Mark Levinson 536 User manual

No -536 Monaural
Amplifier
Owner’s Manual

ii
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution!
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
USA and Canada
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B).
For customer service and product
shipment information, refer to the
website: www.marklevinson.com
Mark Levinson is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Windows, Microsoft and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with
which they are associated.
©2015 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of
Harman International Industries, Incorporated. The information it contains is subject
to change without notice. Harman International Industries, Incorporated, assumes no
responsibility for errors that may appear within this document.

iii
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus that
produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles
and the point where it exits from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specied by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specied by the manufacturer
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury or tip over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged; liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus; or the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally or has been dropped.
15. The MAINS cord is intended to be the safety disconnect device for this apparatus and shall remain readily
operable at all times.
16. Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspapers,
tablecloths, or curtains.
17. No naked ame sources, such as candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
18. Terminals marked with this symbol may be considered HAZARDOUS LIVE, and the external
wiring connected to these terminals requires installation by an INSTRUCTED PERSON or the
use of ready-made leads or cords.
19. This product must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord that includes an earth
ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The apparatus
shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed
on the apparatus.

Mark Levinson
iv
Safety Terms & Symbols
These terms may appear in this manual:
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or
death.
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage or destruction
to part or all of the component.
Calls attention to information that is essential to highlight.
These symbols may appear on the product:
Appears on the component to indicate the presence of non-insulated,
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufcient to
constitute a risk of shock.
Appears on the component to indicate important operation and
maintenance instructions included in the accompanying documentation.
Appears on the component to indicate compliance with the EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low-Voltage Directive)
standards of the European community.
Warning!
Caution!
Note

Nº536 Series Power Amplifier
1
Table of Contents
About This Document .......................................................................................... 2
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2
Installation Considerations ................................................................................. 4
Power Requirements ............................................................................................ 5
Front Panel ............................................................................................................. 5
Rear Panel .............................................................................................................. 6
Operation ............................................................................................................... 8
Faults & Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 9
Care & Maintenance ............................................................................................10
Specifications ........................................................................................................11
Declaration of Conformity ..................................................................................12

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About this document
This User Guide primarily covers the system functions and advanced options
contained in your No
-536. These resources allow you to nely tailor the
behavior and performance of the No
-536 to t your system and listening room.
This document contains general safety and operation instructions for the
amplier. It is important to read this document before attempting to use
this product. Please pay particular attention to safety instructions.
This manual is not intended as a general reference guide for audio or
home theater systems. If you’re uncertain how to set up or maintain your
system, seek the advice of a professional installer or ask your dealer for a
recommendation.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the No
-536 monaural amplier. Since 1972,
Mark Levinson®has been dedicated to the uncompromising art of sound,
with the guiding principle of musical purity above all else. To achieve
that goal like never before, Mark Levinson engineers scoured company
archives, ultimately developing a proprietary, new, yet familiar amplier
design featuring outstandingly high current and tremendous open-loop
linearity. The result is the Mark Levinson No
-536 Monaural Amplier. This
fully differential, fully discrete monoblock drives virtually any loudspeaker
effortlessly for impeccable imaging, musicality, and openness.
The pursuit of perfect amplication is a well-known theme in high-end audio.
New technologies present new approaches, while looking to the past provides
inspiration for the future. It was in that spirit that the Mark Levinson No
-536
Monaural Amplier was developed: an amplier advised by the traditions and
art of classic amplier design, and infused with modern technology. A fully
discrete, differential, direct-coupled signal path; a highly linear, low-feedback
design; and voltage gain and drive stages operating in class A, are joined by
the modern system integration capabilities provided by Ethernet, RS-232, and
USB for monitoring and network control.
The No
-536’s core design principles are its very high open-loop linearity and
extremely high bias current. Because the amplier circuitry was designed
to have such intrinsically high performance, it requires very little feedback
to achieve impeccably low distortion and enormously wide bandwidth.
Employing unusually high bias current enables superb linearity with wide
bandwidth: nearly immune to the effects of parasitic capacitances, the No
-536
is able to change voltage with unreserved agility. These design principles
create the hallmarks of Mark Levinson amplication: effortlessness, openness,
and unadulterated smoothness throughout the entire frequency range,
regardless of load or listening level.
Mark Levinson takes pride in both the art and science of engineering. To
that end, components are selected based not only on their technical merits,
but also on their sonic capabilities. The Mark Levinson No
-536 Monaural
Amplier contains 12 discrete 15A, 260V, 200W TO-264 bipolar output
Philosophy
Design Principles
Components

