Mark Levinson No31.5 Manual

Operating Manual
Mark Levinson®
Nº31.5
Reference
CD Transport
Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO

NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
Marking by the “CE” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the
European Community.
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 interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, 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 to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
The information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this manual will
be posted on our web site at http://www.madrigal.com.
Important Safety Instructions
Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Mark Levinson com-
ponent.
1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting
any cables, or when cleaning any component.
2. This product is equipped with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes an
earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be
used. If your electrical outlets will not accept this type of plug, an adapter may be purchased.
If an adapter is necessary, be sure it is an approved type and is used properly, supplying an
earth ground. If you are not sure of the integrity of your home electrical system, contact a li-
censed electrician for assistance.
3. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children.
4. AC extension cords are not recommended for use with this product. If an extension cord must
be used, be sure it is an approved type and has sufficient current-carrying capacity to power
this product.
5. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.
6. NEVER operate this product with any covers removed.
7. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.
8. NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.
9. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.
10. NEVER bypass any fuse.
11. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.
12. NEVER attempt to repair this product. If a problem occurs, contact your Mark Levinson®
dealer.
13. NEVER expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures.
14. NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.

Table of Contents
Unpacking and Placement ....................................................................... 6

Unpacking the Nº31.5 ....................................................................................... 6
Remove the Transport Screws .......................................................................... 6
Placement of the Nº31.5 ................................................................................... 6
Operating Voltage & Frequency ............................................................... 7
Voltage label .............................................................................................. 7
A Quick Start… ............................................................................................ 8
Warm up/break-in period ................................................................................. 9
Special Design Features ........................................................................... 10
A New Generation .......................................................................................... 10
Digital Servo Control ........................................................................................ 10
Output Versatility .............................................................................................. 10
Industrial Design ............................................................................................... 11
Convenience Features ................................................................................... 11
Communications Links .................................................................................... 11
Setup and Installation ............................................................................... 12
Front Panel ................................................................................................. 17
Top Panel ................................................................................................... 21
CD Transport Assembly ............................................................................ 24
The Disc Damper ............................................................................................. 25
Removing the Disc Damper ........................................................................... 25
Display ....................................................................................................... 26
Display messages ............................................................................................. 27
Remote Control ......................................................................................... 28
Random Play .................................................................................................... 29
Analog Input Switching ................................................................................... 30
Direct access to inputs .................................................................................... 31
Conditions that Affect IR Performance ......................................................... 32
Optimum IR reception window ............................................................... 33
Rear Panel ................................................................................................. 34
Basic Operation ........................................................................................ 37
Loading a CD ................................................................................................... 37
Temporarily overriding a previously saved program ................................... 37
Playing all tracks in order ................................................................................ 37
Beginning play with other than the first track ............................................... 37
Replaying a track ............................................................................................ 37
Random play ................................................................................................... 38
Skipping to another track ............................................................................... 38
Searching for a passage ................................................................................. 38
Previewing a CD .............................................................................................. 38
Using indices ..................................................................................................... 39
Beginning play at a specific location in a track .......................................... 39
The pause function .......................................................................................... 39
Repeating an entire CD ................................................................................. 39
Repeating a track ........................................................................................... 39
Repeating a specific passage ....................................................................... 40
Inverting playback polarity ............................................................................ 40
Stopping play ................................................................................................... 40
4
Introduction to Programming .................................................................. 41
How the Nº31.5 remembers programs .......................................................... 41
Assembling a new program ........................................................................... 41
Delete Programming ....................................................................................... 42
Advanced Programming ......................................................................... 43
Reviewing a program ...................................................................................... 43
Adding a selection .......................................................................................... 43
Erasing a selection ........................................................................................... 44
Temporarily overriding a previously saved program ................................... 44
Erasing a program ........................................................................................... 44
Setting Options .......................................................................................... 45
Auto-Standby ................................................................................................... 47
Madrigal Communications Link .............................................................. 48
Understanding the Architecture .................................................................... 48
“Linked amplifiers?” you ask ........................................................................... 49
Which Cables Go Where? .............................................................................. 50
Using the latest software ................................................................................. 51
Using Learning Remote Controls ............................................................. 52
Teaching Nº31.5 Front Panel Commands ..................................................... 52
Teaching Other Nº31.5 Commands .............................................................. 53
special commands table ........................................................................ 54
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 55
Care and Maintenance ........................................................................... 57
U.S. and Canadian Warranty ................................................................... 58
Limited five year warranty .............................................................................. 58
Obtaining Service ..................................................................................... 59
Specifications ............................................................................................ 60
Dimensions ................................................................................................ 61
5
Unpacking and Placement
Unpacking the Nº31.5 Unpack your Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport and remove all accessories from the
carton. Included with your new Mark Levinson transport is a pair of knit, white
gloves designed to assist you in the initial unpacking and placement of your new
purchase. Please accept them as a token of our appreciation for having purchased
one of our products.
Important! Keep all packing materials for future transport of your Nº31.5.
Shipping your new component in anything other than its
purpose-designed packing material may result in damage
that is not covered by the warranty.
Remove the Transport Screws Protecting the finish by placing it on a soft cloth, prop up the Nº31.5 Reference
CD Transport on its side to provide ready access to the bottom of the center sec-
tion. Remove the transport screws from the bottom of the unit, along with the
shipping strap that holds the lid closed during transport. (Note that it is nor-
mal for the Nº31.5 lid to “float” open before power is supplied to the
unit.) Save them with all the other packing materials for future use.
Remove these
screws and washers
Shipping Strap
(holds lid closed,
protects finish)
Warning! The transport screws and shipping strap must be removed

before operating the Nº31.5, since they immobilize the
transport mechanism and lid during shipping to prevent
damage. This strap and these screws must also be replaced
before shipping the unit.
Placement of the Nº31.5 The Nº31.5 should be placed as close as possible to your digital audio processor,
thus keeping digital interconnect cabling reasonably short. It should be placed on
a shelf where it is convenient to operate and receives good ventilation.
Be sure to allow 7 inches (18 cm) of clearance above the Nº31.5 to ensure proper
operation of the lid assembly. The Nº31.5 must also be within 3° of level from
front to back for optimal operation of the lid. (This translates to having the front
and back edges of the Nº31.5 within about 1⁄2" or 1.2 cm of level with each other.)
Drawings are included in this manual to facilitate special installations and custom
cabinetry (see Dimensions).
6
Operating Voltage
& Frequency
The Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport is set at the factory (internally) for 100V, 120V,
200V, 220V, or 240V AC mains operation as appropriate for the country in which
it is to be sold. (230V/50Hz only in European Union countries, in compliance
with CE regulations.) Make sure that the label on the rear of the right tower of
the Nº31.5 (adjacent to the power cord) indicates the correct AC operating voltage
for your location, as attempting to operate the Nº31.5 at an incorrect voltage can
damage the unit.
The Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport is also set at the factory for operation on ei-
ther 50 or 60 Hz AC line frequencies, as appropriate for the country in which it is
to be sold. It will not operate if it senses an incorrect line frequency.
Warning! Neither the voltage nor the line frequency setting may be
changed by the user. There are no user serviceable parts
inside the Nº31.5. Only qualified, authorized service personnel
may open the Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport, as hazardous
voltages exist within the unit.
If the AC mains voltage or frequency indicated on your Nº31.5 is incorrect, please

contact your local, authorized Mark Levinson dealer or distributor.
The Nº31.5 can easily be powered by a normal 15-ampere AC mains line. If other
devices are also powered from the same AC line, their additional power con-
sumption should be taken into account.
7
A Quick Start…
We recognize that many people are understandably eager to begin listening to

their new components, and that reading the manual is often done (if at all) at a
later time—perhaps while listening to music with the new product itself. We
strongly recommend that you read this manual thoroughly, as the Nº31.5 Refer-
ence CD Transport incorporates many unusual features that enhance its opera-
tion.
Fortunately, we can help you get some music up and running on your system
quickly, so that you may begin enjoying your new CD transport while reading
more about it. The goal here is simply to make some music as quickly as pos-
sible. The following procedure assumes that the rest of your system is already
connected (e.g., digital processor to preamplifier, to power amplifier, to speakers,
etc.).
1 TURN OFF YOUR ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS

This minimizes the opportunity for a momentary electrical surge disturbing
your system while making connections. If you have a large power amplifier,
allow its power supply to fully discharge before proceeding (which may
take as long as several minutes, depending on its design).
2 REMOVE THE TRANSPORT SCREWS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE Nº31.5

If you have not done so already, remove the transport screws from the bot-
tom of the Nº31.5 now, as per the directions on page 13. Be sure to save
them and all packing material for possible future use. (Shipping the Nº31.5
without proper packing material and without the transport screws in their
proper positions may cause damage to the unit that would not be covered
by the warranty.)
3 CONNECT THE Nº31.5 TO AC POWER

Connect the AC cord to the Nº31.5 at the receptacle on the rear panel (right
tower as seen from the front), and then to your AC outlet. Then turn on the
power switch just above the AC power receptacle. (The international sym-
bol for “on” is a single vertical line: |. “Off” is symbolized by a circle: O.)
The Nº31.5 will take a few moments to initialize and will then be ready to
use.
4 CONNECT A DIGITAL OUTPUT TO A MATCHING DIGITAL INPUT ON YOUR

PROCESSOR
The Nº31.5 supports a variety of types of digital outputs to ensure compat-
ibility with any digital processor you might wish to use. These digital out-
puts are found on the rear of the Nº31.5. In our experience, when fully opti-
mized at both ends, the AES/EBU professional digital interconnection stan-
dard is the finest available. Depending on your processor, however, you may
find that a different interface is best in your system. It is important to use
high quality digital cable such as Madrigal MDC-1 for AES/EBU (via XLRs),
or MDC-2 for S/PDIF (via RCA) connections.
8
5 POWER UP THE REST OF THE SYSTEM, LEAVING THE POWER AMPLIFIERS
FOR LAST
Always turn the power amplifier(s) off first, and on last. This good habit
minimizes the opportunity for unexpected transients reaching your loud-
speakers.
6 SELECT THE INPUTS YOU ARE USING ON YOUR DIGITAL PROCESSOR

