Mark Levinson N390S guide

Mark Levinson N390S owner manual

Convenience Features

Communications Links

Fully Balanced Design

Too often, high performance CD players have eschewed convenience in the hopes of seeming more “performance-oriented.” While there were good arguments for such a “minimalist” design in the days of analog turntables, the time is long gone when the audiophile needed to give up operational convenience for musical performance. After all, convenience features in a digital product are largely a matter of writing appropriate software, and have no affect on the quality of the digital data itself.

The Nº390S supports a variety of custom programming options, including “delete programming” wherein selected tracks are omitted from the play list. This allows the user to skip the one or two songs on an otherwise good disc that have been overplayed ad nauseam. The Nº390S will remember such programs for thousands of discs, should you want to save that many programs.

As with all Mark Levinson 30-series components, the Nº390S incorporates a sophisticated inter-component communications bus. Unique among high performance audio systems, Mark Levinson 30-series components offer a degree of system integration that makes even complex systems a pleasure to use.

For example, bringing the Nº390S CD Processor out of standby will also bring the Linked preamplifier and power amplifier(s) out of standby, and select the appropriate inputs on the preamplifier so that a CD can be enjoyed. Even a sophisticated system with many components can thus offer one-button simplicity of operation.

In short, the Mark Levinson Nº390S establishes a new standard for performance and practicality among high end CD players and should be auditioned by anyone who desires the finest in digital audio.

The Nº390S is fully balanced in both the analog and digital domains. Information from the disc and single-ended digital inputs are immediately converted to balanced signals and routed to balanced DACs by way of an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signal) transmission line. This design technique, borrowed from separate Mark Levinson digital processors, preserves the faultless timing of the digital audio signal made possible by our Closed Loop Jitter Reduction (CLJR) system mentioned earlier in this manual.

An Arlon 25N® printed circuit board provides the foundation for the critical analog audio circuit. First used in the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier, this superior material offers superb dielectric properties and helps the Nº390S achieve remarkable performance with complex audio signals.

N390S specifications

The Mark Levinson N390S is a high-performance digital to analog converter (DAC) and audio processor that exemplifies the brand's commitment to superior sound quality and advanced technology. Renowned for its exceptional build quality and cutting-edge engineering, the N390S stands out as a centerpiece in high-end audio systems.

At the heart of the N390S is its state-of-the-art DAC architecture. It employs advanced multibit Delta-Sigma architecture, which ensures a precise and accurate conversion of digital audio signals into analog. This results in an incredibly clean and detailed sound signature, allowing users to experience their music as it was intended by the artist. The N390S supports high-resolution audio formats, making it compatible with a wide range of digital sources, including CDs, streaming devices, and high-resolution audio files.

One of the remarkable features of the N390S is its comprehensive connectivity options. It includes multiple digital inputs, such as optical, coaxial, and AES/EBU, as well as USB input for connecting modern computers and media servers. This versatility ensures that users can easily integrate the N390S into their existing audio systems, regardless of the source devices they use.

The N390S is equipped with a sophisticated digital signal processor (DSP) that provides advanced processing capabilities. It includes features like digital filtering and upsampling, which enhance the audio quality by improving the timing and precision of the sound. Users can customize the sound to their liking, providing a tailored listening experience that can adapt to different musical styles and preferences.

In terms of build quality, the N390S features a robust chassis designed to minimize vibrations and external interferences, further preserving audio integrity. The premium components used in its construction lend to its durability and long-lasting performance.

Finally, the user-friendly interface of the N390S, combined with its high-resolution display, makes navigation simple and intuitive. Overall, the Mark Levinson N390S is a remarkable piece of audio technology that delivers exemplary sound quality, luxurious design, and impressive flexibility, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience.