Operating Manual Mark Levinson® Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
Important Safety Instructions Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Mark Levinson component. 1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component. 2. This product is equipped with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes an earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used.
Table of Contents Unpacking and Placement ....................................................................... 6 Unpacking the Nº31.5 ....................................................................................... 6 Remove the Transport Screws .......................................................................... 6 Placement of the Nº31.5 ................................................................................... 6 Operating Voltage & Frequency .......................................
Introduction to Programming .................................................................. 41 How the Nº31.5 remembers programs .......................................................... 41 Assembling a new program ........................................................................... 41 Delete Programming ....................................................................................... 42 Advanced Programming .........................................................................
Unpacking and Placement Unpacking the Nº31.5 Important! Remove the Transport Screws Unpack your Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport and remove all accessories from the carton. Included with your new Mark Levinson transport is a pair of knit, white gloves designed to assist you in the initial unpacking and placement of your new purchase. Please accept them as a token of our appreciation for having purchased one of our products. Keep all packing materials for future transport of your Nº31.5.
Operating Voltage & Frequency The Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport is set at the factory (internally) for 100V, 120V, 200V, 220V, or 240V AC mains operation as appropriate for the country in which it is to be sold. (230V/50Hz only in European Union countries, in compliance with CE regulations.) Make sure that the label on the rear of the right tower of the Nº31.5 (adjacent to the power cord) indicates the correct AC operating voltage for your location, as attempting to operate the Nº31.
A Quick Start… We recognize that many people are understandably eager to begin listening to their new components, and that reading the manual is often done (if at all) at a later time—perhaps while listening to music with the new product itself. We strongly recommend that you read this manual thoroughly, as the Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport incorporates many unusual features that enhance its operation.
Warm up/break-in period 5 POWER UP THE REST OF THE SYSTEM, LEAVING THE POWER AMPLIFIERS FOR LAST Always turn the power amplifier(s) off first, and on last. This good habit minimizes the opportunity for unexpected transients reaching your loudspeakers.
Special Design Features Congratulations on your purchase of the Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport. The Madrigal design team is confident you will enjoy the outstanding performance of the Nº31.5 for many years. In case you are interested in technical details, what follows is a brief outline of some of the key technologies in your new transport.
bandwidth Hewlett Packard® part for superior performance. A high quality EIAJ optical interface has also been included for maximum compatibility, although in our experience it should be the interface of last resort. (It offers the least potential for high performance of any of the standard digital interfaces.) All digital interfaces have been carefully optimized to deliver the finest performance each interface standard allows. As a direct result, the Nº31.
Setup and Installation For your protection, review Important Safety Instructions before you install your Nº31.5. Carefully open the shipping carton and remove the contents. You should have: • • • • • • • • • • • • Mark Levinson Nº31.5 Reference Digital Transport Remote control Two AA batteries Disc damper Four spikes AC power cord Link cable (2m) Two spare 1.
Install the spikes one at a time. Using the supplied 1⁄8" hex key, remove the screw securing the foot to the Nº31.5’s chassis. Insert the threaded end of the spike through the hole in the foot into the threaded hole in the chassis, then turn the spike clockwise until it is finger-tight. (Be careful not to overtighten it.) Nº31 chassis Foot Spike Repeat this procedure for the other three spikes. 2 REMOVE THE TRANSPORT SCREWS REQUIRED! If you have not already placed the Nº31.
3 CONNECT THE Nº31.5 TO THE AC MAINS Insert the supplied shielded AC cord into the IEC-standard AC socket on the rear panel of the Nº31.5. Check to ensure that the power switch is in the “Off” (O) position. Double-check the voltage label on the rear panel of the Nº31.5 to ensure that it matches the supplied AC voltage in your country. If the voltage indicated is incorrect, or if you wish to change the AC operating voltage of the Nº31.5, see your Mark Levinson dealer.
Warning: Connecting the communication ports other than as described in this manual may damage the Nº31.5 and/or the digital processor, and will void the products’ warranties. Assuming both the Link connection and the digital interconnection have been made, merely pressing play the first time will establish the Link between components. 6 PLACEMENT OF YOUR TRANSPORT The Nº31.5 should rest on a level, stable surface. To ensure smooth operation of the lid, the Nº31.