AND PREAMPLIFIER
Take care that a Tape Monitor switch does not override your selection of
the digital processor’s input on your preamplifier, or you will be struck by
how “quiet” your new digital source is.…
7 LOAD A DISC AND PRESS PLAY; SLOWLY RAISE THE VOLUME ON YOUR
PREAMPLIFIER
Congratulations! You should now be able to enjoy your favorite music while
reading the rest of this manual. (Please, do read the rest of this manual.)
Warm up/break-in period Although your Mark Levinson Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport delivers outstanding
performance straight out of the box, you should expect to hear it continue to im-
prove as it reaches its normal operating temperatures and its various components
“break-in.” For example, the pulse transformers* will not reach their ultimate per-
formance until they have been driven with an actual load (meaning the digital
output must be connected to something) for about 24 hours.
It has been our experience that the greatest changes occur within the first few
hours as the Nº31.5 reaches thermal equilibrium. Depending on how cold the
Nº31.5 was when you first connected it to AC power, full thermal equilibrium
might take as long as a day or two, after which time its performance will remain
quite constant.
The only exception to this rule is if power is removed from the unit for more
than a few minutes, allowing it to cool down. Depending on the degree of cool-
ing involved, you should expect a brief warm-up period before the Nº31.5’s sound
quality is at its best. Unless your Nº31.5 was allowed to become quite chilled,
subsequent thermal re-stabilization should not take long.
* Pulse transformers couple the internal digital circuitry to the actual connector
on the rear panel. The ones used in your Nº31.5 are costly and offer extraordi-
nary performance. Even so, they exhibit this modest “break in” period during
which they improve beyond their initial performance.
9
Special Design Features
Congratulations on your purchase of the Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport. The

Madrigal design team is confident you will enjoy the outstanding performance of
the Nº31.5 for many years. In case you are interested in technical details, what
follows is a brief outline of some of the key technologies in your new transport.
A New Generation The characteristics of an outstanding CD transport are simple to define: it must
recover the correct data from the disc, and deliver it to the digital processor with-
out any timing errors (sometimes called “jitter”). As simple as this sounds, achiev-
ing it in reality has been extremely difficult—as evidenced by the significant
sonic differences between various CD transports.
Conventional CD transport design depends on the quality of the oscillator used

to control the rate at which the disc itself spins. This oscillator exists in an ex-
tremely “noisy” electrical environment close to the motor that spins the disc. The
electrical noise introduces timing errors in the delivery of the digital signal that
have come to be known as “jitter.” Subsequent handling of the digital audio sig-
nal in traditional transport designs cannot improve upon this “jittery” signal, lack-
ing a better reference. To the contrary, the various stages of signal processing be-
tween the laser pickup and the final output can only contribute additional jitter of
their own.
The Mark Levinson Nº31.5 leaps beyond conventional digital audio technology by
employing a proprietary, closed-loop jitter-reduction system in conjunction with a
double speed CD-ROM drive. Using a custom-made, mechanically and electrically
isolated crystal oscillator as a reference, the digital signal is reclocked immediately
before the output, eliminating transport-related jitter from the digital audio signal.
This same five part-per-million crystal oscillator controls the all-digital servo used
to control the rate at which the disc spins.
In effect, the design of the Nº31.5 turns the accepted status quo on its head. By
placing the all-important reference clock in the final stage of the transport’s out-
put section, and slaving the mechanical subassemblies to it rather than the other
way around, the signal presented to the outputs of the Nº31.5 is uncontaminated
by electrically- or mechanically-induced jitter. The sonic advantages of this design
are immediately apparent in the clarity, warmth and stunning dynamic contrasts
exhibited by the Nº31.5.
Digital Servo Control The laser mechanism used in the Nº31.5 uses all an digital servo control. Critical
functions such as focus and tracking are handled completely in the digital do-
main, with mathematical precision. Whereas conventional, analog servos may re-
quire periodic realignment for optimum performance (to compensate for the ag-
ing of various analog components), a digital servo remains stable over time,
never needing readjustment under normal conditions.
Output Versatility The Nº31.5 supports a wide variety of digital output configurations to ensure op-
timal performance with a wide range of digital audio processors. A new comple-
mentary driver for the balanced AES/EBU electrical output delivers outstanding
performance to the high quality XLR connector. Single-ended S/PDIF electrical
output is provided via an RCA connector, and the ST optical output uses a high-
10
bandwidth Hewlett Packard® part for superior performance. A high quality EIAJ
optical interface has also been included for maximum compatibility, although in
our experience it should be the interface of last resort. (It offers the least poten-
tial for high performance of any of the standard digital interfaces.)
All digital interfaces have been carefully optimized to deliver the finest perfor-
mance each interface standard allows. As a direct result, the Nº31.5 performs opti-
mally with any digital processor, without having to resort to techniques which
would limit its compatibility to other Mark Levinson products.
Industrial Design The Nº31.5 shares the striking industrial design of other Mark Levinson compo-
nents such as the Nº30.5 digital audio processor. The combination of the hand-
brushed, black-anodized aluminum faceplate and bead-blasted custom-machined
buttons make operating the Nº31.5 a tactile as well as a sonic pleasure.
A large, easily read display provides information as to the operational status of the
Nº31.5 from across the room, making the supplied remote control more genuinely
useful than on products lacking such a display.
Convenience Features Too often, high performance CD transports have eschewed convenience in the
hopes of seeming more “performance-oriented.” While there were good argu-
ments for such a “minimalist” design in the days of analog turntables, the time is
long gone when the audiophile needed to give up operational convenience for
musical performance. After all, convenience features in a digital product are
largely a matter of writing appropriate software, and have no affect on the quality
of the digital data itself.
For example, the Nº31.5 supports custom programs, including “delete program-
ming” wherein selected tracks are omitted from the playlist. This allows the user
to skip the one or two songs on an otherwise good disc that have been over-
played ad nauseam. The Nº31.5 will remember such programs for thousands of
discs, should you want to save that many programs.
Communications Links As with all Mark Levinson 30-series components, the Nº31.5 incorporates a so-
phisticated inter-component communications bus. Unique among high perfor-
mance audio systems, Mark Levinson 30-series components offer a degree of sys-
tem integration that makes even complex systems easy to use.
For example, bringing the Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport out of standby will also
bring the Linked digital audio processor, preamplifier and power amplifier(s) out
of standby, and select the appropriate inputs on both processor and preamplifier
so that a CD can be enjoyed. Even a sophisticated system with many compo-
nents can thus offer one-button simplicity of operation.
In short, the Mark Levinson Nº31.5 establishes a new standard for performance and
practicality among high end CD transports and should be auditioned by anyone
who desires the finest in digital audio.
11
Setup and Installation
For your protection, review Important Safety Instructions before you

install your Nº31.5.
Carefully open the shipping carton and remove the contents. You should have:
• Mark Levinson Nº31.5 Reference Digital Transport

• Remote control
• Two AA batteries
• Disc damper
• Four spikes
• AC power cord
• Link cable (2m)
• Two spare 1.0-ampere slow-blow fuses
• One 5⁄64" hex key (for remote control)
• One 1⁄8" hex key (for feet/spikes)
• One 3⁄32" hex driver (for levelling the transport)
• Owner’s manual
Save the shipping carton and all packing material. Though it may be inconvenient
to store, it will come in handy for shipping if you move, or if the Nº31.5 needs to
be shipped for service. If you need to ship your Nº31.5 and have lost the original
packing materials, please contact your local dealer or distributor for the purpose-
designed, exact replacements rather than trying to fabricate something.
Warning: Shipping the Nº31.5 in anything other than its purpose-

designed shipping materials may result in damage that
would not be covered under any warranty.
In addition to the tools we provide, you will need the following to set up your
Nº31.5:
• A soft cloth or towel

• A digital-audio cable
1 INSTALL THE SPIKES INTO THE FEET (OPTIONAL)

The Nº31.5 is shipped so that it rests solidly on its four rubber-covered feet,
one under each corner of the unit. You may want to explore the potential
sonic advantages of installing the specially designed “spikes” supplied with
the Nº31.5. These spikes are quite sharp and may damage furniture. We do
not recommend their use unless your Nº31.5 will rest on thick tempered
glass, or something equivalently resistant to scratches.
If you decide to experiment with these spikes, make sure that the Nº31.5 is
unplugged from the AC power supply and disconnected from your digital
processor. Then place the Nº31.5 upright on a flat, stable surface. Protecting
its finish with a soft cloth, carefully tip it so it rests on its side, not its top.
12
Install the spikes one at a time. Using the supplied 1⁄8" hex key, remove
the screw securing the foot to the Nº31.5’s chassis. Insert the threaded end
of the spike through the hole in the foot into the threaded hole in the chas-
sis, then turn the spike clockwise until it is finger-tight. (Be careful not to
overtighten it.)
Nº31 chassis
Foot
Spike
Repeat this procedure for the other three spikes.
2 REMOVE THE TRANSPORT SCREWS REQUIRED!

*** ***
If you have not already placed the Nº31.5 on its side on top of a soft cloth
(as described in the previous step), please do so now. (See warning above.)
Locate the two transport screws on the bottom of the Nº31.5, and remove
them by turning them counterclockwise (no tools are necessary). When
finished, return the Nº31.5 to its normal, upright position.
Remove these
screws and washers
Shipping Strap
(holds lid closed,
protects finish)
Important: Save the transport screws, washers, and shipping strap with
the packing material. If you ever need to ship the Nº31.5, you
must replace them.
Replacing the transport screws is easiest when the Nº31.5 is level and up-
right, with its feet supported on raised blocks and the transport screws in-
serted from underneath.
13
3 CONNECT THE Nº31.5 TO THE AC MAINS
Insert the supplied shielded AC cord into the IEC-standard AC socket on
the rear panel of the Nº31.5. Check to ensure that the power switch is in
the “Off” (O) position. Double-check the voltage label on the rear panel of
the Nº31.5 to ensure that it matches the supplied AC voltage in your country.
If the voltage indicated is incorrect, or if you wish to change the AC operat-

ing voltage of the Nº31.5, see your Mark Levinson dealer.
Assuming everything matches, plug the other end of the power cord into
the AC mains and turn on the power switch (to its | position).
To Nº31.5
To AC mains
1 = Line (hot)
1 2 1 2 2 = Neutral
3 = Earth ground
3 3
Note: The Nº31.5 will not achieve its sonic potential right away — sonic
performance is close to the optimum within a day or two of normal use.
For the best performance, you may leave the main power switch on at all
times, except when you won’t be using your Nº31.5 for a long period. (See
Important Safety Instructions).
The Nº31.5 may be turned on and off without significantly affecting its lon-
gevity. When it is turned on after being left turned off (as opposed to
standby), allow about one hour before expecting optimal sonic perfor-
mance. (This assumes that it remained at room temperature while off. A
chilled transport will take somewhat longer to revive.)
4 CONNECT A DIGITAL OUTPUT TO YOUR PROCESSOR

