Mark Levinson N390S owner manual Standard Link Cables Amplifier Link Cables

Standard Link Cables

Amplifier Link Cables

Electrically, the Link connection between the preamplifier and the power amplifier(s) in the system is independent of and distinct from the communications Links between various source components and the preamplifier. The reason for this is simple: the power amplifiers, lacking any microprocessor of their own, are dependent on the intelligence of the preamplifier for their Linked functionality. This remains true even when you employ the Nº390S as your “preamplifier.”

The modular cable needed for the Link connection between the Nº390S and other Link components may be purchased from your Mark Levinson dealer. It may also be easily made to length using two modular connectors and the appropriate length (up to 100 feet/30 meters) of flat, eight conductor cable.

Modular 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 made (counter-intuitively) by introducing a 180° twist in the cable between the two ends, as shown below.

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A different Link cable configuration is used when connecting the Nº390S to a power amplifier as though it were a preamplifier. It uses six-conductor cable (rather than eight), with a six- conductor modular plug at one end and an eight-conductor modular connector at the other end (using pins 1 through 6 of the latter), as shown below:

(Note that the pins are numbered 1 through 8 from left to right when the locking tab is down and the metal contacts are pointing away from you.)