Levelling screws Bubble level Levelling screws When level, place the disc damper on the spindle, then press Lid Open/ Close again to close the Lid. 8 INSERT BATTERIES IN THE REMOTE CONTROL Using the supplied 5⁄64" hex key, remove the two screws securing the cover of the Remote Control’s battery compartment (the end opposite the projection lens).
2 3 4 track display intensity repeat A>B repeat disc index preview repeat track 7 6 time program display mode + program clear 9 8 5 program 10 on track on disc – program review 13 elapsed time time remaining MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES REFERENCE CD TRANSPORT Nº 31.5 program save index mode 12 15 standby 14 11 1 Front Panel 1 STANDBY When the Nº31.
2 DISPLAY INTENSITY Pressing this button varies the brightness of the display. Four brightness levels are available. When the Nº31.5’s main power switch is first turned on (or when power is restored after an interruption), the display is automatically set to its secondbrightest level. Pressing display intensity once dims the display one level; pressing it again dims it further; pressing it again turns the display off. Pressing display intensity once more returns the display to its brightest level.
While repeat disc is active, the LED above the button is lit. To return to normal play, press repeat disc again. 7 REPEAT A-B This function allows you to repeat (continuously) a particular phrase or passage on a CD. While a CD is playing, press repeat A-B at the beginning of the passage you would like to repeat. At the end of the passage, press repeat A-B again. The passage you selected will repeat continuously.
11 PROGRAM REVIEW This function allows you to review the selections in the current program. (See Programming.) Press this button once to view the first selection in your program. To view the next selection, press program review again, and so on. After you view the last selection in the program, the display will show PROGRAM END. If you press program review when there is no program in the Nº31.5’s memory, the display will show NO PROGRAM. 12 PROGRAM SAVE Pressing this button records a program in the Nº31.
1 3 2 5 4 7 6 9 8 Top Panel 1 LID The Lid covers the CD transport assembly, the mechanism that holds the CD during play. Its operation is controlled by the Lid Open/Close button (2). 2 LID OPEN/CLOSE Pressing this button opens the Lid (1); pressing it again closes the Lid. Pressing Lid Open/Close while a CD is playing stops play and opens the Lid. 3 STOP Pressing this button while a CD is playing stops play. Pressing stop also cancels repeat disc and repeat track, if they’re active.
4 SEARCH REVERSE Holding this button down during play moves the laser pickup rapidly toward the beginning of the CD, and provides audible cueing. ☛ If your Nº31.5 is connected to a compatible Mark Levinson digital processor (via the communication ports), you may choose to mute the volume completely during search. (See Setting Options.) When you release search reverse, play normally resumes. If you have reached the beginning of the disc, the Nº31.
While the Nº31.5 is in index mode, pressing previous “skips” the laser pickup to the previous index. If index mode is inactive, pressing previous skips the laser pickup to the previous track. Pressing previous while a CD is playing suspends play, skips the laser pickup to the previous track or index on the CD (or in a program), and begins play there. ☛ If you press previous while the first track on the CD (or in a program) is playing, the display will show FIRST TRACK.
1 2 3 4 1 CD Transport Assembly 1 FINGER WELLS These cutouts make it easy to grasp a CD by its edges when placing it on or removing it from the spindle. Both right-handed and left-handed users are accommodated by having both diagonals available. LEVELLING SCREWS For the best performance, the Nº31.5’s transport assembly should be level. Four levelling screws (one inside each finger well) allow you to adjust the transport assembly easily. With the supplied 3⁄32" hex driver, and using the Nº31.
Caution: The Disc Damper 3 BUBBLE LEVEL Use this bubble level, along with the four levelling screws (1), to make sure that the Nº31.5’s transport assembly is level. 4 LASER ASSEMBLY This assembly contains the Nº31.5’s laser pickup, the device that reads the underside of the CD. Never touch or attempt to clean the laser assembly. To clamp a CD onto its spindle, the Nº31.
track index time 1 2 3 4 Display 1 TRACK Before play begins, this part of the display shows the total number of tracks on the CD. During play, this part of the display shows the number of the track in play. While a program is in the Nº31.5’s memory, the letter P will appear preceding the track number. A small P indicates a saved polarity setting (possible only when the Nº31.5 is linked to a compatible Mark Levinson digital processor).