To keep interconnect cabling as short as possible, place the Nº31.5 as close
as possible to your digital processor. You may place it on a shelf or in a
cabinet where it’s convenient to operate.
As a precaution, turn off your other components (especially the power am-
plifier). Then, using a high quality, purpose-designed digital interconnect,
connect an output of the Nº31.5 to the corresponding input of your digital
processor.
5 IF YOU HAVE A MARK LEVINSON DIGITAL PROCESSOR, CONNECT THE

COMMUNICATIONS LINK CABLE
Mark Levinson components employ a sophisticated inter-component com-
munications system that offers many operational advantages and user con-
veniences not otherwise possible. If you have a Mark Levinson digital audio
processor, connect the supplied Link cable from the processor’s master
communications port to the Nº31.5’s slave in port.
14
Warning: Connecting the communication ports other than as
described in this manual may damage the Nº31.5 and/or the
digital processor, and will void the products’ warranties.
Assuming both the Link connection and the digital interconnection have
been made, merely pressing play the first time will establish the Link be-
tween components.
6 PLACEMENT OF YOUR TRANSPORT

The Nº31.5 should rest on a level, stable surface. To ensure smooth opera-
tion of the lid, the Nº31.5 should be within about 3° of being level from
front to back (the front and rear of the unit need to be within about 1⁄2" or
1.2cm of being level with each other). Avoid placing it where it will be ex-
posed to shocks or vibration, such as on an unstable table or near large
loudspeakers. In general, place it as you would a turntable.
You should also place other associated equipment so that it does not in-
duce hum in the Nº31.5 or any other sensitive components.
Caution: Interfering with the Nº31.5’s ventilation or that of another

component could cause either to overheat, resulting in
damage to your system. To allow heat dissipation through air
circulation, allow 3 to 4 inches of clearance above the vents
on the top of the Nº31.5. Never block the vents on the bottom
of the Nº31.5.
To help with special installations and custom cabinetry, drawings are in-
cluded in this manual. (See Dimensions).
7 LEVELLING YOUR TRANSPORT

For the best performance, the Nº31.5’s transport assembly should be level.
• Ensuring that the unit itself is approximately level enables the

Lid to operate as smoothly as it was designed. This requires
only that the unit be within about 1⁄2" (or 1.2cm) of being level
from front to back—hardly a stringent requirement.
• Levelling the laser/motor mechanism within the Nº31.5 yields

the best sonic performance. Four levelling screws (one inside
each finger well) allow you to adjust this easily.
Press the Lid Open/Close button on the top panel to open the lid of the
Nº31.5. With the supplied 3⁄32" hex driver, and using the Nº31.5’s bubble level
as a gauge, adjust one or more of these screws to bring the transport as-
sembly to level. To lower a corner, turn the corresponding screw clockwise;
to raise a corner, turn the screw counterclockwise. (See diagram on the next
page.)
15
Levelling Bubble level Levelling
screws screws
When level, place the disc damper on the spindle, then press Lid Open/
Close again to close the Lid.
8 INSERT BATTERIES IN THE REMOTE CONTROL

Using the supplied 5⁄64" hex key, remove the two screws securing the cover
of the Remote Control’s battery compartment (the end opposite the projec-
tion lens). Projection
lens
f ol)
r o ntr
ea o
(R te C
o
Rem
– +
+ –
Insert two AA batteries according to the symbols on the inside of the bat-
tery compartment cover. Replace the battery compartment cover and
screws.
9 TURN EVERYTHING ON, AND ENJOY!

After all connections have been made in the system, turn on the various
components, leaving the power amplifier(s) for last.
16
2 3 4 5
display track index time display

intensity mode
elapsed time on track
time remaining on disc MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
repeat A>B preview program + program – REFERENCE

CD TRANSPORT
Nº 31.5
standby
repeat disc repeat track program clear program review program save index mode
7 9 13 14
6 8 10 11 12 15 1
Front Panel
1 STANDBY
When the Nº31.5 is connected to AC power and the main power switch on
the rear panel is in the “|” position (see Rear Panel), pressing this button
takes the Nº31.5 out of “standby” mode and enables the front-panel con-
trols.
When the Nº31.5’s main power switch is first turned on (or when power is
restored after an interruption), the Nº31.5 will be ready to operate (that is, it
won’t be in standby mode).
Pressing standby again places the Nº31.5 into standby mode and disables
the front-panel controls. Pressing the open lid button will both switch the
unit out of standby and open the lid so you may load a disc.
While the Nº31.5 is in standby mode, the display is dark and the standby
LED flashes slowly. When the Nº31.5 is ready to operate (not in standby
mode), the standby LED remains lighted.
Note: When going into standby, the Nº31.5 deactivates its digital
outputs. With some digital processors, this may result in a low-
level “pop” on the audio outputs. (Mark Levinson digital
processors do not exhibit this problem.)
If your processor generates such a pop, and if you wish to

prevent this low-level “pop” from coming through your
system’s speakers or headphones, adjust your preamp’s
volume to its lowest level before placing the Nº31.5 into
standby.
17
2 DISPLAY INTENSITY
Pressing this button varies the brightness of the display. Four brightness lev-
els are available.
When the Nº31.5’s main power switch is first turned on (or when power is
restored after an interruption), the display is automatically set to its second-
brightest level.
Pressing display intensity once dims the display one level; pressing it again
dims it further; pressing it again turns the display off. Pressing display in-
tensity once more returns the display to its brightest level.
display intensity also affects the Nº31.5’s front-panel LEDs. When the display
is turned off, however, the LEDs still glow dimly.
3 TOP-PANEL CONTROLS
See Top Panel.
4 DISPLAY
See Display.
5 DISPLAY MODE
This button allows you to change the type of information shown in the
time portion of the display. (See Display.)
When a CD is loaded and ready for play, the time portion of the display
shows the time remaining on the CD; the time remaining and on disc LEDs
are lighted.
Press display mode to change the time part of the display:

time remaining on disc
display
mode
time remaining on track elapsed time on track
elapsed time on disc
The information in the time portion of the display corresponds to the

lighted LEDs to the right of the display mode button. After play begins, the
display will reflect the last display mode you selected.
Along with program + (13) and program - (14), the display mode button
is also used to change the link settings. (See Setting Options.)
6 REPEAT DISC
To repeat (continuously) all tracks on a CD (or all tracks in a program),
press this button. Note that this function and the repeat track function are
mutually exclusive.
18
While repeat disc is active, the LED above the button is lit.
To return to normal play, press repeat disc again.
7 REPEAT A-B
This function allows you to repeat (continuously) a particular phrase or
passage on a CD.
While a CD is playing, press repeat A-B at the beginning of the passage you
would like to repeat. At the end of the passage, press repeat A-B again. The
passage you selected will repeat continuously. While repeat A-B is active, A
then B will alternate appearing in the space preceding the track number on
the display.
To return to normal play, press repeat A-B again. Alternatively, you may
press stop to leave the repeat A-B mode and enter stop. Directly accessing
a point after the “B” point of your A-B loop (via pressing next track, direct
time access, or direct track access) will cancel the repeat A-B loop and re-
turn you to normal play mode at your selected point.
8 REPEAT TRACK
To repeat (continuously) the track in play, press this button. Note that this
function and the repeat disc function are mutually exclusive.
While repeat track is active, the LED above the button is lighted.
To return to normal play, press repeat track again.
9 PREVIEW
This function allows you to play only the introduction of each track on a
CD or in a program.
Once a CD is loaded and ready for play, press preview. Beginning with the
first track on the CD (or the first track in the program), the Nº31.5 will play
the first ten seconds of the track, skip to the second track and play the first
ten seconds of that track, and so on.
While preview is active, the track part of the display flashes. (See Display.)
To return to normal play, press preview again, or press play. (See Top Panel.)
10 PROGRAM CLEAR
Pressing this button erases any temporary program, and also temporarily
overrides a previously saved program. (See Programming.) After pressing
program clear, the display will show PROG CLEARED.
Pressing program clear, followed by pressing program save (12), perma-

nently erases a program from the Nº31.5’s memory and displays
PROG DELETED in the main display.
If you press program clear when there is no program in the Nº31.5’s

memory, the display will show NO PROGRAM.
19
11 PROGRAM REVIEW
This function allows you to review the selections in the current program.
(See Programming.)
Press this button once to view the first selection in your program. To view
the next selection, press program review again, and so on.
After you view the last selection in the program, the display will show
PROGRAM END.
If you press program review when there is no program in the Nº31.5’s

memory, the display will show NO PROGRAM.
12 PROGRAM SAVE
Pressing this button records a program in the Nº31.5’s memory. (See Pro-
gramming.)
After pressing program save, the display will show NEW PROGRAM,
PROG CHANGED, or PROG DELETED (depending on your previous actions,
which are then “saved”).
13 PROGRAM +
Pressing this button adds a selection to a program. (See Programming.)
Along with display mode (5), the program + button is used to change the
link settings. (See Setting Options.)
14 PROGRAM -
Used along with program review (11), pressing this button erases a selec-
tion from a previously saved program without erasing the entire program.
(See Programming.)
Along with display mode (5), the program - button is used to change the
link settings. (See Setting Options.)
15 INDEX MODE
When you’re playing a CD recorded with indices, the Nº31.5’s index mode
allows you to use those indices to select more precisely the music you want
to play.
After pressing index mode before playing the CD, the display will show
INDEX SEARCH.
While the index mode function is active, the LED above the button flashes.
While the Nº31.5 is in index mode, pressing next or previous skips the laser
pickup to the next or previous index on the CD (see Top Panel), and you
may use the Remote Control’s numbered buttons to select indices (see
Remote Control).
To cancel this function, press index mode again, or press stop.
20
1
3 5 7 9
2 4 6 8
Top Panel
1 LID
The Lid covers the CD transport assembly, the mechanism that holds the
CD during play. Its operation is controlled by the Lid Open/Close button (2).
2 LID OPEN/CLOSE
Pressing this button opens the Lid (1); pressing it again closes the Lid.
Pressing Lid Open/Close while a CD is playing stops play and opens the
Lid.
3 STOP
Pressing this button while a CD is playing stops play. Pressing stop also can-
cels repeat disc and repeat track, if they’re active.
Pressing play (5) after pressing stop begins play again with the first track
on the CD (or the first track in a program, if one exists).
21
4 SEARCH REVERSE
Holding this button down during play moves the laser pickup rapidly to-
ward the beginning of the CD, and provides audible cueing.
☛ If your Nº31.5 is connected to a compatible Mark Levinson digital