Nº536 Series Power Amplifier
3
transistors per output stage (24 total); and 12 discrete 230V, 70MHz TO-220
bipolar driver transistors per output stage (one for each output transistor,
24 total). Its power supply contains eight discrete, high speed, 40A, 250V
TO-220 Schottky rectiers per output stage (16 total) and 18 lter capacitors
per output stage (36 total) for a grand total of 169,200 microfarads of
storage capacitance. The No
-536 also features a custom-designed, low noise
toroidal transformer, rated for 1,800VA total continuous power with separate
secondary windings for each output stage. The output stage and power
supply components are over-specied to offer unsurpassed performance and
reliability. The input stage of the No
-536 contains two matched-pair, low-
noise, high-gain, dual JFET input transistors, which in turn are connected
in a double cascode conguration to bipolar transistors; the combination
of devices offers inherently low distortion and wide bandwidth, as well as
the ability to effortlessly swing large signal voltages. This circuit operates in
a fully balanced, differential conguration and uses discrete TO-126 bipolar
pre-driver transistors to accurately drive the massive output stages.
• Class AB design rated at 400W into 8 ohms and 800W into 4 ohms
• Fully discrete and differential signal path, input to output
• High linearity, low-feedback design for low distortion and
wide bandwidth
• Voltage gain and driver stages operate in class A
• Direct coupled: no capacitors in the signal path
• Custom-designed, low-noise 1800VA toroidal transformer
• High current linear power supplies employing low noise, high speed
discrete Schottky rectiers and multiple paralleled lter capacitors
• Mirror-image symmetrical design
• Four binding posts with Hurricane terminals for standard and bi-wired
loudspeaker connections
• System controls: Ethernet, RS-232, IR input, 12V trigger input and
output, USB
• Power Amplier
• Owner’s Manual
• Handling Gloves (pair)
• Power Cable
Features
Box Contents

Mark Levinson
4
Installation Considerations
The No
-536 requires special care during installation to ensure optimal
performance. Pay particular attention to instructions included in this
section and to precautions included throughout this owner’s manual.
DO save all packing materials for possible future shipping needs.
DO inspect the amplier for signs of damage during shipment. If damage is
discovered, contact your authorized Mark Levinson dealer for assistance in
making appropriate claims.
DO locate and remove the accessory bag from the carton. Make sure it
contains all of the items listed in the “What’s in the Box” table on the
previous page. If not, contact your authorized Mark Levinson dealer.
DO NOT attempt to lift or move the power amplifier without
adequate assistance. The shipping weight of the amplifier exceeds
what a single person should lift alone. To avoid injury or damage to
the unit, at least two people are required to lift or move the amplifier.
Knit white gloves with special gripping surfaces on the palms and
fingers are included with the amplifier. Wear these gloves when
lifting or moving the amplifier.
DO install the power amplier on its own shelf for proper ventilation.
DO install the amplier chassis on a solid, at, level surface.
DO install the power amplier close to associated components to keep
interconnecting cables as short as possible.
DO select a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
DO allow at least 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10cm) of clearance above and on each
side of the amplier for proper heat dissipation.
DO allow at least 6 inches (15cm) of clearance behind the amplier so that
the power cord and cables have space to bend without becoming crimped
or strained.
DO NOT place the amplier chassis on a thick rug or carpet or cover the
amplier with a cloth, as this might prevent proper cooling.
DO NOT obstruct the ventilation holes on the top and bottom of the
chassis or reduce airow through the amplier.
DO NOT place the amplier chassis near low-level components.
The power amplier is capable of producing large output currents and
hence signicant magnetic elds, which can induce noise in sensitive
components.
DO NOT expose the power amplier to high temperatures, humidity,
steam, smoke, dampness, or excessive dust. Avoid installing near radiators
and other heat-producing appliances.
MAKE SURE all components are properly grounded. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of polarized or grounding-type plugs with
“ground-lifter” or “cheater” adapters. Doing so may cause dangerous
voltage to build up between components, which can result in
personal injuries and/or product damage.
Unpacking
Caution!
Placement and
Ventilation
Warning!