You may vary the nature of the information in this part of the display using the display mode button. (See Front Panel.) 4 Display messages INFRARED RECEIVER AND TRANSMITTER This part of the display accepts commands from the Nº31.5’s Remote Control. (See Remote Control.) When using the Nº31.5 to teach a learning remote special commands, it can also transmit IR signals. (See Using Learning Remote Controls.) Always keep this window clean and unobstructed.
Remote Control 1 1 IR TRANSMITTER WINDOW The Nº31.5’s Remote Control sends infrared (IR) commands through its projection lens, and the Nº31.5 receives IR commands through its Remote sensor window. (See Front Panel.) If either of these lenses is obstructed, no IR commands can be received by the Nº31.5. If you notice IR performance deteriorating, you may want to clean these lenses with a soft cloth and some glass cleaner.
A-B: Press once to establish a beginning point (point A) for an endless playback loop. The display will flash the letter B to indicate that it is ready to accept your designated ending point (point B). Once this has been done, the Nº31.5 will repeat the segment of the disc between points A and B until you press A-B or stop. (Note that A must precede B on the disc.
4 PROGRAM/TIME While remaining in stop, you may advance the display to any desired track using the track – and track + keys. Pressing prgm/time followed by the track + (or track –) button will add (or delete) the displayed track to that disc’s playlist. On the other hand, pressing prgm/time followed by a number on the numeric keypad gives you direct time access to any point on the disc.
This function is available even when the Nº31.5 is in standby, in which case its display will activate long enough to confirm your command visually. You may change the input button back to controlling the digital source selection at any time by repeating this procedure. Whenever the Nº31.
intensity/•standby: Pressing this button momentarily cycles the Nº31.5 (and any Linked Mark Levinson components) through their four levels of display intensity (bright, medium, dim, off). When pressed and held for about one second (denoted by the bold dot •), this button will place the Nº31.5 into or out of standby. If you continue to hold this button after the Nº31.5 enters standby, it will force the entire Linked system into standby. This function is available even when the Nº31.
Optimum IR reception window 30 feet or less 30˚ 30˚ If the requirements of your installation preclude a clean line of sight between the Nº31.5 and your listening position, you may want to consider using an infrared repeater to route the remote control’s commands to the Nº31.5. Please ask your dealer for more information on third-party IR repeaters.
REFERENCE CD TRANSPORT Nº 31.5 designed and manufactured in U.S.A. by MADRIGAL main power S/N communication ports digital outputs aes/ebu slave out slave in eiaj st CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT spdif WA R N I N G : B E F O R E AT T E M P T I N G T O OPERATE THIS DEVICE, REFER TO OWNER'S M A N U A L F O R P R O P E R O P E R AT I N G INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE AVAILABLE INSIDE; DISCONNECT AC ~ MAINS CABLE BEFORE OPENING UNIT.
Warning! 3 AC POWER CORD SOCKET This socket accepts AC mains power via the supplied AC power cord. 4 FUSE COMPARTMENT The panel surrounding the main power switch is also a hinged cover for the Nº31.5’s fuse compartment. The Nº31.5 uses two 1.0-ampere slo-blow fuses (type T1A slow-blo 5x20mm). Never attempt to open the fuse compartment without first removing the AC power cord from the Nº31.5. If you need to replace the fuses, always use the same type of fuse.
7 DIGITAL OUTPUT, EIAJ OPTICAL This output provides the digital audio signal (DAS), via optical cable equipped with the EIAJ-type optical connector (sometimes called “Toslink®”) to the digital processor. 8 DIGITAL OUTPUT, ST OPTICAL This output provides the digital audio signal (DAS), via optical cable equipped with the ST-type optical connector (sometimes called “AT&T”) to the digital processor.
Basic Operation Before operating your Nº31.5, become familiar with its controls and their locations. (See Front Panel, Top Panel, CD Transport Assembly, and Remote Control.) Loading a CD To load a CD for play: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Make sure that the main power switch is set to the “|” position. Enable the Nº31.5’s controls by pressing standby. Press Lid Open/Close to open the Lid. Remove the Disc Damper from the spindle. Place a CD onto the spindle, label side up. Handle the CD by the outer edges only. 6.