processor (via the communication ports), you may choose to
mute the volume completely during search. (See Setting Options.)
When you release search reverse, play normally resumes. If you have
reached the beginning of the disc, the Nº31.5 will stop at the beginning of
the disc (or program, if you are playing one) and wait for your next com-
mand.
5 PLAY
After a CD is loaded and the disc damper is in place, pressing this button
begins play with the first track on the CD (or the first track in a program).
If you press play while the Lid is open, the Lid closes and play starts be-
ginning with the first track on the CD (or the first track in a previously
saved program). Similarly, pressing play while the Nº31.5 is in standby will
cause the unit to become operational and start playing the first track on the
disc or in the program.
Pressing play while a CD is playing suspends play, returns to the beginning

of the current track, and replays that track.
6 SEARCH FORWARD
This button works in the same way as Search Reverse (4), except that it
moves the laser pickup rapidly toward the end of the CD.
7 PAUSE
While a CD is playing, pressing this button suspends play; pressing it again
resumes play at the point where pause was first pressed. While pause is
active, the LED above the button is lighted and ❙❙ appears preceding the
track number on the display. (See Display.)
If left in pause for several minutes, the transport will stop spinning and the
laser will turn off (thereby enhancing the longevity of both). This will be
indicated by the pause indicator in the display (“❙❙”) flashing on and off.
Alternatively, this extended pause feature may be engaged by pressing and

holding the pause button until the indicator begins to flash in the display.
Pressing pause again will resume play at the point where pause was first
pressed, (after a short delay to allow the disc to get up to speed).
To “cue up” the beginning of a CD or track, press pause before pressing

play (5). To begin play, press pause again. (You may also select another
track or index while play is suspended.)
8 PREVIOUS
This button’s function depends on whether or not the Nº31.5 is in index
mode. (See Front Panel.)
22
While the Nº31.5 is in index mode, pressing previous “skips” the laser
pickup to the previous index. If index mode is inactive, pressing previous
skips the laser pickup to the previous track.
Pressing previous while a CD is playing suspends play, skips the laser

pickup to the previous track or index on the CD (or in a program), and
begins play there.
☛ If you press previous while the first track on the CD (or in a pro-
gram) is playing, the display will show FIRST TRACK.
Pressing previous before play begins skips the laser pickup to the begin-
ning of the last track or index on the CD; pressing play (5) begins play
there (temporarily overriding any existing program).
9 NEXT
This button works in the same way as previous (8), except that it skips to
the next track or index.
While the Nº31.5 is in index mode, pressing next skips the laser pickup to
the next index. If index mode is inactive, pressing next skips the laser
pickup to the next track.
Pressing next while a CD is playing suspends play, skips the laser pickup to
the next track or index on the CD (or in a program), and begins play there.
☛ If you press next while the last track on the CD (or in a program)
is playing, the display will show LAST TRACK.
Pressing next before play begins skips the laser pickup to the beginning of
the next track or index on the CD; pressing play (5) begins play there
(temporarily overriding any existing program).
23
1 2 3 4 1
CD Transport Assembly
1 FINGER WELLS
These cutouts make it easy to grasp a CD by its edges when placing it on
or removing it from the spindle. Both right-handed and left-handed users
are accommodated by having both diagonals available.
LEVELLING SCREWS
For the best performance, the Nº31.5’s transport assembly should be level.
Four levelling screws (one inside each finger well) allow you to adjust the
transport assembly easily.
With the supplied 3⁄32" hex driver, and using the Nº31.5’s bubble level (3) as
a gauge, adjust one or more of these screws to bring the transport assembly
to level. To lower a corner, turn the corresponding screw clockwise; to raise
a corner, turn the screw counterclockwise.
2 SPINDLE
This is the device that spins the CD, and on which the CD rests during play.
The CD must be centered on the spindle, and it must be clamped to the
spindle by the disc damper.
24
3 BUBBLE LEVEL
Use this bubble level, along with the four levelling screws (1), to make sure
that the Nº31.5’s transport assembly is level.
4 LASER ASSEMBLY
This assembly contains the Nº31.5’s laser pickup, the device that reads the
underside of the CD.
Caution: Never touch or attempt to clean the laser assembly.
The Disc Damper To clamp a CD onto its spindle, the Nº31.5 uses a disc damper held in
place by a strong magnet:
Disc damper
Compact disc
Spindle
Always make sure that the disc damper is in place before closing the lid. If
you close the lid without the disc damper in place, the display will show
NO DAMPER and you’ll be unable to play the CD.
When loading a CD for play, install the CD on the spindle, then place the
disc damper on top of the CD.
The CD and the disc damper must be centered on the spindle. You’ll feel
the disc damper’s magnet “catch” when both are centered.
Removing the Disc Damper When removing a CD from the spindle, first remove the disc damper. To
prevent damage to the CD, gently hold it down by the edge with the tip of
one finger while pulling up on the disc damper’s knob, as shown below:
Pull
straight up
on the
damper's knob…
…while gently
holding down
the edge of
the CD
To overcome the magnet, you’ll need to give it a firm pull.
Caution: When the Disc Damper clamps the CD onto the spindle, its
strong magnet forces the air from between the damper and
the CD. If you don’t follow the removal procedure outlined
above, the CD may stick briefly to the damper’s energy-
absorbing surface after the magnet is released. If the CD is
stuck to the damper when you remove them from the spindle,
take care not to let it fall.
25
track index time
1 2 3 4
Display
1 TRACK
Before play begins, this part of the display shows the total number of tracks
on the CD.
During play, this part of the display shows the number of the track in play.
While a program is in the Nº31.5’s memory, the letter P will appear preced-
ing the track number. A small P indicates a saved polarity setting (possible
only when the Nº31.5 is linked to a compatible Mark Levinson digital pro-
cessor).
While random play is active, the letter R will appear preceding the track
number. (See Random Play, p. 29)
While repeat A-B is active, the letters A then B will alternate appearing in
the space preceding the track number.
While Pause is active, || will appear preceding the track number (as pic-
tured above).
While preview is active, the track part of the display will flash.
2 INDEX
If a CD includes indices, this part of the display shows the index in play,
beginning with 01 and increasing as the CD plays. If the CD in play doesn’t
include indices, this part of the display shows 01 throughout play. For infor-
mation on how to use indices, see Basic Operation.
Tracks may also be played from “Index 0”. (See Setting Options.)
3 TIME
Before play, this part of the display shows the total playing time for all tracks
on the CD. When play begins, this part of the display shows time-related
information about the CD or the track.
26
You may vary the nature of the information in this part of the display using
the display mode button. (See Front Panel.)
4 INFRARED RECEIVER AND TRANSMITTER

This part of the display accepts commands from the Nº31.5’s Remote Con-
trol. (See Remote Control.) When using the Nº31.5 to teach a learning re-
mote special commands, it can also transmit IR signals. (See Using Learning
Remote Controls.) Always keep this window clean and unobstructed.
Display messages The display also shows a variety of messages about the Nº31.5’s status and opera-
tion. Here are some of the messages you’ll see, and what they mean.
■ CLOSING: The Lid is in motion (closing); appears after the

Lid Open/Close button is pressed.
■ FIRST TRACK: The previous button was pressed while the first track
on the CD (or in a program or a random sequence) was playing.
■ INDEX SEARCH: The Nº31.5 is scanning the CD for indices; appears
after index mode is pressed.
■ INSERT DISC: The Lid is open; appears after the Lid has stopped
opening.
■ LAST TRACK: The next button was pressed while the last track on
the CD (or in a program) was playing.
■ NEW PROGRAM: A new program was recorded in the Nº31.5’s
memory; appears after program save is pressed.
■ NO DAMPER: The Lid is closed and the Disc Damper isn’t installed
on the spindle; appears after the Lid has closed.
■ NO PROGRAM: There’s no program in the Nº31.5’s memory; ap-
pears after program review or program clear is pressed.
■ OPENING: The Lid is in motion (opening); appears after the
Lid Open/Close button is pressed.
■ P01 IS 1st: Indicates a track’s place in a program; appears after
program review is pressed.
■ P02 02 IS 2: Indicates an index’s place in a program; appears after
program review is pressed.
■ PROG CHANGED: Changes to a program were recorded in the
Nº31.5’s memory; appears after program save is pressed.
■ POLARITY PRG: A program including only the polarity invert func-
tion was saved; appears after program save is pressed.
■ PROG DELETED: A previously saved program was erased from the
Nº31.5’s memory; appears after program clear is pressed, followed
by pressing program save.
■ PROG CLEARED: The temporary program was erased, or the previ-
ously saved program was temporarily overridden; appears after
program clear is pressed.
■ PROGRAM END: There are no more selections in the program be-
ing reviewed; appears after program review is pressed.
■ READING: The Nº31.5 is reading track and time information from
the CD; appears after the Lid has closed.
27
Remote Control
1 1 IR TRANSMITTER WINDOW
The Nº31.5’s Remote Control sends infrared (IR) commands through its pro-
jection lens, and the Nº31.5 receives IR commands through its Remote sen-
sor window. (See Front Panel.) If either of these lenses is obstructed, no IR
R
commands can be received by the Nº31.5. If you notice IR performance de-

MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
teriorating, you may want to clean these lenses with a soft cloth and some
glass cleaner. (Spray the cleaner on the cloth first, and then wipe the lens
2 with the moistened cloth. Do not spray the cleaner directly on either lens, as
this may allow moisture to migrate into the electronics behind the lens as-
stop pause track
semblies.)
A–B repeat
2 TRANSPORT & PROGRAMMING BUTTONS
1 2 3
3 The buttons used for routine operation of transport functions on the Nº31.5
4 5 6 are grouped at the top of the remote control. They include:
7 8 9
( ) reverse scan: When pressed, the Nº31.5 will enter a reverse au-
0 dible scanning mode similar to the familiar rewind function of
prg/time • index volume 4 many cassette decks, allowing a precise location within a track to
be located.
input mute
5 ( ) forward scan: When pressed, the Nº31.5 will enter a fast for-
ward audible scanning mode similar to the familiar fast forward
d/a display intensity/
polarity mode •standby
6 function of many cassette decks, allowing a precise location
within a track to be located.
( ) play: Press to enter the play mode from either stop, pause, or
standby, or to restart play at the beginning of the track currently
playing. Pressing play while in an A-B loop will return you to
point A.
( ) stop: Press to stop the disc. The same button will operate the
Lid if stopping the disc has no relevance (e.g., if it is already
7 stopped, or if there is no disc inside the Nº31.5).
( ) pause: Press to pause play in the current location. If left in
pause mode for more than two minutes, the Nº31.5 will enter ex-
tended pause mode, shutting down both the laser and the drive
motors to enhance longevity and reliability. Upon pressing pause
or play a second time, the disc will spin up and begin playing
from the location where it had been paused. (You may also force
the Nº31.5 into extended pause mode by pressing and holding
the pause button for a few seconds.)
(+) track +: When pressed, this will take you to the beginning of the
next track. Also used to add a track to a playlist when creating a
custom program. (See Introduction to Programming.)
28
A-B: Press once to establish a beginning point (point A) for an end-
less playback loop. The display will flash the letter B to indicate
that it is ready to accept your designated ending point (point B).
Once this has been done, the Nº31.5 will repeat the segment of
the disc between points A and B until you press A-B or stop.
(Note that A must precede B on the disc.) Directly accessing a
point beyond the end of your A-B loop (next, direct time, or
direct track) will cancel the repeat A-B function and return the
Nº31.5 to play at your selected point.
repeat: Press once to enter repeat disc mode (repeating the entire
disc, or an entire playlist if one is entered). This action will illu-
minate the repeat disc LED. Press a second time to enter the re-
peat track mode (repeating a single track ad nauseam). A third
press will cycle you back to normal operation, as will pressing
stop.
(–) track –: When pressed, this will take you to the beginning of the
previous track. Also used to add a track to a playlist when creat-
ing a custom program. (See Introduction to Programming.)
3 NUMERIC KEYPAD
The numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 may be used to directly access in-
dividual track numbers of discs played by the Nº31.5. For example, to go
directly to track 13, press 1 followed by 3, and then press play. You do not
have to add a 0 before a single-digit track number: 7, followed by play, will
take you directly to track number 7. (In fact, if the Nº31.5 is already in play,
simply pressing the number button will be sufficient.)
The Nº31.5 displays a certain amount of intelligence with respect to direct

track access. If the first number entered identifies a particular track unam-
biguously (such as 2 on a 12-track disc), the Nº31.5 is “smart” enough to im-
mediately move to that track. If the first number entered could be the first
of two digits (such as 1 on a 12-track disc), the Nº31.5 will wait for a mo-
ment to determine whether you wish to enter a second number. If not, it
will then go to the single-digit track you selected.
If you request a non-existent track (pressing 2, 1 on a 12-track disc, for ex-

ample), the Nº31.5 will display NO TRACK XX (where XX is the track you
requested that does not exist) and resume play.
Selecting a particular track does not affect the operating mode. That is to
say, pressing 7 while in play begins playing track 7; pressing 4 while in
pause leaves you paused at the beginning of track 4. Similarly, using direct
track access during the playing of a program will temporarily override the
program; pressing stop will return you to your original programmed playlist
as though nothing had ever happened.
Random Play Incidentally, if you press 0 followed by play, the Nº31.5 will enter a
random play mode in which the order of the current disc’s playlist is
scrambled, and then played. The first character of the display (that shows a
P when playing a playlist) will show R to indicate random play. Moreover,
placing the Nº31.5 into random play mode while the disc repeat function
is engaged will cause it to play the various tracks on the disc randomly in-
definitely (until you stop it). This can be a great way to provide back-
ground music during a dinner party, for example.
29
4 PROGRAM/TIME
While remaining in stop, you may advance the display to any desired track
using the track – and track + keys. Pressing prgm/time followed by the
track + (or track –) button will add (or delete) the displayed track to that
disc’s playlist.
On the other hand, pressing prgm/time followed by a number on the nu-

meric keypad gives you direct time access to any point on the disc. Note
that this time access is context-sensitive: that is, when the display is time
elapsed in track mode, pressing prg/time followed by 1, 2, 3 will cue up
the Nº31.5 at 1:23 into the current track; doing so in time remaining on
disc mode will cue up the Nº31.5 at 1:23 before the end of the disc.
5 “PREAMP” FUNCTIONS
(+) raise volume: Pressing this button on the Nº31.5 remote control
will transparently and automatically raise the volume of a Linked
Mark Levinson preamplifier, minimizing the need to juggle mul-
tiple remotes. This function is available even when the Nº31.5 is in
standby, in which case its display will activate long enough to
confirm your command visually. Since this function depends on
the ability of the Nº31.5 to pass the instruction to the Nº38S (for
example), the two components must be connected by a Link
cable, and operate within a system which has a “master” digital
processor. (See Setting Options for more information.)
input: Pressing this button on the Nº31.5 remote control once will
display the current status of the input selection control, for ex-
ample No30 on No31 (to indicate that the Nº30 or Nº30.5 digital
processor has the Nº31.5 as its selected source). Clicking the button
again while this information is displayed will automatically cycle
through the various active (e.g., not named NOT USED) digital in-
puts on a Linked Mark Levinson digital processor, minimizing the
need to juggle multiple remotes. This function is available even
when the Nº31.5 is in standby, in which case its display will acti-
vate long enough to confirm your command visually. Since this
function depends on the ability of the Nº31.5 to pass the instruc-
tion to the processor, the two components must be connected by
a Link cable. (See Setting Options for more information.)
Analog Input Switching Alternatively, you may force the input button to select from among
your analog inputs on a Linked Mark Levinson preamplifier
(assuming you have one) by:
• Clicking on the input button to display the current status

of the input selection control. (It will show something like
No30 on No31, for example.)
• Pressing and holding the input button until the Nº31.5 dis-
play indicates that it is now controlling the preamplifier, by
displaying something like No38 on No30 (for example; this
would indicate that the No38 preamplifier has the No30
digital processor as its selected source)
• Then clicking the input button to cycle the preamplifier
through its active inputs (e.g., not named NOT USED)
30
This function is available even when the Nº31.5 is in standby, in
which case its display will activate long enough to confirm your
command visually.
You may change the input button back to controlling the digital
source selection at any time by repeating this procedure.
Direct access to inputs Whenever the Nº31.5 is in either its analog- or digital-input
switching mode (as shown by the display indicating something
like No30 on No31 rather than its normal display), you may go
directly to any desired input by pressing the corresponding num-
ber button on the numeric keypad of the remote control.
mute: Pressing this button will engage the mute of a compatible

Mark Levinson preamplifier without stopping the transport. Press-
ing it a second time will restore the volume to its previous set-
ting. This function is available even when the Nº31.5 is in standby,
in which case its display will activate long enough to confirm
your command visually. Since this function depends on the ability
of the Nº31.5 to pass the instruction to the Nº38 (for example),
the two components must be connected by a Link cable, and op-
erate within a system which has a “master” digital processor. (See
Setting Options for more information.)
(–) lower volume: Pressing this button on the Nº31.5 remote control
will transparently and automatically lower the volume of a Linked
Mark Levinson preamplifier, minimizing the need to juggle mul-
tiple remotes. This function is available even when the Nº31.5 is in
confirm your command visually. Since this function depends on
the ability of the Nº31.5 to pass the instruction to the Nº38 (for
example), the two components must be connected by a Link
cable, and operate within a system which has a “master” digital
processor. (See Setting Options for more information.)
6 MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS
d/a polarity: Pressing this button on the Nº31.5 remote control will
transparently and automatically invert the polarity of a Linked
Mark Levinson digital audio processor, minimizing the need to
juggle multiple remotes. Since this function depends on the ability
of the Nº31.5 to pass the instruction to the Nº36 (for example),
the two components must be connected by a Link cable. (See
Setting Options for more information.)
display mode: Pressing this button duplicates the function of press-
ing the mode button on the Nº31.5, cycling through the four time
modes (time elapsed or time remaining, either on the track or on
the disc). Pressing and holding this button will allow you to set
your Link options. (See Setting Options for more information.)
31
intensity/•standby: Pressing this button momentarily cycles the
Nº31.5 (and any Linked Mark Levinson components) through
their four levels of display intensity (bright, medium, dim, off).
When pressed and held for about one second (denoted by the
bold dot •), this button will place the Nº31.5 into or out of
standby. If you continue to hold this button after the Nº31.5 en-
ters standby, it will force the entire Linked system into standby.
This function is available even when the Nº31.5 is already in
confirm your command visually.
7 BATTERY COMPARTMENT
The two AA batteries used by the Remote Control must be placed inside
the compartment at the bottom of the remote’s housing. Using the 5⁄64" hex
wrench provided in your accessory kit (look inside the slot within the foam
rubber), carefully remove the two screws on the bottom of the housing and
insert the batteries, being careful to orient them as indicated inside the bat-
tery compartment. Then replace the screws using the hex wrench.
Conditions that Affect IR communication between the Remote Control and the Nº31.5 can be affected by:
IR Performance
• Direct sunlight
• Interior lighting
• Wall, window, ceiling, and floor treatments
• The angle of the Remote Control relative to the Nº31.5
If the Nº31.5 will be subject to direct sunlight, place it no more than 10 feet from
where you’ll normally operate the Remote Control. Where bright sunlight virtually
floods the room, IR communication may be inconsistent.
In a room lighted primarily with incandescent fixtures, place the Nº31.5 no more
than 25-30 feet (7-9 meters) from where you’ll normally operate the Remote Control.
In a room with fluorescent fixtures, this range will be reduced. Where bright fluores-
cent lighting virtually floods the room, IR communication may be inconsistent.
IR, like visible light, reacts differently when it meets different surfaces. Carpeting
and draperies, for example, tend to diffuse (scatter) IR and interfere with its trans-
mission. Glossy or reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and smooth walls, “bounce”
(reflect) IR and won’t interfere with its transmission. When placing the Nº31.5, it is
important to account for potential IR bounce and diffusion. For example, in a
room with thick carpeting, heavy draperies, and many pieces of furniture, you
may need to place the Nº31.5 closer to where you’ll normally operate the Remote
Control than you would in a sparsely furnished room with bare walls and hard-
wood flooring.
If possible, install the Nº31.5 directly opposite from where you’ll normally operate
the Remote Control. In practice, the Remote Control will operate the Nº31.5 at up
to 30 degrees to either side of this direct line. To either side of this line, success-
ful IR communication will depend on bounce and ambient lighting. (Please refer
to diagram on next page.)
32
Optimum IR
reception window
30 feet or less
30˚ 30˚
If the requirements of your installation preclude a clean line of sight between the
Nº31.5 and your listening position, you may want to consider using an infrared
repeater to route the remote control’s commands to the Nº31.5. Please ask your
dealer for more information on third-party IR repeaters.
33
REFERENCE CD TRANSPORT Nº 31.5
designed and manufactured in U.S.A.
main power by MADRIGAL S/N
communication ports digital outputs CLASS 1

aes/ebu LASER PRODUCT
slave slave eiaj st spdif
out in
WA R N I N G : B E F O R E AT T E M P T I N G T O
OPERATE THIS DEVICE, REFER TO OWNER'S
M A N U A L F O R P R O P E R O P E R AT I N G
INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE AVAILABLE INSIDE;
DISCONNECT AC ~ MAINS CABLE BEFORE
OPENING UNIT.
8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10
Rear Panel
1 OPERATING VOLTAGE INDICATION