Nº536 Series Power Amplifier
5
Power Requirements
The amplier is congured at the factory for 100, 120, or 230 VAC power
operation at 50Hz or 60Hz. Before operating the amplier, ensure that the
power label on the rear panel near the AC input connector indicates the
correct operating voltage.
DO NOT attempt to adjust the operating voltage. Consult a
Mark Levinson dealer if the operating voltage is incorrect or must be
changed for relocation purposes.
Different operating voltages may require the use of different power
cords and/or attachment plugs. Contact a Mark Levinson dealer for
additional assistance.
This amplier is capable of passing remarkable sound at exceptional power
levels. Depending on listening habits, loudspeaker demands, and the number
of power ampliers present in the system, it is possible that the electrical
service may become the limiting performance factor of your system.
If this case occurs, consider installing a dedicated AC circuit for the system.
Contact a licensed electrician for assistance. If more than one AC circuit is
providing power to the system, contact a licensed electrician to ensure that
all components are operating with the same solid, low-impedance ground
reference.
Building regulations and electrical codes differ from location
to location, making it impossible to anticipate the requirements
of amplifier high-current AC circuits. Contact a local, licensed
electrician for further information.
Front Panel
Status LED
Standby button
Toggles the amplier between On and the selected Standby mode when the
rear-panel Power Switch is turned on.
Indicates the operating state of the amplier and provides basic diagnostic
information if a fault condition occurs. The table below identies the
basic behavior of the Status LED. More information on each status can be
accessed on the amplier’s web interface.
Caution!
Caution!
Standby Button
Status LED

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6
LED Lit Steadily Flashing
Red Amplier powered on,
normal operation
Amplier in Standby
White Amplier shut off due
to non-recoverable fault
condition. Switch power off
from the rear panel to exit
this state.
Amplier in Safe Mode due to
a recoverable fault condition.
Once cleared, amplier will
enter Standby, indicated by red
ashing Status LED.
Blue Starting up from reset Installing update
Rear Panel
Controls the AC power to the input of the amplier when a power cord is
connected from the electrical outlet to the AC input connector on the rear
panel. When the Power switch is toggled to turn on the unit, the amplier
enters Standby mode.
The audio outputs of this power amplier are considered Class 2 (CL2)
circuits in North America. This means the wire connected between this
amplier and the speaker(s) shall be rated at minimum Class 2 (CL2) and
shall be installed according to the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC)
Article 725 or Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Section 16.
One balanced and one single-ended (unbalanced) connector is available for
each audio channel input.
Accepts a signal from a preamplier with balanced outputs via the XLR
connector. A small toggle switch selects either the balanced (XLR) or single-
ended (RCA) input connector. Make sure the toggle switch is set to the
position closest to the XLR connector.
The pin assignments are consistent with the standards adopted by the Audio
Engineering Society. Refer to the operating manual of your preamplier
to ensure that the pin assignments of its balanced output connectors
correspond to the No -536. If not, wire the cables so that the appropriate
output pin connects to the equivalent input pin.
Power Switch
Note
Audio Channel Inputs
Balanced Input
XLR balanced input
Speaker terminals with
Hurricane binding posts
Speaker terminals with
Hurricane binding posts
Trigger input and output
RCA unbalanced input
RS-232 (RJ11)
Input switch
Power switch
Micro USB
USB-A
Network (RJ45) AC Mains
power input