Random play Using the Remote Control, you may have the Nº31.5 play tracks totally at random. To do this, press the 0 (zero) numbered key, then press play. While random play is active, the letter R will appear preceding the track number on the display. To cancel random play, press Stop. Skipping to another track Searching for a passage You may skip to another track any time while a CD is playing.
Using indices If a CD has indices, you may use them to begin play in the middle of a track. 1. Press index mode. (If there was no CD in play, the display will show INDEX SEARCH.) After a brief delay while the transport searches the disc, the LED above the button will flash to indicate index mode. 2. Using next and previous (or the numbered buttons on the Remote Control), select an index. 3. Press play to begin play at the index you selected.
Repeating a specific passage To repeat (continuously) a specific phrase or passage on a CD, press repeat A-B at the beginning of the passage you would like to repeat. At the end of the passage, press repeat A-B again. The passage you selected will repeat continuously. While the repeat A-B function is active, A then B will appear preceding the track number on the display. To return to normal play without interruption, press the repeat A-B button again.
Introduction to Programming Rather than playing an entire CD, you may choose to play only certain selections. To do this, you create a “program” (or playlist) and store it in the Nº31.5’s memory. Before using your Nº31.5’s programming features, become familiar with its controls and their locations (see Front Panel, Top Panel, CD Transport Assembly, and Remote Control), as well as their basic functions (see Basic Operation). When playing a program, the Nº31.
Delete Programming If you want to play most of a CD, and just “ignore” a few tracks, you may want to use this shortcut: 1. Using the next and previous (or the numbered buttons on the Remote Control), select the first track you want to eliminate from your program. 2. “Delete” the track by pressing program –. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each track you want to ignore. 4. When you have finished eliminating tracks: a. If you want to play your program without recording it in the Nº31.5’s memory, go on to step 5.
Advanced Programming After you have created a few programs as outlined in the previous section, you may want to review them, add extra tracks to existing programs, or in other ways change the nature of what you have done. The Nº31.5 provides great flexibility in these regards. Reviewing a program To review your program before playing it: 1.
Erasing a selection You also may erase a selection from a previously saved program. To erase a selection: 1. Load a CD for which you’ve already saved a program (the letter P will appear preceding the track number on the display); or load an unprogrammed CD, then assemble and save a program. 2. Using the next and previous (or track + and track – on the remote, or the numbered buttons on the remote), select the track you want to erase from your program. 3.
Setting Options The Nº31.5 gives you the ability to “customize” its operation to suit your particular needs and/or preferences. One of these options pertains exclusively to how the Nº31.5 itself operates: Index 0. The other options address the way in which the Nº31.5 interacts with other Linked Mark Levinson components such as the Nº30.5 Reference Digital Processor and the Nº38S Preamplifier. Note: To take advantage of linked functions, the various components must be connected via their communication ports.
■ ■ ■ ■ place only the Nº31.5 into standby mode (since you may wish to listen to another input on your processor). When the Nº31.5 is first turned on, the standby link setting is on. Alias link: Mark Levinson digital processors allow you to set an “input alias” for each of their sources; this alternative name appears on their display. The Nº31.5’s alias link automatically overrides the alias setting for its input. When you select the Nº31.5’s input, the processor will show No31 on its display.
A – sign beside an option indicates that it is currently off; a + sign indicates that it is currently on. If you continue clicking display mode after the display shows DISPLAYLINK+, the links are shown again beginning with INDEX 0, then RECORD LINK, then MUTE LINK, and so on. 5. Stop clicking display mode when the display shows a link you would like to change. 5. To turn the link on, press the program + button; to turn the link off, press the program – button. 6.
Madrigal Communications Link The information needed to take full advantage of the Madrigal Communications Linking system (MCL) falls into two categories: understanding the architecture used, and summarizing which cables are needed between which components. The following technical information is provided as a reference, for custom installations and other applications where a full understanding of the MCL system is important. Most people never need this information.
“Linked amplifiers?” you ask The communication required between preamplifier and power amplifier(s) is more limited than between other components.
Which Cables Go Where? Having cleared up (we hope) the conceptual difficulty with how Linking works and with the names of the various Link communications ports, we move on to the purely pragmatic: what size cables do I use? Where? The Link system uses standard telephone company modular connectors, similar to the ones used in your telephone or computer modem. All communications cables through to the preamplifier use an eight-conductor flat cable with an eight-pin modular plug (RJ-45) at each end.
