are possible using the outputs, which can
operate full-range or with a switchable fourth-order, 80Hz filter
allowing for seamless integration into systems with powered
subwoofers.
Audio Chassis
Building upon this superb analog platform, the N
0
526 adds
equally outstanding digital audio capability. The Mark Levinson
Precision Link D/A converter with nine individual power
supplies, proprietary jitter elimination circuitry and fully
balanced, discrete I/V circuitry forms the heart of the digital
audio processing stage. Six digital audio inputs are provided
including one AES/EBU, two coaxial and two optical plus a USB
audio processor capable of asynchronous data transfer of high-
resolution DSD and PCM at up to 192kHz, 32-bit resolution. For
low-resolution audio formats, proprietary HARMAN Clari-Fi®
music restoration technology reconstructs information and
bandwidth lost in compressed file formats. System integration
and communication ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, IR
input, and 12V trigger input and output. A system IR remote
control is included.
Construction
The chassis of the preamplifiers utilizes modular architecture
to isolate critical low-level analog and digital circuitry from the
power supplies. The 6000-series extruded aluminum and steel
chassis features internal heatsinks and Mark Levinson’s iconic
appearance of black with silver trim.
Features
• Mark Levinson Pure Path proprietary discrete, direct coupled,
fully balanced, dual-monaural signal path
• Discrete, balanced R-2R ladder volume controls
• Digital inputs: USB asynchronous, AES/EBU balanced, two
Toslink optical, two Coaxial (N
0
526 only)
• Analog inputs: two balanced, three unbalanced, phono with
grounding pin
• Analog outputs: XLR balanced pair, RCA unbalanced pair, 1/4-
inch (6.3mm) headphone
• Supports high-resolution formats including 32-bit, 192kHz
PCM and double-speed DSD (N
0
526 only)
• Mark Levinson Precision Link DAC featuring the renowned
ESS Sabre 32-bit processor (N
0
526 only)
• Pure Phono stage with selectable gain, infrasonic filter,
resistive and capacitive-loading settings
• Selectable fourth-order, 80 Hz high-pass filter allows
seamless integration of subwoofer
• SSP Mode for pass-through connection to a multichannel
surround processor
• Mark Levinson Main Drive circuit for headphone playback:
front-panel jack with integral Class A amplifier
• Designed and handcrafted in the USA
SPECIAL DESIGN FEATURES
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