For additional information, contact:
Robert Clyne
Clyne Media, Inc.
Phone: 615-662-1616
Fax: 615-662-1636
E-mail: robert@clynemedia.com
September 3, 2008 – For Immediate ReleaseMark Levinson® Introduces the No532 Dual Monaural Power Amplifier
Mark Levinson® Expands Its Next Generation in Elite Home Entertainment with a Power Amp That Redefines the Concept of Exceptional Sound Quality
CEDIA EXPO, DENVER, CO – Mark Levinson®, a business unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), famed for 35 years for its elegant high-performance products, introduces the No532 Dual Monaural Power Amplifier. Following closely on the heels of the groundbreaking No502 Media Console, the No532 marks the latest addition to Mark Levinson’s product range representing the next generation in elite home entertainment. Equally comfortable in a world-class stereo system or a multi-channel music and home theater system, the No532 does more than merely improve on existing notions of power amplifiers; rather, it redefines the whole concept of exceptional sound quality and the capabilities of power amplifiers, setting a new standard in the process. With its truly impressive sound, precise engineering and ingenious features, the No532 is sure to impress even the most demanding audiophile.
Power amplification is a critical component in any high-performance home entertainment system, and its job is simple but nuanced: to be powerful and versatile enough to drive a wide range of demanding loudspeakers, yet be able to do so with the forcefulness and grace that high-quality sound reproduction requires. The No532 exceeds all reasonable expectations, offering breathtaking sound quality and featuring two impressive 400-watt monaural power amplifiers housed in a single chassis.
The No532’s meticulous craftsmanship is evident in the uniquely engineered design. To create the optimum power delivery system, the chassis of the No532 is specially designed to isolate the audio circuits from interference and noise. When viewed from above, the rear portion of the power amplifier has three distinct piers. Control and power circuitry reside in the center pier, separate from the audio circuitry, which resides in the two outer piers – one dedicated to each channel. The power transformers are located at the front of the chassis, away from the audio circuits. This unusual design provides a number of important advantages – isolation of the potentially noisy power and control circuits from the delicate audio circuits, additional heat sink surface area for cooling, and very short signal and power delivery paths.
Additionally, special care was taken in the design and implementation of the voltage regulator circuitry. Multiple stages of regulator circuits are employed, using a combination of series and shunt elements, custom-tailored to the audio circuitry for which they provide power. These discrete, low-noise, wide-bandwidth circuits are in close proximity to the audio signal path that they power, but placed on a separate circuit board to minimize interaction with the audio signals and prevent the corruption of low-level signals. The result is higher resolution, better bass definition, greater focus and more precise control of dynamics. Similarly extraordinary measures were taken with the design of the toroidal power transformers, which filter mains-born noise from the secondary power supply and help ensure that any capacitance that normally exists between the windings is knocked down to prevent it from finding its way into the delicate audio circuits. The power supplies are placed very close together to maximize magnetic field cancellation, and as far away from the audio signal path as possible to further reduce the potential for interference.
The compact design of the No532’s circuitry allows the signal path to be tighter and shorter, reducing parasitic capacitances and minimizing propagation delay and phase shift. The end result is a faster, wider bandwidth, cleaner output signal with very low impedance level and minimal signal degradation. Lastly, the audio signal output path contains 24 output devices per channel, providing an impressive power capability while minimizing crossover distortion.The first non-Reference Mark Levinson amplifier to be fully differential, the No532 provides both RCA and XLR connectors that accept balanced signals directly into the input stage of the amplifier, with no additional circuitry. Also, it is the first Mark Levinson linear amplifier to incorporate through-hole parts specifically for critical signal path components and surface mount components for building smaller circuits with higher performance. With the recent evolution of semiconductors, it is now possible to build more compact circuits, in turn obtaining better transient response with greater stability and enhance immunity from noise sources.
As music and cinema systems continue to grow more complex, integrating individual components takes on greater importance. To address the increasing demand for more control and communications capabilities, the No532 features Mark Levinson’s proprietary ML Net and Link2 inter-device communication protocols, allowing the No532 to be easily integrated and controlled by other Mark Levinson devices. The No532 also provides a traditional 12V trigger input and output to synchronize on/standby status with other devices that do not include ML Net or Link2. An RS-232 port also allows the No532 to be controlled by units from industry leaders such as AMX™, Crestron® and other third party integrated control systems.
Commenting on the launch of the new No532 Dual Monaural Power Amplifier, Mark Levinson Director of Sales Ed Stadlen stated, “Just like every series of Mark Levinson power amplifiers before it, the No532 represents an evolution in design. We have pulled from our experience and end-user feedback, and used the best possible design practices and materials, in order to come up with a new design that achieves the very best sound quality possible. The No532 offers unparalleled performance and Mark Levinson’s recognizable sonic signature, and you will be astounded by the increased resolution and dynamics.”
The No532 Dual Monaural Power Amplifier is now available from authorized Mark Levinson dealers.
Photo Files: ML_No532_Front.JPG, No532_3-4.JPGAbout Mark Levinson®
Mark Levinson® is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”AKG, Audioaccess, Becker, BSS, Crown, dbx, DigiTech, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, QNX, Soundcraft and Studer are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. ML Net and Link2 are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. AMX is a trademark of the Duchossois Enterprises Group (DEG). Crestron is a registered trademark of Crestron Electronics, Inc.
© 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
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