Madrigal Audio Mark Levinson N31.5 User Manual Download

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Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc.

Operating Manual

Mark Levinson

Nº31.5

Reference

CD Transport

Summary of Contents for Mark Levinson N31.5

Page 1: ...Madrigal Audio Laboratories Inc Operating Manual Mark Levinson Nº31 5 Reference CD Transport ...

Page 2: ...s Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help CAUTION Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user s autho...

Page 3: ...sistance 3 ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children 4 AC extension cords are not recommended for use with this product If an extension cord must be used be sure it is an approved type and has sufficient current carrying capacity to power this product 5 NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components 6 NEVER operate this product with any covers remove...

Page 4: ...5 Display 26 Display messages 27 Remote Control 28 Random Play 29 Analog Input Switching 30 Direct access to inputs 31 Conditions that Affect IR Performance 32 Optimum IR reception window 33 Rear Panel 34 Basic Operation 37 Loading a CD 37 Temporarily overriding a previously saved program 37 Playing all tracks in order 37 Beginning play with other than the first track 37 Replaying a track 37 Rando...

Page 5: ...ram 44 Setting Options 45 Auto Standby 47 Madrigal Communications Link 48 Understanding the Architecture 48 Linked amplifiers you ask 49 Which Cables Go Where 50 Using the latest software 51 Using Learning Remote Controls 52 Teaching Nº3 1 5 Front Panel Commands 52 Teaching Other Nº3 1 5 Commands 53 special commands table 54 Troubleshooting 55 Care and Maintenance 57 U S and Canadian Warranty 58 L...

Page 6: ...or the Nº31 5 lid to float open before power is supplied to the unit Save them with all the other packing materials for future use Remove these screws and washers Shipping Strap holds lid closed protects finish Warning The transport screws and shipping strap must be removed before operating the Nº31 5 since they immobilize the transport mechanism and lid during shipping to prevent damage This stra...

Page 7: ...for operation on ei ther 50 or 60 Hz AC line frequencies as appropriate for the country in which it is to be sold It will not operate if it senses an incorrect line frequency Warning Neither the voltage nor the line frequency setting may be changed by the user There are no user serviceable parts inside the Nº31 5 Only qualified authorized service personnel may open the Nº31 5 Reference CD Transpor...

Page 8: ...ready remove the transport screws from the bot tom of the Nº31 5 now as per the directions on page 13 Be sure to save them and all packing material for possible future use Shipping the Nº31 5 without proper packing material and without the transport screws in their proper positions may cause damage to the unit that would not be covered by the warranty 3 CONNECT THE Nº31 5 TO AC POWER Connect the A...

Page 9: ...n For example the pulse transformers will not reach their ultimate per formance until they have been driven with an actual load meaning the digital output must be connected to something for about 24 hours It has been our experience that the greatest changes occur within the first few hours as the Nº31 5 reaches thermal equilibrium Depending on how cold the Nº31 5 was when you first connected it to...

Page 10: ...uble speed CD ROM drive Using a custom made mechanically and electrically isolated crystal oscillator as a reference the digital signal is reclocked immediately before the output eliminating transport related jitter from the digital audio signal This same five part per million crystal oscillator controls the all digital servo used to control the rate at which the disc spins In effect the design of...

Page 11: ...design in the days of analog turntables the time is long gone when the audiophile needed to give up operational convenience for musical performance After all convenience features in a digital product are largely a matter of writing appropriate software and have no affect on the quality of the digital data itself For example the Nº31 5 supports custom programs including delete program ming wherein ...

Page 12: ...icate something Warning Shipping the Nº31 5 in anything other than its purpose designed shipping materials may result in damage that would not be covered under any warranty In addition to the tools we provide you will need the following to set up your Nº31 5 A soft cloth or towel A digital audio cable 1 INSTALL THE SPIKES INTO THE FEET OPTIONAL The Nº31 5 is shipped so that it rests solidly on its...

Page 13: ... on top of a soft cloth as described in the previous step please do so now See warning above Locate the two transport screws on the bottom of the Nº31 5 and remove them by turning them counterclockwise no tools are necessary When finished return the Nº31 5 to its normal upright position Remove these screws and washers Shipping Strap holds lid closed protects finish Important Save the transport scr...