To Nº33x Slave Out Locking tab To Nº33x Slave In Locking tab 6-Conductor Amp-Amp Link Cable In this case, we use pins 1-6 of the eight-pin connector in a “straight-through” connection, and leave pins 7-8 empty. Using the latest software As we add features and functionality to the Link system, we sometimes need to update associated software. If you are Linking a system with one or more older components (early Nº38’s, Nº30, Nº31, etc.
Using Learning Remote Controls The Nº31.5 includes both an infrared receiver and an infrared transmitter. With this capability, it can “teach” a learning remote control any commands that might be needed for remote operation that do not exist on the remote control itself. Specifically, the Nº31.
3 REPEAT THE PROCESS OF “TEACHING” NEW COMMANDS TO THE VARIOUS BUTTONS ON YOUR REMOTE CONTROL UNTIL ALL APPROPRIATE OR DESIRED FRONT PANEL COMMANDS HAVE BEEN LEARNED BY YOUR REMOTE 4 WHEN FINISHED, EXIT THE TEACH IR MODE BY ALLOWING THE Nº31.5 TO “TIMEOUT” You may wish to teach your remote control some of the Nº31.5’s special commands (those for which there is no corresponding panel button); in this case, you should go directly to the next section.
Pressing repeat disc will advance you to the next command in the table; when you reach the end of the list, the Nº31.5 will return to the beginning. If no button is pushed for more than ten seconds, the Nº31.5 will “time out” and return to normal operation.
Troubleshooting In general, refer any service problems to your Mark Levinson dealer. Before contacting your dealer, however, check to see if the problem is listed here. If it is, try the suggested solutions. If none of these solves the problem, contact your Mark Levinson dealer. 1. THE Nº31.5 WON’T FUNCTION, AND THE DISPLAY IS DARK. ✓ The unit is is standby. Press the standby button. ✓ The Nº31.5 isn’t plugged into the AC mains or the main power switch isn’t turned on.
6. THE LINKED FUNCTIONS DON’T WORK. ✓ Try to SET OPTIONS (press and hold display mode). Once you have SET OPTIONS in the display, click on display mode a couple times. If the display never advances beyond INDEX Ø, then your Link connection is not active. Check your Link cables. ✓ There is no “master” on the Link system: a Mark Levinson digital processor normally serves as central clearinghouse of information being passed from one component to the next. Without it, the Linking system cannot work.
Care and Maintenance To remove dust from the cabinet of the Nº31.5, use a feather duster. To remove dirt and fingerprints, we recommend isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. Caution! Always apply the isopropyl alcohol to the soft cloth and then wipe the Nº31.5 with the dampened cloth. Never pour or spray even small amounts of any liquid directly on the Nº31.5, as doing so may allow the liquid to reach the circuitry inside the unit.
U.S. and Canadian Warranty 90-Day Limited Warranty This Mark Levinson® product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase. To extend the warranty of this Mark Levinson product, return the warranty registration card along with a copy of the original receipt of purchase to Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc., P. O. Box 781, Middletown, CT 06457.
Obtaining Service We take great pride in our dealers. Experience, dedication, and integrity make these professionals ideally suited to assist with our customers’ service needs. If your Mark Levinson component must be serviced, please contact your dealer. Your dealer will then decide whether the problem can be remedied locally, or whether to contact Madrigal for further service information or parts, or to obtain a Return Authorization.
Specifications The correlation between published specifications and sonic quality is unreliable. A list of numbers reveals virtually nothing. All technical measurements must be subject to qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation. Measurements of the Nº31.5 yield excellent results by any standards. However, only those specifications that apply to its actual operation are included here.
Dimensions 19.375" 49.21 cm 5.560" 14.12 cm 1.100" 2.79 cm 11.861" 30.13 cm 13.726" 34.86 cm 12.261" 31.14 cm 11.93" 30.30 cm 5.432" 13.80 cm .308" .
Installation Notes Software Code Version: Sent in Warranty Registration? 62 _______ Yes / No
Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc. 2081 South Main Street, P.O. Box 781 Middletown, Connecticut 06457 USA Telephone: (860) 346-0896 Fax: (860) 346-1540 http://www.madrigal.com/ R MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES is a registered trademark of Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc. a Harman International company 630218-4 © 6/1998 Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
