MARK LEVINSON N. 38S

Second-hand, in good condition, it has two small scratches (see pictures). Supplied with manual and remote control, no original package.

Preamplifier

The Mark Levinson No. 38S is a remote-controlled line preamplifier that represents a significant evolution from the No. 38 model.

One of the main changes is the adoption of a four-layer printed circuit board, compared to the two-layer board of the previous model. This new board uses a material developed for VHF communications, which shares some of Teflon's electrical characteristics, although multilayer Teflon PCBs are not possible. The two inner layers of the board serve as power planes, while the top layer acts as a ground plane, minimizing source impedances and ensuring optimal distribution of electrical power.

The No. 38S uses carefully selected passive components after extensive listening tests, including high-precision metal-foil resistors and Teflon-dielectric capacitors for each channel. The primary gain elements are Burr-Brown OPA2604 op-amp chips, combined with a current-mode stage to form a semi-discrete instrumentation amplifier.

From a technological standpoint, the circuits of the two channels are separated by the power supply and control circuitry, shielded by an internal structure to minimize noise. The input selection relays are positioned near the input jacks, reducing the length of PCB traces the signal must pass through. Volume control is managed by a two-channel MDAC chip, offering precise volume control in 0.1dB increments over a total range of 92dB.

Sonically, the Mark Levinson No. 38S stands out for its neutrality and ability to preserve the integrity of the musical signal. It emerges as one of the most musically satisfying and neutral preamplifiers on the market, combining exceptional performance with superior ergonomics, especially when connected to other Levinson components through dedicated communication links.

Technical Specifications:

• Line Preamplifier
• Gain: –73.1dB to +18.9dB plus "off."
• Inputs: two balanced stereo (XLR), four single-ended (RCA), one Mark Levinson Link connector, one 1/8" minijack for external IR repeater
• Outputs: one balanced stereo main output pair (XLR), one single-ended stereo main output pair (RCA), two stereo record outputs (RCA), one Mark Levinson Link connector
• Input Impedance: 100k ohms
• Output Impedance: 16V. Maximum Output: 16V RMS, balanced
• Power Consumption: 40W
• Dimensions: L (400mm) W (363.2mm) H (97.5mm)
• Weight: 16kg