Mark Levinson N33H Special Design Features, Massive Power Supply AC Power Regeneration

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Massive Power Supply

AC Power Regeneration

Special Design Features

While the Nº33H Monaural Power Amplifier is straightforward in everyday use, it includes several design features that are responsi- ble for its outstanding performance. In particular, it defies the accepted wisdom that it is impossible to design a large, powerful amplifier that also has all the finesse of the finest smaller ampli- fiers.

The Nº33H features a 3.47 kVA low-noise toroidal transformer in a fully balanced power supply—a design that provides separate power supplies for the amplifier’s inverting and non-inverting halves. In addition, each Nº33H uses four 60,000 µF low-ESR capacitors.

Heavy bus bars enhance the efficiency of power distribution with- in the amplifier and eliminate variances introduced by the wiring harnesses commonly found in even high-performance amplifiers. High-frequency power supply bypass is accomplished using indi- vidual PC boards that use 32 components of several different film types. The resulting uniformly low power supply impedance seen by various circuits within the Nº33H lays the foundation for mas- sive power and extraordinary finesse.

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The detrimental sonic effects of noisy, unbalanced AC power supplies are widely known. Commercially available passive AC line conditioners provide some measure of AC power filtering and surge protection for line-level components such as preamplifiers and digital audio processors. However, these line conditioners cannot handle the large, instantaneous currents that power ampli- fiers require. In effect, the line conditioner becomes a bottleneck in the otherwise free flow of power through the amplifier and loudspeakers, greatly reducing the dynamic impact of the signal.

To avoid these performance bottlenecks, the Nº33H uses built-in line conditioning techniques. When AC power is delivered to the Nº33H, it is rectified, filtered, and regulated into positive and neg- ative DC voltages. A portion of this DC power is used to drive an oscillator circuit that regenerates a pure 60 Hz sinewave. This sinewave is then used to power a separate power supply dedicated to all voltage gain stages. The dedicated power supply benefits from a truly balanced source as well as the total elimination of AC noise and fluctuations. As a result, the Nº33H’s critical voltage gain stages operate in a truly optimized environment, passing a musical signal with outstanding low-level resolution and detail.

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Contents Nº33H Monaural Power Amplifier Important Safety Instructions FCC Notice Documentation Conventions Table of Contents Opening the Shipping Crate UnpackingMoving the Nº33H Product Registration Ventilation Installation ConsiderationsPlacement Power Requirements Warm-up & Break-in Period Continuous Operation Massive Power Supply AC Power Regeneration Special Design FeaturesPage Page Standby button Indicator LEDFront Panel ~ac mains Rear PanelSingle-ended input ~ac mains relay switchBalanced input Loudspeaker binding posts outputs Remote turn-on jacks Slave in & slave out communication portsMaking Link Connections LinkingAll slave chains To create a slave chain that includes the Nº33H Component Requirements & ConnectionsNº320S Link Controls Preamplifier Power AmplifierNo audio and the front panel indicator LED is dimly lit TroubleshootingNo audio and the front panel indicator LED is not lit If all else fails Nº33H keeps powering offCare & Maintenance All specifications are subject to change at any time SpecificationsDimensions Models Declaration of ConformityManufacturer Type of EquipmentPage

N33H specifications

The Mark Levinson N33H is a premier high-fidelity power amplifier designed for audiophiles who demand the best in sound quality and performance. Renowned for its exceptional engineering and innovative technologies, the N33H stands out in the landscape of luxury audio components.

At its core, the N33H features a robust Class H amplification architecture, which optimizes efficiency and minimizes heat generation while delivering an impressive output power. This design allows the amplifier to react dynamically to musical demands, providing a powerful yet refined sound across various frequencies. With a stable 200 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 400 watts at 4 ohms, the N33H can effortlessly drive a wide range of speakers, ensuring a rich listening experience.

One of the hallmark characteristics of the N33H is its proprietary Pure Class A circuitry in the input and driver stages. This ensures that the amplifier maintains an extraordinarily low level of distortion, delivering crystal-clear audio reproduction even at high volumes. The signal path in the N33H is meticulously designed to preserve audio fidelity, utilizing high-quality components throughout, including precision resistors and capacitors that contribute to its superior soundstage.

The N33H also integrates sophisticated power supply technologies, featuring a dual-transformer configuration that provides stable and clean power, reducing noise and enhancing overall performance. The advanced power management system ensures that the amplifier operates within optimal parameters, further improving sound quality and reliability.

Connectivity options on the N33H are abundant, designed to accommodate modern audio setups. It features balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing seamless integration with various audio sources. Furthermore, the amplifier includes both traditional speaker binding posts and the option for bi-wiring, providing flexibility in speaker connection.

In terms of design, the Mark Levinson N33H boasts a sleek, elegant chassis that reflects the brand’s commitment to aesthetics as well as performance. The front panel features a minimalist design with a discreet display for signal and operation status, maintaining a sophisticated look suitable for any high-end audio system.

Overall, the Mark Levinson N33H stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to creating high-performance audio components. With its innovative technologies, exceptional sound quality, and refined design, the N33H is an amplifier that meets the demands of both serious audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. Whether for a home theater setup or a dedicated listening room, the N33H offers an unrivaled auditory experience that elevates music to new heights.
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