N 52 0 Reference Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
table of contents / About This Document About This Document 1 Special Design Features 2 Setup Menu Input Setup, Aux Output, Volume Control, Power Management, Advanced 4 Using Aux Mode 11 SSP Setup 12 Troubleshooting 14 Specifications 16 English table of contents About This Document This User Guide primarily covers the system functions and advanced options contained in your N052’s Setup menus. This guide also covers setup for SSP (Surround Sound Processor) mode.
Special Design Features Special Design Features Thank you for purchasing the N052 Reference Preamplifier, featuring an innovative dual-chassis design that allows the audio circuits to deliver unrivaled musical reproduction. The N052 Preamplifier chassis isolates the audio circuits so that only audio signals and extremely pure DC power are present. The power supply and control circuits are combined in the other chassis, protecting the sensitive audio signals.
To maximize channel separation, left-channel and rightchannel connectors are located on opposite sides of the rear panel. The connector complement includes separate Main and Auxiliary stereo outputs, available on both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connectors. Flexible Auxiliary output configuration options allow them to be used to feed powered subwoofers, recording devices or a second zone. The N052 represents the ultimate combination of compelling performance and almost limitless potential.
Setup Menu Setup Menu This section explains the use of the Setup menus on your N052, which allow you to customize and configure the unit. Setup Menu Navigation Pressing the Setup button displays the Setup menu on the Controller’s front-panel display. When the Setup menu is active, use the Select knob to scroll through options, the Enter button to select and deselect options, and the Volume knob to adjust parameters.
Gain: The output level of audio devices can vary from brand-tobrand and model-to-model, making some devices sound louder or quieter than others. The Gain and Offset parameters combine to let you precisely compensate for that variance, allowing all associated devices in your system to output at a similar volume level. The Gain setting offers a choice of 0dB, +6dB, +12dB, or +18dB of gain boost for the selected input.
Setup Menu The following settings are available only for the Phono input. Mono: This menu lets you select from the following mono configuration options: Off: The Phono input operates in stereo mode. L+R: This setting sends an equal combination of left-channel and right-channel Phono input signals to the left-channel and right-channel Main output connectors.
Setup Menu Setup Menu English Volume Control Volume Control Input Setup Max Vol=XXX Volume Control Mute=XXX Power Mgmt Turn On=XXX Advanced Vol Taper=XXX Max Vol: This setting lets you set a maximum Main output (and Auxiliary output, if set to “Main Var” in the Aux mode) volume level setting in 0.1dB increments between 40.0dB and 80.0dB. The factory default maximum volume is 80.0dB.
Setup Menu Power Management Setup Menu Power Mgmt Input Setup Standby=XXX Volume Control Auto Off=XXX Power Mgmt Advanced The Power Management parameters let you customize powerrelated functions. Standby: This setting lets you set the Standby mode to one of the following options: Green: This mode removes power from almost all of the N052’s circuits, allowing the unit to be activated only via an IR control signal, a 5V – 12V trigger voltage or a press of the Standby button.
Setup Menu Setup Menu English Advanced Advanced Input Setup Display Volume Control Config Power Mgmt Network Advanced Firmware The Advanced section of the Setup menu gives you access to a range of configuration and administrative settings and functions.
Using the Aux Mode Using the Aux Mode The Auxiliary outputs on your N052 are two supplementary sets of stereo output connectors, one balanced (XLR) and one unbalanced (RCA), that are configurable independently from the Main outputs. You can use them to send the signal of your choice to a secondary device (such as a powered subwoofer, second zone or audio recorder). Main Fix (fixed gain): The signal at the Main outputs is also routed to the Aux outputs at a fixed gain setting.
SSP Setup SSP Setup To avoid these problems when the N052 is connected with an associated surround-sound processor, the SSP mode allows selected input sources to pass through the N052 without interference. When SSP mode is activated the N052 volume control is deactivated to prevent the N052 from distorting channel balance. As a result, the processor controls the relative volume level of all channels while maintaining its calibrated output levels.
SSP Setup SURROUND-SOUND SOURCE DEVICE Digital Output Coaxial SURROUND-SOUND Processor Composite Video Inputs 1 2 Analog Output Optical L R S-Video Inputs 3 1 2 3 Y/G 1 HDMI Inputs 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pr/R 5 6 1 1 2 4 Analog Audio Outputs Right R 1 3 Y/G Pb/B 4 Y/G Pr/R Pb/B Pr/R Component Video Output Y RS-232 Pr Pb Ethernet 2 Link L Right Trigger Outputs IR Input Analog Audio In 2 R L Left 6 L L R R Subwoofer 2 Right Left AC Input 7.
Troubleshooting Incorrect operation is sometimes mistaken for malfunction. If problems occur, see this section for troubleshooting information. If problems persist, contact your authorized Mark Levinson dealer. No power Examine the power cord to ensure that it is connected to both the AC mains connector and a working, unswitched electrical outlet. Make sure the N052 is powered on with the Controller’s rear-panel Power switch.
Troubleshooting Audio has a humming sound Disconnect components one at a time to isolate the problem. Once the problem is identified, make sure the problematic component is properly grounded and connected to the same electrical circuit as the N052. Volume can’t be set to maximum You have the option of establishing a maximum volume level in the Setup menu. If this option is set, it can prevent the N052’s maximum volume level of 80.0 from being reached.
Specifications Specifications 65W (maximum) Operating Voltage: 100V – 240V AC, 50Hz/60Hz Gain (line-level stage): 0dB, +6dB, +12dB, or +18dB (user-selectable) Gain (phono stage): +40dB, +60dB @1kHz (user-selectable) Volume Control Range: 80.0dB Gain Resolution: 1.0dB increments up to 23.0dB on display (–57dB to –80dB); 0.1dB increments above 23.
HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated 8500 Balboa Boulevard Northridge, CA 91329 USA © 2013 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Mark Levinson is a registered trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. Blu-ray is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association. Nelco is a registered trademark of Park Electrochemical Corp. SACD (Super Audio CD) is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