Page 14: ...ned on and off without significantly affecting its lon gevity When it is turned on after being left turned off as opposed to standby allow about one hour before expecting optimal sonic perfor mance This assumes that it remained at room temperature while off A chilled transport will take somewhat longer to revive 4 CONNECT A DIGITAL OUTPUT TO YOUR PROCESSOR To keep interconnect cabling as short as ...

Page 15: ...her to overheat resulting in damage to your system To allow heat dissipation through air circulation allow 3 to 4 inches of clearance above the vents on the top of the Nº31 5 Never block the vents on the bottom of the Nº31 5 To help with special installations and custom cabinetry drawings are in cluded in this manual See Dimensions 7 LEVELLING YOUR TRANSPORT For the best performance the Nº31 5 s t...

Page 16: ...ws securing the cover of the Remote Control s battery compartment the end opposite the projec tion lens Projection lens Rear of Rem ote Control Insert two AA batteries according to the symbols on the inside of the bat tery compartment cover Replace the battery compartment cover and screws 9 TURN EVERYTHING ON AND ENJOY After all connections have been made in the system turn on the various componen...

Page 17: ...to operate that is it won t be in standby mode Pressing standby again places the Nº31 5 into standby mode and disables the front panel controls Pressing the open lid button will both switch the unit out of standby and open the lid so you may load a disc While the Nº31 5 is in standby mode the display is dark and the standby LED flashes slowly When the Nº31 5 is ready to operate not in standby mode...

Page 18: ...llows you to change the type of information shown in the time portion of the display See Display When a CD is loaded and ready for play the time portion of the display shows the time remaining on the CD the time remaining and on disc LEDs are lighted Press display mode to change the time part of the display time remaining on track display mode time remaining on disc elapsed time on disc elapsed ti...

Page 19: ...ction and the repeat disc function are mutually exclusive While repeat track is active the LED above the button is lighted To return to normal play press repeat track again 9 PREVIEW This function allows you to play only the introduction of each track on a CD or in a program Once a CD is loaded and ready for play press preview Beginning with the first track on the CD or the first track in the prog...

Page 20: ...play mode 5 the program button is used to change the link settings See Setting Options 14 PROGRAM Used along with program review 11 pressing this button erases a selec tion from a previously saved program without erasing the entire program See Programming Along with display mode 5 the program button is used to change the link settings See Setting Options 15 INDEX MODE When you re playing a CD reco...

Page 21: ...ng this button opens the Lid 1 pressing it again closes the Lid Pressing Lid Open Close while a CD is playing stops play and opens the Lid 3 STOP Pressing this button while a CD is playing stops play Pressing stop also can cels repeat disc and repeat track if they re active Pressing play 5 after pressing stop begins play again with the first track on the CD or the first track in a program if one e...

Page 22: ...nds play returns to the beginning of the current track and replays that track 6 SEARCH FORWARD This button works in the same way as Search Reverse 4 except that it moves the laser pickup rapidly toward the end of the CD 7 PAUSE While a CD is playing pressing this button suspends play pressing it again resumes play at the point where pause was first pressed While pause is active the LED above the b...

Page 23: ...play 5 begins play there temporarily overriding any existing program 9 NEXT This button works in the same way as previous 8 except that it skips to the next track or index While the Nº31 5 is in index mode pressing next skips the laser pickup to the next index If index mode is inactive pressing next skips the laser pickup to the next track Pressing next while a CD is playing suspends play skips th...

Page 24: ... levelling screws one inside each finger well allow you to adjust the transport assembly easily With the supplied 3 32 hex driver and using the Nº31 5 s bubble level 3 as a gauge adjust one or more of these screws to bring the transport assembly to level To lower a corner turn the corresponding screw clockwise to raise a corner turn the screw counterclockwise 2 SPINDLE This is the device that spin...

Page 25: ...e the disc damper on top of the CD The CD and the disc damper must be centered on the spindle You ll feel the disc damper s magnet catch when both are centered Removing the Disc Damper When removing a CD from the spindle first remove the disc damper To prevent damage to the CD gently hold it down by the edge with the tip of one finger while pulling up on the disc damper s knob as shown below while...

