Mark Levinson N390S - Manual (Page 13)

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Digital Servo Control The laser mechanism used in the Nº390S uses all digital servo
controls of its operations. Critical functions such as focus and
tracking are handled completely in the digital domain with
mathematical precision. A digital servo remains stable over time,
never needing readjustment under normal conditions.
Digital Input/Output The Nº390S CD player incorporates two digital inputs, allowing
Versatility two external digital sources such as a laser disc player and digital
cable radio to benefit from the excellent digital processor
incorporated within. The two most common digital interfaces are
supported for the widest compatibility: EIAJ (sometimes called
“TosLink™”) and S/PDIF coaxial, via an RCA connector.
Two high quality digital output configurations are also supported
in the Nº390S. A new complementary driver for the balanced
AES/EBU electrical output delivers outstanding performance to the
high quality XLR connector. A single-ended S/PDIF electrical
output is also provided via an RCA connector. These digital
outputs may be used to feed the input of digital recorders or an
outboard digital processor, and they both benefit from the closed-
loop jitter reduction circuitry described above. (In effect, they
duplicate the functionality and performance of the corresponding
outputs on a Mark Levinson Nº37 CD transport.)
All digital interfaces have been carefully optimized to deliver the
finest performance each interface standard allows. As a direct
result, the Nº390S performs optimally with any digital processor,
without having to resort to techniques which would limit its
compatibility with other products.
Industrial Design The Nº390S shares the handsome industrial design of other Mark
Levinson components such as the Nº380 preamplifier. The
combination of the hand-brushed, black-anodized aluminum
faceplate and bead-blasted custom-machined buttons make
operating the Nº390S a tactile as well as a sonic pleasure.
A large, easily read display provides information as to the
operational status of the Nº390S from across the room, making
the supplied remote control more genuinely useful than on
products lacking such a display.
In keeping with its sophisticated design, the Nº390S also
incorporates a Mark Levinson-designed loading mechanism.
Contrasting strongly with the bulky, plastic drawers commonly
used, the slim 1⁄8 inch drawer is machined from a solid piece of
aluminum and rides on highly polished bearings. Its variable-
speed design opens and closes quickly, but without jarring the
disc contained within, nor risking a jam from dislodging it.