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Balanced Analog Rather than use the digital attenuator on-board the DAC, the
Volume Control Nº390S incorporates a fully balanced analog volume control similar
to that found in Mark Levinson separate preamplifiers. When
activated (by turning on the variable output function under
setup: sound), the output of the Nº390S may 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 techniques may be employed to mask
the sonic consequences of this design approach.
State-of-the-Art The balanced discrete output buffer circuitry used in the Nº390S
Output Buffer employs the same topology used in the remarkable Mark Levinson
Nº32 Reference Preamplifier. A hallmark of Mark Levinson
preamplifier and digital processor design, this circuit has proven
itself time and time again 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 a new, 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 what whatever combination of
preamplifier, power amplifier, or cables you choose to use.
Front Panel, Nº390S
1. display intensity
Pressing this button varies the brightness of the display. Four
brightness levels are available, including “display off.” All
other front panel LEDs change their brightness levels
appropriately, except that they remain at the dimmest level
when the display itself is off.
When power is first applied to the Nº390S (or when power is
restored after an interruption), the display is automatically set
to its highest level.
Pressing the display intensity button once dims the display
one level; pressing it again turns the display off; pressing
display intensity once more returns the display to its brightest
level; pressing it a fourth time will return it to medium. (If
other Mark Levinson components in the system are “Linked”
to the Nº390S, all display intensities can change in unison.
See Special Functions for more information.)
If the display is set to “off,” pressing any key will cause it to
light at medium intensity for approximately four seconds in
order to display the action of the key press.