Page 26: ...e letters A then B will alternate appearing in the space preceding the track number While Pause is active will appear preceding the track number as pic tured above While preview is active the track part of the display will flash 2 INDEX If a CD includes indices this part of the display shows the index in play beginning with 01 and increasing as the CD plays If the CD in play doesn t include indice...

Page 27: ...s recorded in the Nº31 5 s memory appears after program save is pressed NO DAMPER The Lid is closed and the Disc Damper isn t installed on the spindle appears after the Lid has closed NO PROGRAM There s no program in the Nº31 5 s memory ap pears after program review or program clear is pressed OPENING The Lid is in motion opening appears after the Lid Open Close button is pressed P01 IS 1st Indica...

Page 28: ...any cassette decks allowing a precise location within a track to be located forward scan When pressed the Nº31 5 will enter a fast for ward audible scanning mode similar to the familiar fast forward function of many cassette decks allowing a precise location within a track to be located play Press to enter the play mode from either stop pause or standby or to restart play at the beginning of the t...

Page 29: ...l be sufficient The Nº31 5 displays a certain amount of intelligence with respect to direct track access If the first number entered identifies a particular track unam biguously such as 2 on a 12 track disc the Nº31 5 is smart enough to im mediately move to that track If the first number entered could be the first of two digits such as 1 on a 12 track disc the Nº31 5 will wait for a mo ment to det...

Page 30: ...essing this button on the Nº31 5 remote control once will display the current status of the input selection control for ex ample No30 on No31 to indicate that the Nº30 or Nº30 5 digital processor has the Nº31 5 as its selected source Clicking the button again while this information is displayed will automatically cycle through the various active e g not named NOT USED digital in puts on a Linked M...

Page 31: ...more information lower volume Pressing this button on the Nº31 5 remote control will transparently and automatically lower the volume of a Linked Mark Levinson preamplifier minimizing the need to juggle mul tiple remotes This function is available even when the Nº31 5 is in standby in which case its display will activate long enough to confirm your command visually Since this function depends on t...

Page 32: ... to direct sunlight place it no more than 10 feet from where you ll normally operate the Remote Control Where bright sunlight virtually floods the room IR communication may be inconsistent In a room lighted primarily with incandescent fixtures place the Nº31 5 no more than 25 30 feet 7 9 meters from where you ll normally operate the Remote Control In a room with fluorescent fixtures this range wil...

Page 33: ...of your installation preclude a clean line of sight between the Nº31 5 and your listening position you may want to consider using an infrared repeater to route the remote control s commands to the Nº31 5 Please ask your dealer for more information on third party IR repeaters ...

Page 34: ...the correct AC operating voltage for your loca tion as attempting to operate the Nº31 5 at an incorrect voltage can damage the unit The Nº31 5 Reference CD Transport is also set at the factory for operation on either 50 or 60 Hz AC line frequencies as appropriate for the country in which it is to be sold It will not operate if it senses an incorrect line fre quency Warning Neither the voltage nor ...

Page 35: ...ng tabs engage securely in the components com munication ports To set up a Linked system consisting only of transport and processor 1 Using a Link cable see Madrigal Communications Link connect the master port on the Mark Levinson digital processor to the Nº31 5 s slave in port 2 Make sure that the digital audio connection between the two op erates you should see 44 1 on the processor indicating t...

Page 36: ...ty European Broadcast Union AES EBU professional digital audio standard which calls for a 110Ω transmission of the DAS Use a digital interconnecting cable specifically de signed for the 110Ω AES EBU standard such as Madrigal MDC 1 cable when using this input with pin assignments as indicated below 1 2 3 Pin 1 chassis ground AC coupled Pin 2 non inverted digital Pin 3 inverted digital Connector gro...

Page 37: ...g To override a previously saved program press program clear or on the Remote Control press the 0 zero numbered key then press prg time All of the CD s tracks will be accessible for basic operation but the program will still be retained in the Nº31 5 s memory Playing all tracks in order To play all tracks on the CD press the play button All tracks will play in order Play will stop automatically at...