The Nº31.5 is set at the factory (internally) for 100, 120, 200, 220, or 240VAC
mains operation as appropriate for the country in which it is to be sold.
Make sure that the label on the rear of the left tower (as seen from the
rear) of the Nº31.5 indicates the correct AC operating voltage for your loca-
tion, as attempting to operate the Nº31.5 at an incorrect voltage can damage
the unit.
The Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport is also set at the factory for operation
on either 50 or 60 Hz AC line frequencies, as appropriate for the country in
which it is to be sold. It will not operate if it senses an incorrect line fre-
quency.
Warning! Neither the voltage nor the line frequency setting may be
changed by the user. There are no user serviceable parts
inside the Nº31.5. Only qualified, authorized service personnel
may open the Nº31.5 CD Transport, as hazardous voltages
exist within the unit.
2 MAIN POWER
This switch turns the Nº31.5 on and off. The switch must be in the “|” (on)
position for the Nº31.5 to function. (See Setup and Installation.)
Caution: Never operate the main power switch without first making sure
that power is turned off to your receiver, integrated amplifier,
or preamplifier/power amplifier.
34
3 AC POWER CORD SOCKET
This socket accepts AC mains power via the supplied AC power cord.
4 FUSE COMPARTMENT
The panel surrounding the main power switch is also a hinged cover for
the Nº31.5’s fuse compartment. The Nº31.5 uses two 1.0-ampere slo-blow
fuses (type T1A slow-blo 5x20mm).
Warning! Never attempt to open the fuse compartment without first

removing the AC power cord from the Nº31.5. If you need to
replace the fuses, always use the same type of fuse.
To open the fuse compartment, insert the tip of a small, flat-bladed screw-
driver into the slot at the top edge of this panel. Gently pry open the top
edge of the compartment cover.
5-6 SLAVE OUT and SLAVE IN

These communication ports allow the Nº31.5 to “link” to certain compat-
ible Mark Levinson components via the Madrigal Communications Link sys-
tem (MCL). (See Setting Options.) When making these connections (which
resemble large versions of standard U.S. telephone connectors), make sure
that the Link cable’s locking tabs engage securely in the components’ com-
munication ports.
To set up a Linked system consisting only of transport and processor:
1. Using a Link cable (see Madrigal Communications Link), connect

the master port on the Mark Levinson digital processor to the
Nº31.5’s slave in port.
2. Make sure that the digital audio connection between the two op-
erates (you should see “44.1” on the processor, indicating that it
has locked onto the Nº31.5’s output).
3. Press play on the Nº31.5—that’s it.
To add multiple Mark Levinson transports to the system, simply connect the
first Nº31.5’s slave out port to the second Nº31.5’s slave in port. Subsequent
transports are connected from slave out to slave in in a “daisy chain.”
If you are linking a Mark Levinson preamplifier, it must be the last compo-
nents in this “daisy chain.” Run a Link cable from the last slave out port to
the slave port of the Mark Levinson preamplifier. (Mark Levinson power
amplifiers employ a different, special linking connection from the preampli-
fier.)
Caution: Connecting the communication ports other than as

described in this manual may damage the Nº31.5 and the
digital processor, and will void the products’ warranties.
35
7 DIGITAL OUTPUT, EIAJ OPTICAL
This output provides the digital audio signal (DAS), via optical cable
equipped with the EIAJ-type optical connector (sometimes called
“Toslink®”) to the digital processor.
8 DIGITAL OUTPUT, ST OPTICAL

This output provides the digital audio signal (DAS), via optical cable
equipped with the ST-type optical connector (sometimes called “AT&T”) to
the digital processor.
9 DIGITAL OUTPUT, S/PDIF ELECTRICAL

This output provides the digital audio signal (DAS) via cables equipped
with RCA-type connectors to the digital processor.
This input conforms to the Sony/Philips Digital Interface Standard (S/PDIF),

which calls for a 75Ω transmission of the DAS. Use a digital interconnecting
cable specifically designed for the 75Ω S/PDIF standard, such as Madrigal
MDC-2 cable, when using this input.
10 DIGITAL OUTPUT, AES/EBU ELECTRICAL

This output provides the digital audio signal (DAS) via cables equipped
with XLR-type connectors to the digital audio processor.
This input conforms to the Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcast

Union (AES/EBU) professional digital audio standard, which calls for a 110Ω
transmission of the DAS. Use a digital interconnecting cable specifically de-
signed for the 110Ω AES/EBU standard, such as Madrigal MDC-1 cable,
when using this input, with pin assignments as indicated below:
Pin 1: chassis ground (AC-coupled)

1 2 Pin 2: non-inverted digital
3 Pin 3: inverted digital
Connector ground lug: chassis ground
It has been Madrigal’s experience that the AES/EBU interconnection stan-

dard offers the best quality of all digital transmission interfaces when fully
optimized, and we recommend its use wherever possible between Mark
Levinson components.
However, optimizing any digital interface completely represents a significant

engineering challenge. It is entirely possible that a different type of input
may actually outperform a less-than-optimized AES/EBU implementation on
some brands of digital processors. For this reason, we have gone to great
lengths to fully optimize all four of the digital outputs on the Nº31.5. If you
are using you Nº31.5 with a different brand of processor, we recommend
experimenting to determine which type of input on that processor results
in the best audible performance.
36
Basic Operation
Before operating your Nº31.5, become familiar with its controls and their loca-
tions. (See Front Panel, Top Panel, CD Transport Assembly, and Remote Control.)
Loading a CD To load a CD for play:
1. Make sure that the main power switch is set to the “|” position.
2. Enable the Nº31.5’s controls by pressing standby.
3. Press Lid Open/Close to open the Lid.
4. Remove the Disc Damper from the spindle.
5. Place a CD onto the spindle, label side up. Handle the CD by the
outer edges only.
6. Place the Damper on top of the CD. Make sure that it’s centered
and seated securely.
7. Close the Lid by pressing Lid Open/Close again.
In a few seconds, the display will show the total number of tracks and their total
playing time. The CD is now ready for play.
Temporarily overriding a Note: If you have previously saved a program for the CD, the letter P will appear
previously saved program preceding the track number on the display. (See Programming.)
To override a previously saved program, press program clear; or on the Remote

Control, press the 0 (zero) numbered key, then press prg/time. All of the CD’s
tracks will be accessible for basic operation, but the program will still be retained
in the Nº31.5’s memory.
Playing all tracks in order To play all tracks on the CD, press the play button. All tracks will play in order.
Play will stop automatically at the end of the CD.
Beginning play with other To begin play with a track other than the first track:
than the first track
1. Before pressing play, press next until the number of the desired
track shows on the display (track + on the remote). If you pass the
track you want to play, you can “back up” by pressing previous
(track – on the remote). You may also select the track using the
numbered buttons on the Remote Control.
2. Press play to begin playing that track. The remaining tracks will
play in order. Play will stop automatically at the end of the CD.
Replaying a track To return to the beginning of a track while it’s playing, press play. Play will be
suspended briefly, then that track will replay followed by the remaining tracks on
the CD.
37
Random play Using the Remote Control, you may have the Nº31.5 play tracks totally at random.
To do this, press the 0 (zero) numbered key, then press play.
While random play is active, the letter R will appear preceding the track number
on the display.
To cancel random play, press Stop.
Skipping to another track You may skip to another track any time while a CD is playing. To move to an-
other track, press next (track + on the remote) to go forward, or previous
(track – on the remote) to go backward until the number of the track you want
to play shows on the display. (You may also select the track using the numbered
buttons on the Remote Control.) Play will resume as soon as the pickup reaches
that track.
Searching for a passage You may search for a particular passage on the CD using Search Forward
( )and Search Reverse ( ). Scan the CD until the laser pickup reaches the
passage you want to hear. The playing speed increases when you hold down
Search Forward or Search Reverse, and the volume is reduced.
Note: If your Nº31.5 is Linked to a compatible Mark Levinson digi-

tal processor (via the communication ports), you have the option
of muting the volume completely during search. (See Setting Op-
tions.)
As soon as you release the button, play resumes.
If you search past the beginning (or end) of a track, the laser pickup will move
on to the previous (or next) track.
If you try to search forward past the end of a CD or program, the laser pickup
will stop at the end of the last track.
If you try to search backward past the beginning of a CD or program, the laser
pickup will stop at the beginning of the first track. When you release Search Re-
verse, play will resume beginning with the first track.
Previewing a CD Using the Nº31.5’s preview function, you may play only the introduction of each
track on a CD, then resume normal play when you hear the track you like.
Once a CD is loaded and ready for play, press preview. Beginning with the first
track, the Nº31.5 will play the first ten seconds of the track, skip to the second
track and play the first ten seconds of that track, and so on. While the preview
function is active, the track part of the display will flash.
To resume normal play, press preview again or press play.
38
Using indices If a CD has indices, you may use them to begin play in the middle of a track.
1. Press index mode. (If there was no CD in play, the display will
show INDEX SEARCH.) After a brief delay while the transport
searches the disc, the LED above the button will flash to indicate
index mode.
2. Using next and previous (or the numbered buttons on the Remote
Control), select an index.
3. Press play to begin play at the index you selected.
Beginning play at a You may use prg/time on the Remote Control to begin play at a specific time—
specific location in a track whether or not it corresponds to an index.
1. Using track + or track –, or the numbered buttons on the remote

