![background image](http://html.mh-extra.com/html/madrigal-audio/mark-levinson-39/mark-levinson-39_operating-manual_688551024.webp)
24
Important:
If a compatible Mark Levinson preamplifier (such as the Nº38
or Nº38S) is Linked, it must be the last of the line-level
components in the daisy chain. (Technically, it serves to
terminate the communications bus used by the source
components.)
Electrically, the Link connection between the preamplifier and the power
amplifier(s) in the system is independent of and distinct from the commu-
nications Links between various source components and the preamplifier.
The reason for this is simple: the power amplifiers, lacking any micropro-
cessor of their own, are dependent on the intelligence of the preamplifier
for their Linked functionality. This remains true even when you employ the
Nº39 as your “preamplifier.”
The modular cable needed for the Link connection between the Nº39 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 tele-
communications 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 con-
nected 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.
standard link cables
From Nº39 Master
To Nº38, or Nº37
Locking tab
Locking tab
A different Link cable configuration is used when connecting the Nº39 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:
amplifier link cables
From Nº39 Master
To amplifier Slave In
Locking tab
Locking tab
(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.)
digital input
master
analog output
digital output
slave in
slave out
Link
cable
Link
cable
Nº38
slave
any input
MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
R
polarity
invert
display
intensity
aes/ebu
emphasis
1
2
3
4
5
6
standby
COMPACT DISC DRIVE
Nº 37
mode
teach ir
Nº36
MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
R
polarity
invert
display
intensity
aes/ebu
emphasis
1
2
3
4
5
6
standby
DIGITAL PROCESSOR
Nº 36
mode
teach ir
MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
R
standby
PREAMPLIFIER
Nº38
Link
cable
master
slave in
Nº333
Nº39
MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
R
Nº 333
DUAL MONAURAL
POWER AMPLIFIER