Page 38: ...your Nº31 5 is Linked to a compatible Mark Levinson digi tal processor via the communication ports you have the option of muting the volume completely during search See Setting Op tions As soon as you release the button play resumes If you search past the beginning or end of a track the laser pickup will move on to the previous or next track If you try to search forward past the end of a CD or pro...

Page 39: ...me and on track LEDs light Then select track 2 by pressing track or track or by entering 02 Press prg time enter 130 then press play The pause function To suspend play while a CD is playing press pause To resume play at the same point press pause again If left in pause for several minutes the transport will stop spinning and the laser will turn off thereby enhancing the longevity of both This will...

Page 40: ... lies within the A B loop next will move you to the next track or index if in index mode If this location lies beyond the defined A B loop the Nº31 5 will leave repeat A B mode reverting to normal play direct track access will override your A B loop if you go beyond the defined A B loop direct time access will also override your A B loop if you go be yond the defined A B loop Inverting playback po...

Page 41: ...cation code If you assemble a program for a particular CD and save it into the Nº31 5 s memory the Nº31 5 remembers that CD s program The next time you load that CD the Nº31 5 will recognize the CD s identification code and automatically loads the previously saved program The letter P will ap pear preceding the track number on the display Note Even if you have previ ously saved a program for a CD ...

Page 42: ...you want to eliminate from your program 2 Delete the track by pressing program 3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each track you want to ignore 4 When you have finished eliminating tracks a If you want to play your program without recording it in the Nº31 5 s memory go on to step 5 b If you want to record your program in the Nº31 5 s memory press program save the display will show NEW PROGRAM 5 To play th...

Page 43: ...rogram To add a selection 1 Load a CD for which you ve already saved a program the letter P will appear preceding the track number on the display or load an unprogrammed CD then assemble and save a program 2 Using the next and previous or the numbered buttons on the Re mote Control select the track you want to add to your program Y ou may also include indices in your program Press index mode then ...

Page 44: ...on 5 When you ve finished adding selections press program save the display will show PROG CHANGED This last step is what makes your change permanent Temporarily overriding a previously saved program To override a previously saved program temporarily press program clear on the Remote Control press the 0 numbered key then press prg time the display will show PROG CLEARED All of the CD s tracks will ...

Page 45: ... Record link Nº30 and Nº30 5 only While the Nº31 5 is selected as the Nº30 s recording source a CD must be in play this link helps prevent you from inadvertently disrupting the recording process If you attempt to use any of the Nº31 5 s functions that might disrupt the recording process stop Lid Open Close etc the Nº31 5 will block that function and its display will show RECORDING Likewise if you ...

Page 46: ...te Control to the polarity invert function of the digital processor The polarity link also allows inverted polarity to be saved with a program When inverted polarity is part of a saved program this link turns on the digital processor s polarity invert function See Programming The polarity link setting is always on and can t be changed In addition to the Setting Options the Nº31 5 has the ability t...

Page 47: ...upted Auto Standby The Nº31 5 also may be set to automatically enter standby when left in stop for a user selectable period of time As shipped from the factory its standby function is manual that is it only enters or leaves standby when told to do so by the user To change between manual and timed automatic standby 1 Press and hold the standby button until the display reads MANUAL 2 Release the sta...

Page 48: ...orward compatibility leaving options open to add new features and capabilities as they become needed A system such as this operates with the master at one end of a daisy chain Subsequent components are linked together via slave in and slave out ports Thus one would begin at say a Nº30 5 going from its master port to say a Nº31 5 s slave in port from the Nº31 5 s slave out continue through as many ...

Page 49: ...back and forth as needed Hence our seemingly confusing nomenclature on the rear panels of the various products Master is connected to Slave In then the daisy chain continues to Slave Out to Slave In to Slave Out etc until you reach the preamplifier s Slave input From there you connect the Nº38 s Master to the power amp s Slave In If you have more than one amp in the system daisy chain them Slave O...

Page 50: ... insert a 180 twist in the wire to build this straight through cable since the plugs are pointing in opposite directions as shown below From Mark Levinson digital processor To Nº31 5 Locking tab Locking tab 8 Conductor Source Component Link Cable The Link between the preamplifier and the first power amplifier is dif ferent it uses a six conductor version of the same idea as shown below To Nº38 Mas...

