N 5206 0 PREAMPLIFIER OWNER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview 2 Installation 4 Unpacking, Placement and ventilation 4 Power requirements, Operating states 5 Connections 6 Rear panel overviews 6 External component connections 7 Quick Listen 11 Control 11 Front-panel overview 12 Remote control overview 13 Remote control operation 14 5Kontrol Smart-Device App 14 Browser Setup Panel 15 Setup 16 Setup navigation 16 Input setup 17 Volume setup 21 Power setup 22 Display setup 22 Advanced setup 23 SSP (Surround P
OVERVIEW OVERVIEW Congratulations on your purchase of the Mark Levinson® N05206 Preamplifier. You now possess one of the finest audio reproduction devices in the world, a product that will provide an exceptional music listening experience for years to come. The N05206 harnesses decades of superlative audio engineering and the latest advancements to deliver unmatched performance and value.
OVERVIEW Highlights Digital • 32 bit/384 kHz DAC with 4x DSD capability • Digital inputs: 1 x USB (asynchronous), 2 x coaxial S/PDIF, 2 x optical S/PDIF, and 1 AES/EBU XLR balanced • Bluetooth audio input including aptX-HD support • MQA Full Decoding Analog • PurePath Class A design • 2 x balanced XLR stereo, 2 x RCA stereo, 1 x RCA phono (MM/MC) • Home theater processor pass-thru mode • Subwoofer high-pass filter via either single-ended RCA or balanced XLR outputs • Moving coil and moving magnet phono in
INSTALLATION INSTALLATION UNPACKING PLACEMENT AND VENTILATION When unpacking your N05206: • Install the preamplifier on a shelf with several inches of clearance above it to ensure proper ventilation. DO NOT install the preamplifier inside of an enclosed cabinet or rack. • Save all packing materials in case you need to ship your preamp in the future. • Inspect your preamp for signs of damage during shipment.
INSTALLATION POWER REQUIREMENTS OPERATING STATES The N05206 is configured at the factory for 100, 115, or 230 VAC power operation at 50Hz or 60Hz. Before operating the amplifier, ensure that the power label on the rear panel near the AC input connector indicates the correct operating voltage. A detachable IEC power cable intended for use in the region where the N05206 is sold is included.
CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS REAR-PANEL OVERVIEW Line Out Balanced XLR Two Balanced XLR Analog In Line Out Single Ended RCA USB A for Updates Two Single Ended RCA Analog In Phono Capacitive and Resistive Loading Selection IR In Ethernet RS232 DB9F Trigger In and Out Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Phono Inputs Digital Inputs: • AES XLR Input • Asynchronous USB 2.
CONNECTIONS EXTERNAL COMPONENT CONNECTIONS CAUTION: Before making connections, make sure the N05206 and all associated components are powered off and disconnected from electrical outlets. Single-ended analog inputs: The N05206 has two analog RCA input connectors per channel (labeled S1 and S2) that accept left-channel and right-channel single-ended input signals from source components with unbalanced RCA type output connectors.
CONNECTIONS 1 Loading Switches Moving Coil 2 3 4 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1000Ω 500Ω 250Ω 200Ω 125Ω 110Ω 90Ω 82Ω 62Ω 52Ω 43Ω 37Ω x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 20pF 70pF 120pF 170pF Moving Magnet 5 6 Loading Value The phono inputs are balanced.
CONNECTIONS Digital inputs The N05206 has six digital audio input connectors: an AES/EBU-format XLR connector (labeled AES/EBU), an asynchronous USB-B digital audio connector (labeled with a USB icon ), two optical (TOSLINK) S/PDIF connectors (labeled T1 and T2), and two coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF connectors (labeled C1 and C2).
CONNECTIONS Balanced Analog Source Component Unbalanced (RCA) Analog Source Component Computer Or Or Or Use Thumb Drive For Updates Digital Source Component Or 10 N05206 PREAMPLIFIER / OWNER’S MANUAL Or
QUICK LISTEN / CONTROL QUICK LISTEN 1. Connect the N05206 to a power amplifier. Consult the amplifier’s owner’s manual for connection and operation guidance. 2. Connect the supplied power cable to the N05206’s AC Mains connector and an electrical outlet. Power on the N05206, all source components, and the power amplifier. 3. Press the Standby button on the N05206’s front panel or remote control to turn it on. 4.
