Mark Levinson 326S manual Highlights

Unlike other stereo preamplifiers, the Nº326S is designed to integrate with multi-channel surround sound processors - minus the drawback of compet- ing master volume level controls. A unique surround sound processor mode allows the Nº326S to set its master volume level control to unity gain, passing complete control to the surround sound processor. With no interference from the Nº326S, the surround sound processor can maintain the rela- tive volume level of all channels without distorting its carefully calibrated input and output levels.

A modest connector complement includes three balanced (XLR) and four single-ended (RCA) input connectors. Single-ended input signals are converted to balanced signals upon entering the chassis, and processed as balanced signals thereafter. During this conversion process, meticulously balanced circuits preserve all input signal information, passing it to the power amplifier without the limitations of more asymmetrical single-ended designs.

The phono option, based on the No 32 design, offers two channels of world-class phono preamp that integrates seamlessly into the No 326S. Upon installation, the No 326S automatically recognizes the phono modules and assigns them to input 7. The modules are highly configurable and customiz- able. They work in conjunction with No 326S software to offer accurate set-up and calibration for virtually any LP source.

The rear panel includes separate main and record output connectors, as well as two Link communica- tion ports that make it possible for the Nº326S to be included in Mark Levinson Link systems.

Nº326S shown with the steel shield box removed.

A large front panel “select” knob provides quick selection of the desired input. When an input is selected, just press and hold the front panel or remote control setup button to open the correspon- ding Set Inputs menu, which can be used to select a custom name, optimize gain levels, set a master volume level offset, or assign record output connec- tors to individual inputs.

Following in the footsteps of the Nº32, the Nº326S exceeds all reasonable expectations for a stereo preamplifier. Its flexible design, including seven configurable inputs, separate main and record outputs, and full surround sound processor integra- tion, allow it to accommodate a wide range of demands. All this, plus the addition of an Arlon 25 main circuit board, create a preamp that is equally at home in a dedicated two-channel audiophile listen- ing room as it is in extensive theater installations.

Highlights

•Arlon 25 main circuit board

•7 configurable inputs

•Separate main and record outputs

•3 balanced (XLR) inputs

•4 single-ended (RCA) inputs

•Complete surround sound processor integration

•Advanced dual-mono design

•Maximum channel isolation

•Independent power supplies for audio circuit and control sections, each with their own low- noise toroidal transformer

•Effective noise suppression and isolation tech- nologies

•AC power filtering

•Two active voltage regulation stages

•Faraday shield to separate AC power from low- voltage secondaries

•Independent audio circuits, communication circuits, and power supplies for each channel

•Two separate proprietary discrete volume atten- uator modules

•Deactivation of unused inputs to eliminate ground loop noise

•Balanced conversion for single-ended input signals

•Intuitive Set Inputs menu

•Large front panel display

•Two Mark Levinson Link communication ports

•RS-232 communication port

•Trigger output connector

•IR input connector

•Phono input option