No532

DUAL- MONO POWER AMPLIFIER

POWER

Power amplification is a critical determining factor in the performance of any home entertainment system. The amplifier must be powerful and versatile enough to drive the most demanding loudspeaker loads, yet it must exercise its power with the grace and effortlessness essential to high- quality sound.

To create the optimal power-delivery system, the chassis of the No532 is compartmentalized to protect the delicate audio circuits from interference and noise. The rear portion of the amplifier is divided into three distinct piers. Control and power circuitry reside in the center pier, while circuitry for each audio channel resides in the outer piers. Power transformers are separately housed at the front of the chassis. In addition to safely isolating the audio circuits, this unconventional design results in very short signal and power-delivery paths, and creates additional heatsink surfaces for improved cooling.

The internal layout of the No532 is exceptionally clean. Because bus bars are used for all high- current interchanges, there’s no need for point-to- point wires or ribbon cables. Special care was taken in the design and implementation of the voltage-regulator circuitry. Multiple discrete regulator circuits, with series and shunt elements custom-tailored to the audio circuits they power, are mounted on separate boards, close to their audio signal paths. This minimizes cross talk and prevents the corruption of low-level signals, resulting in higher resolution, better bass definition, greater focus and more precise control of dynamics.

The extremely low-noise toroidal power trans- formers used in the No532 are custom-designed to Mark Levinson specifications. They feature an interwinding screen between the coils, which filters mains-born noise from the secondary power supply. This helps ensure that any capacitance from the windings is stepped down, preventing it from reaching the audio circuits. A separate dedicated power supply for the voltage-gain stages provides double isolation between the main audio supply and the higher current that powers the rest of the amplifier, ensuring minimal noise introduction. The power supplies are placed close to each other to maximize magnetic-field cancellation, but they are placed as far away from the audio signal path as possible, further reducing the potential for interference.

SIGNAL PATH

The signal paths for both audio channels of the No532 are electrically identical and contain no relays, capacitors or inductors. This helps maintain very low output impedance levels, and minimizes nonlinearity. The compact design of the circuitry, made possible by an advanced new generation of semiconductors, allows the signal path to be tighter and shorter than in previous Mark Levinson dual- mono amplifiers, reducing parasitic capacitances and minimizing propagation delay and phase shift. The result is a faster, wider bandwidth with minimal signal degradation.

Page 3 Page 5
Page 4
Image 4
Mark Levinson No532 manual Power, Signal Path
Page 3 Page 5

No532 specifications

The Mark Levinson No. 532 is a high-performance power amplifier that epitomizes the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional audio quality and advanced technology. Renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge design, the No. 532 combines power, precision, and elegance to meet the demands of audiophiles and music professionals alike.

One of the standout features of the No. 532 is its impressive power output. With a robust 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms, this amplifier is built to handle even the most demanding speakers with ease. The No. 532 uses a dual-mono design, which ensures that each channel operates independently, minimizing crosstalk and delivering a purer audio signal.

The amplifier employs advanced Class AB topology, striking a balance between the efficiency of Class D and the sound quality of Class A. This design allows the No. 532 to produce warm, natural sound reproduction while maintaining high efficiency and low distortion. The amplifier’s frequency response spans an impressive range, delivering crystal-clear highs, rich mids, and deep, powerful lows.

Another key characteristic of the No. 532 is its exceptional build quality. The chassis is constructed from high-grade aluminum, designed to minimize resonance and interference, ensuring that the audio signal remains uncolored. Furthermore, it features a custom-designed power supply, which provides stable voltage and current to the output stage, enhancing dynamic performance and transient response.

The amplifier is equipped with advanced protection and monitoring features. It includes output current limiting, thermal protection, and DC offset detection to ensure reliable operation, even in demanding conditions. The user-friendly front panel includes LED indicators that provide real-time feedback on performance and status.

Connectivity options on the No. 532 are extensive, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing for easy integration into existing audio systems. It also supports various speaker configurations, making it versatile enough to accommodate a range of setups.

In summary, the Mark Levinson No. 532 exemplifies high-end audio engineering, delivering powerful performance, exceptional sound quality, and a user-friendly experience. Its combination of advanced technology, robust power output, and superior build quality makes it a premier choice for audiophiles looking to elevate their listening experience to new heights.
Top Page Image Contents