CONTROL FRONT-PANEL OVERVIEW Input/ Select Knob IR Receiver The Mark Levinson team designed the N05206 for elegant simplicity and ergonomics; therefore, the knobs perform a variety of functions depending on the operating mode. There are two modes of operation, Listening mode and Setup mode, and three modes of Standby, Green, Power Save, and Normal. Please read this section carefully and take the time to learn the operating modes.
CONTROL REMOTE CONTROL REMOTE CONTROL OVERVIEW standby input volume enter menu balance mute Standby: Press this button to put the N05206 into and out of the Standby mode. Press this button twice to wake up unit from green Standby mode. Input +/-: Press these buttons to select the desired input. Allow a moment for the relays to switch. The name and volume level of the selected input is indicated on the frontpanel display.
CONTROL REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION 5KONTROL SMART-DEVICE APP Battery Installation All of the functions of the remote are duplicated on the Mark Levinson 5Kontrol smart-device app. The app also provides navigation control of selected media sources and can control other Mark Levinson products. Your N05206 remote control comes with two AAA alkaline batteries. To install the batteries, use the included hex tool to remove the battery cover, insert the batteries and replace the battery cover and hex screws.
CONTROL BROWSER SETUP PAGE (BSP) The BSP is a highly convenient means of keeping the firmware of your preamplifier up to date and for performing setup functions. It is accessed via a major web browser on a PC or tablet. In order to access the BSP, you must first connect the unit to your Local Area Network (LAN). If there is no easy access to a LAN there are other means of setup and control, discussed elsewhere in this manual.
SETUP SETUP SETUP MENU NAVIGATION The Setup menus on your Mark Levinson preamplifier allow you to customize and configure the unit for higher performance, power economy, and convenience. There are two means for accessing and navigating the Setup menu: via the front panel display using the front panel or remote control, or via the Browser Setup Page on a networked browser-enabled device. Regardless of the method you choose, the procedures are similar.
SETUP INPUT SETUP Setup Menu Input Volume Power Display Advanced Input Setup B1 (analog XLR) B2 (analog XLR) S1 (analog RCA) S2 (analog RCA) Phono C1 (digital coaxial) C2 (digital coaxial) AES(digital XLR) T1 (digital optical) T2 (digital optical) USB BT (Bluetooth) Set Input X Name=XXX Offset=XXX SSP=On/Off PCM Filter=XXX PLL Lock= Normal/Wide Upsample=On/Off DSD Filter= XXX BT Name BT Pairing= Enable/Forget Ph Balance= +/- 3dB Infra Filt = On/Off Phono Type= MM/MC Available for all inputs Available fo
SETUP The following settings are available for all inputs: Name: This option offers a choice of preset names for the selected input (CD, SACD™, DVD, Blu-ray™, DAC, EQ, etc.). Additionally, the following names are available for each input: Disabled: This option removes the selected input from the list of available inputs. The input will be skipped when scrolling through the inputs. Browser Setup Page method: The easiest way to change input name is to select the Utility tab on the BSP.
SETUP Offset: The output level of audio devices can vary from brandto-brand and model-to-model, making some devices play louder or quieter than others. The Offset adjustment allows you precisely compensate for source volume differences so that all connected devices play at a similar volume level. The setting offers a range of –12.0dB to +12.0dB, in 0.5 dB steps.
SETUP BT Name: This displays the Bluetooth Name that will appear on your Bluetooth player device when scanning to pair. This name cannot be changed. The following setting is available only for the asynchronous USB input: DSD Filter: This setting lets you set the low-pass filter characteristic for DSD high-resolution digital content. You can select from roll-offs that begin at 47kHz, 50kHz, 60kHz or 70kHz.
SETUP VOLUME SETUP Setup Menu Input Volume Power Display Advanced Taper: This setting lets you choose the desired taper for the volume control from the following options: Volume Max 80dB Mute -40dB Turn On 40dB Taper Mode 1 The Volume settings let you customize the action of the N05206 Volume and Mute functions. Max Vol: This setting determines the maximum volume level setting in 0.5dB increments between 40.0dB and 80.0dB. The factory default maximum volume is 80.0dB.
