Mark Levinson No. 326S Line Stage Preamplifier with Remote

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Super clean and perfectly working line stage preamp from ML.

This provided one of the cleanest signals we have *ever* seen in our lab. A quick look at the internals told the whole story. This sort of build quality is only found in military spec electronics.

If you're looking for the most transparent preamp, this is going to be hard to top.

$10,000 MSRP, coming to you from its original owner along with its remote and manual and ML original white gloves! Pet and smoke free home.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Power Cords 

Please see our photos or the linked manual below for full specifications:

Mark Levinson No. 326S Line Stage Preamplifier - Manual

Unique Features:
• Automatic volume ramp during source switching.
• Configurable input parameters, including name and gain offset, which allows the precise balancing of input source levels.

Nº326S Highlights
• Nelco N4000-13 SI main circuit board.
• Aux output path: 1 XLR and 1 RCA stereo pairs w/ fixed/variable volume and independent source selection.
• Independent audio circuits, communication circuits and power supplies for each channel.
• Seven configurable inputs including four single-ended (RCA) inputs and three balanced (XLR) inputs.
• Main outputs: 2 XLR and 2 RCA stereo pairs (identical w/ volume).
• Ethernet, RS-232, IR and 12V trigger system control ports. Includes system remote control.
• Separate main and record outputs
• Complete surround-sound-processor integration

More from Mark Levinson:
Following in the Mark Levinson tradition, the N°326S exceeds all reasonable expectations for a stereo preamplifier. Its flexible design accommodates a wide range of demands, and shielded audio circuits produce an incomparable sound fit for sophisticated music reproduction systems.

With a single-chassis design, the N°326S achieves separation of audio circuit, control circuit, and power supply sections similar to that of the dual-chassis N°32.

The internal structure of the N°326S separates these sections, while a steel shield box protects the power supply and other circuits against electrostatic and magnetic interference. Filtered AC power is routed outside audio circuit sections, providing audio circuits with the quiet, shielded environment essential for superior sound. Like most high-performance audio components, the N°326S relies on clean, noise-free AC power to deliver maximum performance. Unfortunately, most AC power does not meet these standards. Common household appliances such as refrigerators, TVs, and computers often contaminate AC power lines with line noise, spikes, and other irregularities that make it difficult for audio circuits to perform up to their full potential.

To compensate for this, the N°326S offers a series of highly effective noise suppression and isolation techniques that begin filtering AC power for noise as soon as it enters the chassis. Audio and control circuit sections use independent power supplies, each with its own low-noise toroidal transformer. The audio circuit power transformer includes a Faraday shield between the AC power line and low-voltage secondaries for improved isolation. 

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier. We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.