Page 51: ...oftware If you are Linking a system with one or more older components early Nº38 s Nº30 Nº31 etc you may need to have your dealer replace a socketed EPROM in order to install the current version of that product s software If you think you may need new software please contact your dealer with the software code numbers of all Nº30 Series units in the system This infor mation is typically shown durin...

Page 52: ...y to teach a learning remote control the infrared commands that correspond to its front and top panel buttons If you change your mind simply don t touch any button for ten seconds and the Nº31 5 will return to normal operation Hint you may remember that this special hidden feature of the Nº31 5 is accessed via a press and hold of the repeat disc button by associating its use with the external IR r...

Page 53: ... of positive control is especially helpful when you do not necessarily know the current status of the Nº31 5 as might be the case in a multi room home entertainment system for example 1 PLACE THE Nº31 5 IN ITS FRONT PANEL TEACHING MODE As explained on the previous page you do this by pressing and holding the repeat disc button until the display reads TEACH IR If no further buttons are pressed with...

Page 54: ...HE DISPLAY INTENSITY BUTTON TO TRANSMIT THE SELECTED IR CODE Line up the IR window of your remote control with the right side of the display of the Nº31 5 at a distance of approximately 2 6 Select the to be learned button on the remote then fire the selected code from the Nº31 5 by pressing display intensity The Nº31 5 s display will show sending code during the IR transmission If you are uncertai...

Page 55: ...drawer for the transport to read The disc is upside down and therefore cannot be read The disc has loaded improperly and cannot be read open the drawer ensure that the disc is placed properly in the drawer and try again 4 THE Nº31 5 DISPLAY READS NO DAMPER There is no damper in the transport well reopen the lid and place the damper on the disc The damper is incorrectly positioned center it on the ...

Page 56: ...tch Y ou may have older versions of the system software in your asso ciated Mark Levinson components which do not fully support all Setting Options Mark Levinson components normally display a code number when powering up that corresponds to the version num ber of their software On the Nº31 5 you can also display this number by pressing and holding the stop button Write down the code number for eac...

Page 57: ...fere with the operation of the Remote Control Avoid placing the Nº31 5 near fluorescent lamps or in direct sunlight When the Remote Control s batteries need to be replaced use only AA batteries always replace both batteries at the same time If you don t plan to use the Re mote Control often remove the batteries When not used for an extended period even leakproof batteries can leak corrosive acids ...

Page 58: ...aluation Return authorization must first be obtained by either calling or writing the factory prior to shipping the component The factory will pay for return shipping charges only in the event that the component is found to be defective as above mentioned There are other stipulations that may apply to shipping charges There is no other express warranty on this component Neither this warranty nor a...

Page 59: ...r and the Madrigal Technical Services Department locate and repair the difficulty as quickly as possible A copy of the original bill of sale will serve to verify warranty status Please in clude it with the unit when it is brought in for warranty service Warning All returned units must be properly packaged preferably in their original packing material and the proper return authorization numbers mus...

Page 60: ...y set for destination country only Mains frequency 50 or 60 Hz factory set for destination country only Power consumption 36 watts maximum Overall dimensions See Dimensions Shipping weight 63 lbs 28 kg Connector complement 1 male XLR type connector 1 female RCA type connector 1 ST type optical connector 1 EIAJ type optical connector 2 RJ45 connectors 1 IEC mains connector with built in fuse holder...

Page 61: ...61 Dimensions 19 375 49 21 cm 5 560 14 12 cm 1 100 2 79 cm 11 861 30 13 cm 12 261 31 14 cm 13 726 34 86 cm 5 432 13 80 cm 308 782 cm 11 93 30 30 cm ...

Page 62: ...62 Installation Notes Software Code Version _______ Sent in Warranty Registration Y es No ...

Page 63: ...63 ...

Page 64: ...A is a registered trademark of Madrigal Audio Laboratories Inc a Harman International company MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES R Madrigal Audio Laboratories Inc 2081 South Main Street P O Box 781 Middletown Connecticut 06457 USA Telephone 860 346 0896 Fax 860 346 1540 http www madrigal com ...

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