Mark levinson no 390 s brochure

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ical current-to-voltage conversion stage with dedi- cated operational amplifiers possessing superlative rise time and bandwidth characteristics. Following this, an active analog filter circuit, implemented in a differential amplifier, sums both halves of the balanced signal and provides superb common mode noise rejection in addition to outstanding filtering. This approach to the DAC circuit block yields extraordinarily low distortion and noise levels and contributes greatly to the natural sound of the Nº390S. Balanced Analog Volume Control Rather than use the digital attenuator on board the DAC, the Nº390S incorporates a fully balanced analog volume control similar to that found in Mark Levinson preamplifiers. When acti- vated, the output of the Nº390S can be attenuated in precise 0.1dB steps through most of the range. Significantly, the Nº390S maintains the full performance of its remarkable DACs at all volume levels - something impossible with digital volume controls, regardless of what tech- niques may be employed to mask the sonic consequences of that design approach. State-of-the-Art Output Buffer The balanced discrete output buffer circuitry used in the Nº390S employs the same topology used in the remarkable Mark Levinson Nº32 Reference Preamplifier. A hallmark of Mark Levinson pream- plifier and digital processor design, this circuit has proven to be both sonically transparent and exceptionally immune to adverse interactions with interconnecting cables and unusual input impedance characteristics of power amplifiers or preamplifiers. The Nº390S features an ultra- compact implementation of the Mark Levinson output buffer circuit, pushing noise coupling and parasitic effects to vanishingly small levels. This exceptionally robust output stage allows the Nº390S to make the most of any combination of preamplifier, power amplifier, and cables used. Sound Quality The Nº390S successfully builds on the strengths of the popular Nº39 CD Processor. The name change is intended to convey the level of sonic improvement that can be expected. It doesnt sound like an improved Nº39 – it sounds like a completely new and significantly better product. The many design refinements in the Nº390S have resulted in a significant reduction in the already very low noise levels present in the Nº39. Low- level musical details that were previously masked are now revealed. High-frequency clarity and extension are improved. Low-frequency detail and drive is improved. Imaging and spatial infor- mation are substantially improved, with a greater sense of depth and width, providing an almost holographic quality to the presentation. All of this musical information was always present on the CDs. Once again, significant sonic improvements were attained by better implemen- tation of an existing technology. The Nº390S acheives that goal.