control), select a track.
2. Press prg/time, then press the numbered buttons corresponding to
when you’d like play to begin. (The numbers you select will ap-
pear in the time part of the display.)
3. To begin play at that point, press play.
Note: The time you select depends on the selection you’ve made
with the display mode button: elapsed or remaining, CD or track.
For example, if you want to begin play one minute and thirty seconds into track
2, first press display mode until the elapsed time and on track LEDs light. Then
select track 2 by pressing track + or track – (or by entering 02). Press prg/time,
enter 130, then press play.
The pause function To suspend play while a CD is playing, press pause. To resume play at the same
point, press pause again.
If left in pause for several minutes, the transport will stop spinning and the laser
will turn off (thereby enhancing the longevity of both). This will be indicated by
the pause indicator in the display (“||”) flashing on and off. Alternatively, this
extended pause feature may be engaged by pressing and holding the pause
button until the indicator begins to flash in the display. Pressing pause again will
resume play at the point where pause was first pressed, (after a short delay to
allow the disc to get up to speed).
To “cue up” the beginning of a CD or track, press pause before pressing play (5).
To begin play, press pause again. (You may also select another track or index
while play is suspended.)
Repeating an entire CD To repeat (continuously) all tracks on a CD, press repeat disc. While the repeat
disc function is active, the LED above the button is lit. To return to normal play,
press repeat disc again.
Repeating a track To repeat (continuously) the track in play, press repeat track. While the repeat
track function is active, the LED above the button is lit. To return to normal play,
press repeat track again.
39
Repeating a To repeat (continuously) a specific phrase or passage on a CD, press repeat A-B
specific passage at the beginning of the passage you would like to repeat. At the end of the pas-
sage, press repeat A-B again. The passage you selected will repeat continuously.
While the repeat A-B function is active, A then B will appear preceding the track
number on the display. To return to normal play without interruption, press the
repeat A-B button again.
While in the repeat A-B mode, the following keys behave as outlined below:
play will restart play at point A (much as doing so normally re-

turns you to the beginning of the current track).
search reverse will “rewind” the disc back, beginning play when
you release the button. This allows you to review the lead-in to
your A-B section, as when learning a piece of music by ear.
search forward will “fast forward” the music as far as the “B” point,
stopping there for easy access to the end of your A-B loop.
stop will leave the repeat A-B mode and enter stop.
previous will move you to the previous track (or index if in index
mode) whether or not it lies within the A-B loop.
next will move you to the next track (or index if in index mode).
If this location lies beyond the defined A–B loop, the Nº31.5 will
leave repeat A–B mode, reverting to normal play.
direct track access will override your A-B loop if you go beyond
the defined A–B loop.
direct time access will also override your A-B loop if you go be-
yond the defined A–B loop.
Inverting playback polarity If your Nº31.5 is linked to a compatible Mark Levinson digital processor via the
communication ports, you may change the playback polarity. (See Setting Op-
tions.)
After loading a CD, press the polarity invert button on the digital processor’s front
panel, or press d/a polarity on the Nº31.5’s Remote Control, then press play. The
CD will play with inverted polarity.
If you want this CD to always play with inverted polarity, press program save
before pressing play. The display will show POLARITY PRG, a small P will appear
preceding the track number on the display, and inverted polarity will be saved as
a “program” for that CD. (See Programming.)
Stopping play To stop play before the end of the CD, press Stop. The display will show the total
number of tracks and their total playing time.
You may also stop play by pressing Lid Open/Close. In this case, play will stop
and the Lid will open.
40
Introduction to Programming
Rather than playing an entire CD, you may choose to play only certain selections.
To do this, you create a “program” (or playlist) and store it in the Nº31.5’s memory.
Before using your Nº31.5’s programming features, become familiar with its con-
trols and their locations (see Front Panel, Top Panel, CD Transport Assembly, and
Remote Control), as well as their basic functions (see Basic Operation).
When playing a program, the Nº31.5’s basic functions operate as described in Ba-
sic Operation, except that they work within the context of the program’s playlist
rather than the entire CD. For instance, pressing next during play skips to the
next track or index in the sequence, whether or not it is the next track or index
on the CD. In the same way, pressing repeat disc will repeat the entire program,
not the entire CD.
The Nº31.5 allows up to 99 selections (tracks and indices) per program. A pro-
gram may include both tracks and indices.
Assembling a program is possible only before play begins.
Note: The only programming functions that operate while a CD is

playing are program clear and program save.
How the Nº31.5 When you load a CD, the Nº31.5 assigns it a unique identification code. If you
remembers programs assemble a program for a particular CD and save it into the Nº31.5’s memory, the
Nº31.5 “remembers” that CD’s program.
The next time you load that CD, the Nº31.5 will recognize the CD’s identification
code and automatically loads the previously saved program. (The letter P will ap-
pear preceding the track number on the display.) [Note: Even if you have previ-
ously saved a program for a CD, the Nº31.5 allows you to override it (and have
access to all tracks on the CD) without erasing it from the memory.]
The Nº31.5’s memory can store programs for thousands of CDs. Saved programs
remain in memory when you place the Nº31.5 into standby, when you turn off
the main power switch — even if AC power is interrupted.
Assembling a new program To assemble a new program, make sure a disc is loaded and that the Nº31.5 is in
stop (rather than already playing):
1. Using the next and previous, select the first track in your program.
2. Add the first selection to your program by pressing program + (on
the Remote Control, press prg/time, then press +).
3. Assemble the rest of your program (up to 99 selections) by repeat-
ing steps 1 and 2.
4. When you’ve finished building your playlist:
a. If you want to play your program without recording it in the
Nº31.5’s memory, go on to step 5.
b. If you want to record your program in the Nº31.5’s memory,
press program save; the display will show NEW PROGRAM.
5. To play the program, press play.
41
Delete Programming If you want to play most of a CD, and just “ignore” a few tracks, you may want to
use this shortcut:
1. Using the next and previous (or the numbered buttons on the Re-
mote Control), select the first track you want to eliminate from
your program.
2. “Delete” the track by pressing program –.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each track you want to ignore.
4. When you have finished eliminating tracks:
a. If you want to play your program without recording it in the
Nº31.5’s memory, go on to step 5.
b. If you want to record your program in the Nº31.5’s memory,
press program save; the display will show NEW PROGRAM.
5. To play the program, press play.
42
Advanced Programming
After you have created a few programs as outlined in the previous section, you
may want to review them, add extra tracks to existing programs, or in other ways
change the nature of what you have done. The Nº31.5 provides great flexibility in
these regards.
Reviewing a program To review your program before playing it:
1. Load a CD for which you’ve already saved a program (the letter P

will appear preceding the track number on the display); or load an
unprogrammed CD, then assemble and save a program.
2. Press program review. The display will show the first selection in
your program. For example, if track 3 is the first selection in your
program, the display would show P03 IS 1st. If index 2 on track 5 is
the first selection, the display would show P05 02 IS 1.
Note: If you press program review when there is no program in
the Nº31.5’s memory, the display will show NO PROGRAM.
3. To view the next selection, press program review again, and so on.
Press program review for each selection in your program. After you
view the last selection, the display will show PROGRAM END.
Adding a selection You may add a selection to the end of a previously saved program. To add a selection:

2. Using the next and previous (or the numbered buttons on the Re-
mote Control), select the track you want to add to your program.
You may also include indices in your program. Press index mode,
then use next and previous (or the numbered buttons on the Re-
mote Control) to select an index. [Note: If your Nº31.5 is linked to
a compatible Mark Levinson digital processor via the
communication ports, you may set the playback polarity indepen-
dently for each track. See Setting Options. In this case,
press the polarity invert button on the digital processor’s front
panel, or press d/a polarity on the Nº31.5’s Remote Control, before
continuing to step 3.]
3. Add the selection to your program by pressing program + (on the
Remote Control, press prg/time, then press +).
Note: You must press program + (or prg/time and +) within five
seconds after making a selection, or the selection won’t be re-
corded.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each selection you want to add to your
program. Make sure to press program + (or prg/time and +) after
each selection.
5. When you’ve finished adding selections, press program save; the
display will show PROG CHANGED. This last step is what makes
your change permanent.
43
Erasing a selection You also may erase a selection from a previously saved program. To erase a selec-
tion:

2. Using the next and previous (or track + and track – on the remote,
or the numbered buttons on the remote), select the track you want
to erase from your program.
3. Erase the selection to your program by pressing program – (on the
remote control, press prg/time, then press –).
Note: You must press program – (or prg/time and –) within five
seconds after making a selection, or the selection won’t be re-
corded.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each selection you want to add to your
program. Make sure to press program – (or prg/time and –) after
each selection.
5. When you’ve finished adding selections, press program save; the
display will show PROG CHANGED. This last step is what makes
your change permanent.
Temporarily overriding a To override a previously saved program (temporarily), press program clear (on
previously saved program the Remote Control, press the 0 numbered key, then press prg/time); the display
will show PROG CLEARED.
All of the CD’s tracks will be accessible for basic operation, but the program will
still be retained in the Nº31.5’s memory. (See Basic Operation.)
Note: If you press program save after pressing program clear, the
display will show PROG DELETED and the program will be erased
from the Nº31.5’s memory.
Erasing a program To erase a previously saved program permanently from the Nº31.5’s memory:
1. Press program clear; the display will show PROG CLEARED.

