Mark Levinson Reference Preamplifier N32 - Manual (Page 6)

6
Special Design Features of the
Nº32 Reference Preamplifier
modular approach The Nº32 Reference Preamplifier and Reference Phono Preamplifier
Modules were designed together. All the high performance power sup-
ply, extensive control and high isolation input circuitry that character-
izes the Nº32 Reference Preamplifier allows the purpose-built phono
modules to perform at a extraordinarily high level.
Each channel of the Nº32 reference phono preamplifier is a removable
module. Each module is shielded in a metal box, not simply for me-
chanical handling, but for the extraordinary noise shielding properties
that only a fully enclosed Mu-metal case can provide.
input connections The phono preamp has input connections for two phono sources.
These inputs benefit from Madrigal’s “virtually unplugged” input
switching topology, where ground as well as hot connections of
unselected inputs are broken to eliminate ground current flow between
components. Shorting the unselected signal insures superb isolation
between phono inputs. Low level phono signals pass through only the
highest-grade Madrigal RCA connector or Swiss-made Neutrik XLR
connector; hermetically-sealed, rhodium-contact reed relays; and a
Teflon-insulated flat conductor interconnect cable before reaching the
active preamplifier circuitry.
input loading network Optimum input loading for your phono cartridge is essential to achiev-
ing the performance your cartridge manufacturer intended. The Nº32
reference phono preamplifier makes getting the most from your phono
system more convenient (and more likely) than ever. A network of re-
sistor and capacitor terminations, switched by the same reed relays as
above (specifically optimized for ultra-low signals), gives a full range of
loading options that are accessible from both the Nº32 front panel and
its remote control.
Available resistor load values are 3.3
Ω
, 5
Ω
, 7.7
Ω
, 10
Ω
, 33
Ω
, 50
Ω
, 77
Ω
,
100
Ω
, 330
Ω
and 47k
Ω
.
Available capacitor loads values are 0pF, 50pF, 100pF, 150pF, 200pF,
250pF, 300pF, 350pF and .01uF.
All the provided load termination components are the highest quality,
plate-style, thin film resistors or polypropylene film capacitors. In addi-