SETUP POWER SETUP Setup Menu Input Volume Power Display Advanced DISPLAY SETUP Power Standby Auto Off The Power parameters let you customize power-related 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 N05206’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 ADVANCED SETUP Setup Menu Input Volume Power Display Advanced Advanced Firmware Config Network Trigger Front IR The Advanced section of the Setup menu gives you access to a range of configuration and administrative settings and functions. Firmware: This menu gives you access to the following firmware-related functions: Version: Push Enter to display the version number of the currently loaded firmware.
SETUP Browser method: Make sure your unit is connected to a network with Internet access. Select the Home tab on the screen. Click the Software Update tab. You will be prompted for confirmation. Click OK and the unit will begin the update sequence. Please be patient and DO NOT INTERRUPT. This can take up to 15 minutes. The unit will return to Standby Mode when complete. Click Cancel to go back to the home page.
SETUP Setup Menu Input Volume Power Display Advanced Advanced Firmware Config Network Trigger Front IR Config: This menu group allows you to lock, restore, import, or export Setup configuration settings. Config Export: Press Enter to export all setup configuration information to a thumb drive inserted in the rear panel USB port. This data can then be used to configure other N05206 units or serve as a backup so you can quickly reconfigure your unit.
SETUP SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR (SSP) SETUP The SSP (Surround Sound Processor) mode allows the N05206 to be seamlessly integrated into a multichannel home cinema system. Any analog input may be designated as the surround sound processor input by turning this mode ON. When the SSP mode is activated the N05206’s volume control is deactivated and the level is fixed at unity gain.
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 3 2 3 4 5 6 Pr/R 5 6 1 2 1 2 4 Analog Audio Outputs Right R 1 3 Y/G Pb/B 4 Y/G Pr/R Pb/B Pr/R Y Pb RS-232 Pr Ethernet 2 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 TROUBLESHOOTING NO POWER Examine the power cord to ensure that it is connected to both the AC mains connector and a working, un-switched electrical outlet. Check the mains fuse accessible on the rear panel mains inlet. Examine the electrical circuit breaker to ensure that power is being supplied to the electrical outlet to which the N05206 is connected. Make sure the N05206 is not in Standby mode. The front-panel standby LED illuminates fully and continually when the N05206 is On.
TROUBLESHOOTING AUDIO HAS A HUMMING SOUND Disconnect components one at a time to isolate the problem. Once you have identified the problematic component, make sure it is properly grounded and connected to the same electrical circuit as the N05206. 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 N05206 from reaching the maximum volume level of 80.0.
SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS ANALOG LINE STAGE Line Input Impedance: Balanced (XLR): 20kΩ; Single-ended (RCA): 10kΩ Volume Control: Balanced; voltage mode; digitally-controlled resistor network Gain: 8dB maximum, single-ended outputs 14dB maximum, balanced outputs Output Impedance: 55Ω Output Overload: >7.5V RMS, single-ended outputs >15V RMS, balanced outputs Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, ±0.03dB; <2Hz to 250kHz, +0.1/–3dB (At unity gain volume setting) Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.
SPECIFICATIONS MOVING-COIL MODE Input Resistance: Selectable, 37Ω to 1000Ω Gain: 69dB at 1kHz Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01%, 1kHz, 2V RMS output; <0.05%, 20Hz to 20kHz, 2V RMS output Signal-To-Noise Ratio: >68dB, 20Hz to 20kHz, wideband, unweighted, referred to 2V RMS output Maximum Input Level: >6.5mV at 1kHz; >19mV at 20kHz DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER STAGE Output Voltage: 5.6V RMS at 0dBFS, maximum volume, single-ended outputs 11.
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Analog Input Connectors: 2 pairs balanced line-level inputs (XLR); 2 pairs single-ended line-level inputs (RCA); 1 pair single-ended moving-coil phono inputs (RCA); 1 pair single-ended moving-magnet phono inputs (RCA) Digital Audio Connectors: 2 optical digital inputs (Toslink); 1 asynchronous USB digital input (USB-B); 2 coaxial digital S/PDIF input (RCA); 1 balanced digital AES/EBU input (XLR) Output Connectors: 1 pair single-ended (RCA) and 1 pair balanced (XLR) Control Conn
HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated 8500 Balboa Boulevard Northridge, CA 91329 USA © 2020 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Mark Levinson is a registered trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. "MQA" is a trade mark of MQA Limited © 2018.
