Mark Levinson 53 owner manual Introduction, Product Description

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Mark Levinson

 

Introduction

 

Thank you for purchasing the Nº53 Reference monaural power

 

amplifier. Totally redesigned and incorporating patented new

 

technologies, the Nº53 outperforms even the esteemed Nº33 in

 

both audio presentation and power performance.

Product Description

The Mark Levinson® Nº53 Reference monaural power amplifier

 

elevates amplifier performance to an entirely new level of

 

excellence. After extensive listening tests and exhaustive

 

measurements, the Nº53 demonstrates a phenomenal level of

 

performance capability with a larger dynamic range, cleaner

 

operation, and higher power levels through our proprietary

 

Interleaved Power Technology (IPT). The Nº53 can pass a musical

 

signal with utter integrity, regardless of how demanding that signal

 

and the loudspeakers used might be.

 

The Nº53 is capable of generating truly phenomenal power levels

 

into virtually any speaker load to support both instantaneous and

 

continuous demands. More impressive still, the Nº53 accomplishes

 

this feat without the slightest change in performance capability.

 

Unlike most amplifiers, the Nº53 has superbly efficient power

 

management, maintaining a constant thermally-balanced operating

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temperature no matter how hard or long the amplifier is driven.

 

The Nº53 design incorporates the best qualities of traditional Mark

 

Levinson power amplifiers while adding our new IPT technology for

 

vastly superior sonic performance and a noise floor so low, it must

 

be experienced to be believed. From the isolated input circuitry to

 

the unique Mark Levinson binding posts, special care was taken to

 

minimize the introduction of noise. The input board is in a separate

 

compartment, totally isolated from the other circuitry. Whether the

 

input signal is single-ended or balanced, the input stage treats all

 

incoming signals as balanced to maximize the rejection of common

 

mode signals, preventing introduced noise from being applied to

 

the amplifier.

 

The low-noise toroidal power supply features an oversized 2.8kVA

 

transformer with four 47,000µF low-ESR capacitors for more than

 

ample energy storage capacity. A separate, dedicated power supply

 

for the control circuitry provides double isolation between the main

 

audio supply and the noisier, digital control circuits. The second

 

power supply also contributes to more efficient power management

 

as the main supply is shut down during power save mode.

 

The chassis is comprised of four separate internal compartments to

 

provide shielding and isolation of critical circuitry. The power

 

supplies are placed in the bottom compartment, isolated and

 

shielded from the rest of the amplifier, to reduce interference from

 

magnetic fields and high current devices. The middle section

 

contains four amplifiers arranged symmetrically and mirror-imaged

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Contents No53 Reference Power Amplifier FCC Notice Important Safety Instructions IiiDocumentation Conventions Safety Terms & SymbolsTerms in This Manual Symbols on Product Mark LevinsonTable of Contents Introduction Product DescriptionNº53 Power Amplifier What’s in the Box QuantityProduct Registration Unpacking Installation ConsiderationsPlacement VentilationWith ground-lifter or cheater adapters. Doing so may cause Power RequirementsMake Sure all components are properly grounded. Do not Result in personal injuries and/or product damageOperating States Status LED Front PanelFront Panel Standby ButtonRear Panel PowerPower Switch ~ AC Mains Relay AC input ~ AC MainsLoudspeaker Binding Posts InputPin Assignments Trigger Input and Output Power Save Mode SwitchControl Link2 PortsMark Levinson Ethernet Port Network Setup Material RequirementsTo Connect Without a Router Computer Requirements Connecting the CablesTo Connect Using a Router Computer No53 Crossover Cable No53 ComputerNetwork Setup Parameters Internal WebConnecting With Dhcp Recommended Setting Up Computer Nº53 Power Amplifier Network Setup for Windows XP Network Setup for WindowsConnecting With Static IP AddressingDirect Connection To change the host name of the amplifierTo change the IP address of the amplifier Mark Levinson Masters and Slaves Connecting the Devices ML NetFigure below illustrates a typical ML Net setup Discovering Slaves ML Net and Link2Status Reporting Fault Reporting Link2 Troubleshooting No Power Standby LED is off No OutputCan’t Assign in ML Net Restoring Factory Defaults If All Else FailsFault Protection ML Net Fault ConditionsCare & Maintenance Specifications Input & Output Connectors0DUN/HYLQVRQ1R OEV Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer

53 specifications

The Mark Levinson No. 53 is a strikingly sophisticated amplifier that epitomizes high-end audio engineering. With advanced technology and meticulous craftsmanship, the No. 53 is tailored for audiophiles who demand both power and musicality. This amplifier is designed to elevate the home listening experience to unprecedented heights, featuring an innovative combination of performance, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal.

One of the key features of the Levinson No. 53 is its impressive power output. Delivering 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the amplifier can drive even the most demanding speakers with ease. When connected to 4-ohm speakers, the power increases to an astounding 400 watts per channel. This enables the No. 53 to reproduce dynamics with authority, ensuring that the grand intentions of artists are faithfully conveyed.

The No. 53 also utilizes advanced Class AB amplification technology, which combines the best attributes of both Class A and Class B amplifiers. This not only ensures low distortion but also provides a warm, rich sound that retains clarity and detail. The unit's dual-mono design further enhances its performance, isolating each channel for optimal sound stage and imaging.

In terms of connectivity, the Mark Levinson No. 53 offers a variety of input options. It includes both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing seamless integration with a range of source components. This versatility ensures that users can indulge their preferences for different sources and systems without compromising sound quality.

Another remarkable aspect of the No. 53 is its robust build quality. The chassis is made from high-grade aluminum, which not only adds aesthetic appeal but also reduces resonance, leading to cleaner audio reproduction. The front panel features a refined design with an elegant display, giving users a clear visual interface to monitor settings and performance.

Technologically, the Levison No. 53 is equipped with proprietary Harman technology, ensuring that the amplifier maintains stable performance under various conditions. Furthermore, advanced thermal management systems are incorporated to prevent overheating during extended listening sessions, ensuring reliability and longevity.

In conclusion, the Mark Levinson No. 53 amplifier stands as a pinnacle of modern audio engineering, delivering breathtaking sound quality, exceptional power, and a feature-rich design. Whether you are an audiophile or simply a music lover, the No. 53 promises to redefine your listening experience, making it a worthy addition to any high-end audio system.