2. amps-preamps
  3. 1097524702

Using Mark Levinson No. 39 as a Preamp

I've heard differing answers when asking if I can route the audio from a DVD player through the digital inputs on the back of my Mark Levinson No.39. Currently all I have is my No.39 into an amp and out to the speakers.

I'm looking into buying a TV and DVD player and probably a sat dish as well. I want to know if I can take the digital audio out from a DVD player (and a sat dish) and put it through the digital audio input at the back of the Levinson.

Some say yes, some no and some say only if the DVD player can be set to output 24 bit 2 channel PCM audio (whatever that means).

Has anyone had experience using the digital inputs on the back of a Levinson No.39 or 390s from a DVD player or satellite dish?

All feedback appreciated.

Wraith
webwraith at hotmail dot com
webwraith
2 responses Add your response
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
Hey,
There is another response down below. I think he might have something when he talks about the outputs from the other equipment. So in retrospect, the #39 will do what you ask, you'll just have to be careful when buying your other components to see if the have the correct types of output available. Isn't digital madness fun?
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
No experience doing what you ask. However you can do this, I know this because I owned a #39 for a year. That is what it was built for. The DVD player can be set to output 24 bit 2 channel PCM audio (whatever that means). A DVD player can decode higher resolution discs which are available from some manufacturers such as Chesky. They were recorded in high resolution but the extra data can only be accessed from a player capable of extracting the extra data from your disc. This is not the same as SACD or DVD-Audio though.
The #39 manual can step you through accessing this data I believe.
The #39 is a great sounding unit. It can be updated to the 390s of course.
Good listening,
Steve
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Audio Research LS28SE
- Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
80x80
Ayon Audio Auris II Tube Pre-amp
AWARD WINNING 8 YEARS RUNNING
80x80
Audio Research REFERENCE 250