2. Press program save; the display will show PROG DELETED.
Once again, this last step of pressing program save is what makes your change
permanent (as opposed to merely overriding the program this once).
44
Setting Options
The Nº31.5 gives you the ability to “customize” its operation to suit your particular
needs and/or preferences. One of these options pertains exclusively to how the
Nº31.5 itself operates: Index 0. The other options address the way in which the
Nº31.5 interacts with other Linked Mark Levinson components such as the Nº30.5
Reference Digital Processor and the Nº38S Preamplifier.
Note: To take advantage of linked functions, the various compo-

nents must be connected via their communication ports. (See Rear
Panel and Setup and Installation.)
The stand-alone option that is always available addresses whether the Nº31.5 plays
the space between tracks called “Index 0.” This space is analogous to the “lead-in
grooves” of vinyl LPs.
■ Index 0: When this option has been selected, pressing play will
begin each track at Index 0 rather than at the usual Index 1, result-
ing in a brief “countdown” to the beginning of the music.
If you prefer all track and index operations to use Index 0 as
the effective beginning of a given track (to hear the applause be-
fore a song on a live recording, for example), you may select Index
0 in the Set Options menu, described on the next page.
There are six linked functions. These address the way in which the Nº31.5 inter-
acts with other components within the Madrigal Communications Linking system.
They are:
■ Record link (Nº30 and Nº30.5 only): While the Nº31.5 is selected as
the Nº30’s recording source (a CD must be in play), this link helps
prevent you from inadvertently disrupting the recording process. If
you attempt to use any of the Nº31.5’s functions that might disrupt
the recording process (stop, Lid Open/Close, etc.), the Nº31.5 will
block that function and its display will show RECORDING. Likewise,
if you attempt to place the Nº30 into standby, the Nº31.5 will block
that function and Nº30’s display will show RECORDING.
To override the record link, press the function button twice.
(For example, if you do want to stop the CD that’s playing, even
though it’s being recorded, press the stop button twice in succes-
sion.)
When the Nº31.5 is first turned on, the record link setting is off.
■ Mute link: When this link is engaged, the Linked processor will au-
tomatically mute the volume during search modes (that is, when-
ever you press search forward or search reverse). It has no effect
on the remote control’s mute button.
When the Nº31.5 is first turned on, the mute link setting is off so
you can hearing the audible cueing function provided by the
Nº31.5 during searches.
■ Standby link: This feature links the standby modes of the Nº31.5
and the digital processor. If both the Nº31.5 and the digital proces-
sor are in standby mode, pressing the Nº31.5’s standby button will
take both components out of standby mode (making them ready
to operate). If both the Nº31.5 and the digital processor are “on”
(not in standby mode), pressing the Nº31.5’s standby button will
45
place only the Nº31.5 into standby mode (since you may wish to
listen to another input on your processor).
When the Nº31.5 is first turned on, the standby link setting is
on.
■ Alias link: Mark Levinson digital processors allow you to set an “in-
put alias” for each of their sources; this alternative name appears
on their display. The Nº31.5’s alias link automatically overrides the
alias setting for its input. When you select the Nº31.5’s input, the
processor will show No31 on its display.
When the Nº31.5 is first turned on, the alias link setting is on.
■ Play link: When you press the Nº31.5’s play button, this link auto-
matically selects the Nº31.5’s input on the digital processor.
Note: If you’ve connected the Nº31.5 to two or more of the
digital processor’s inputs, the play link will look first for AES/EBU
interconnection, then S/PDIF, then ST, and finally EIAJ.
When the Nº31.5 is first turned on, the play link setting is on.
■ Display link: This links the display intensity functions of the Nº31.5
and the digital processor. When the components are linked, both
displays will be set to the same brightness. Pressing display inten-
sity on either component will affect both displays.
When the Nº31.5 is first turned on, the display link setting is on.
■ Polarity link: This links the d/a polarity button on the Nº31.5’s Re-
mote Control to the polarity invert function of the digital processor.
The polarity link also allows inverted polarity to be saved with
a program. When inverted polarity is part of a saved program, this
link turns on the digital processor’s polarity invert function. (See
Programming.)
The polarity link setting is always on, and can’t be changed.
In addition to the Setting Options, the Nº31.5 has the ability to play
“Index 0,” the CD equivalent of the “lead-in grooves” on an LP.
The Nº31.5 allows you to change the Index 0 option and its six Link options to
suit your own preferences. [Note: The polarity link setting is always on, and can’t
be changed.]
1. Make sure that the main power switch is set to the “on” (“|”) posi-
tion.
2. Enable the Nº31.5’s controls by pressing standby.
Note: To change your Nº31.5’s link settings, your Mark Levinson
digital processor also must be connected (linked) and turned on.
3. Press and hold the front-panel display mode button and hold it
until SET OPTIONS appears on the display. [Note: In several seconds,
if you make no changes to the link settings, the display will go back
into its standard mode. To return to SET OPTIONS, press and hold
display mode again.]
4. Click the display mode button a few times. The display will show
each of your Nº31.5’s options, in this order:
INDEX 0 – (available even without Linking)

RECORD LINK – (seen only when Linked)
MUTE LINK – (seen only when Linked)
STANDBYLINK + (seen only when Linked)
ALIAS LINK + (seen only when Linked)
PLAY LINK + (seen only when Linked)
DISPLAYLINK + (seen only when Linked)
46
A – sign beside an option indicates that it is currently off; a + sign
indicates that it is currently on.
If you continue clicking display mode after the display shows
DISPLAYLINK+, the links are shown again beginning with INDEX 0,
then RECORD LINK, then MUTE LINK, and so on.
5. Stop clicking display mode when the display shows a link you
would like to change.
5. To turn the link on, press the program + button; to turn the link
off, press the program – button.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each link setting you want to change.
When you’ve finished, wait several seconds for the display to return to its stan-
dard mode.
Your link settings remain in memory when you place the Nº31.5 into standby,
when you turn off the main power switch — even if AC power is interrupted.
Auto-Standby The Nº31.5 also may be set to automatically enter standby when left in stop for a
user-selectable period of time. As shipped from the factory, its standby function is
manual (that is, it only enters or leaves standby when told to do so by the user).
To change between manual and timed/automatic standby:
1. Press and hold the standby button until the display reads MANUAL.
2. Release the standby button and then “click” search forward to ad-
vance the timer. Single clicks will advance it by one minute. Press-
ing and holding the button will stream the numbers by to a maxi-
mum of 120 minutes. Search reverse reduces the timer delay, with
MANUAL coming below the 1 minute mark.
3. When you have selected the delay you desire, simply allow the
Nº31.5 to “time-out” and revert to a normal display.
The Nº31.5 will display AUTO STANDBY for about one second prior to actually go-
ing into standby as a result of the auto standby setting you have chosen.
47
Madrigal Communications Link
The information needed to take full advantage of the Madrigal Communications

Linking system (MCL) falls into two categories: understanding the architecture
used, and summarizing which cables are needed between which components.
The following technical information is provided as a reference, for custom instal-
lations and other applications where a full understanding of the MCL system is
important. Most people never need this information. Feel free to skip this section
unless the basic information in Rear Panel is not sufficient to your needs.
Understanding The MCL system is a single-master computer bus. As such, there must be a single
the Architecture “master” component that acts as the central clearinghouse for all messages. Think
of the master component as being like the Post Office: if the Nº31.5 needs to
send a message to the Nº38S preamplifier (for example), it sends the message to
the master component, which then relays it to the preamplifier. In our system (for
a variety of technical reasons), the digital audio processor is normally designated
as the “master” for the entire chain of line-level components. (We’ll address
power amplifiers in a moment.)
This approach offers several advantages: it is quite robust and reliable; it re-
sponds extremely quickly (fast enough to seem instantaneous to the user); many
components may be added to the system without taking a performance hit; it
offers excellent forward compatibility, leaving options open to add new features
and capabilities as they become needed.
A system such as this operates with the “master” at one end of a “daisy chain.”
Subsequent components are linked together via slave in and slave out ports.
Thus, one would begin at (say) a Nº30.5, going from its master port to (say) a
Nº31.5’s slave in port; from the Nº31.5’s slave out, continue through as many
slave in/slave out ports as needed, until you reach the preamplifier.
In this fashion, multiple digital transports may be easily accommodated. The digi-
tal processor will identify which transport is connected to which digital input by
asking each in turn to momentarily turn off its DAS (digital audio signal), then
noting which input is affected. In this way, a single master can easily identify sev-
eral identical transports and still avoid any confusion. (This identification process
is called “handshaking.”)
The Mark Levinson preamplifier (Nº38 or Nº38S) serves to terminate the com-
munications bus. Hence, it receives communications from other line-level compo-
nents via it slave port. It does not have a slave out (since it terminates the bus,
it must be at the end). Since there is no way for the digital processor to perform
the digital “handshake” described above, you must rename the inputs of the
Nº38 or Nº38S appropriately (as outlined in the manual) for Linking to oper-
ate correctly.
Thus, for example, when the Nº31.5 is turned on, the Nº30.5 comes out of
standby and selects the correct digital input, and instructs the Nº38S to wake up
and select whichever input is named “No30.” (The Nº38S may further instructs
the Nº333 to come out of standby.)
48
“Linked amplifiers?” you ask The communication required between preamplifier and power amplifier(s) is
more limited than between other components. In particular, the new 300 series
Mark Levinson amplifiers will:
• toggle between standby and operate in conjunction with the

Nº38(S) they are Linked to;
• when in standby, all of the standby indicator LEDs (sources,
preamp and power amps) blink in sync with one another;
• report certain fault conditions to the preamplifier if they must shut
down for some reason.
For this reason, it made sense to define a somewhat simpler communications

Link between preamps and power amps. In this case, the Nº38 or Nº38S acts as
the “master” to the power amplifier(s) “slave.” Multiple amps may be daisy-
chained via their slave in and slave out ports. The Nº38 runs this smaller “net-
work” and passes necessary information back and forth as needed.
Hence, our seemingly confusing nomenclature on the rear panels of the various
products. “Master” is connected to “Slave In”, then the daisy-chain continues to
Slave Out, to Slave In, to Slave Out, etc., until you reach the preamplifier’s Slave
input. From there, you connect the Nº38’s Master to the power amp’s Slave In. If
you have more than one amp in the system, daisy chain them Slave Out to Slave
In (up to a maximum of six amplifiers). (See sample diagram below.)
slave out
display
intensity R
mode MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
Nº37 polarity
invert 1
aes/ebu
2 3 4 5
emphasis
6 teach ir
COMPACT DISC DRIVE
Nº 37
standby
digital output slave in
Link
cable
digital input master

display
intensity R
Nº36
mode MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES
DIGITAL PROCESSOR
aes/ebu emphasis Nº 36
polarity
1 2 3 4 5 6 standby
invert teach ir
analog output
Link
cable
any input slave

R
Nº38 PREAMPLIFIER
Nº38
standby
master
Link
cable
slave in
Nº 333
DUAL MONAURAL
POWER AMPLIFIER
Nº333
49
Which Cables Go Where? Having cleared up (we hope) the conceptual difficulty with how Linking works
and with the names of the various Link communications ports, we move on to
the purely pragmatic: what size cables do I use? Where?
The Link system uses standard telephone company modular connectors, similar
to the ones used in your telephone or computer modem. All communications
cables through to the preamplifier use an eight-conductor flat cable with
an eight-pin modular plug (RJ-45) at each end. These cables are made
“straight-through,” the same way the phone company uses them: Pin #1 at one
end is connected to Pin #1 at the other end, #2 to #2, etc. The Pins are num-
bered from left to right as seen from the “pin” side of the modular plug, as shown
below.
12345678
(locking tab behind)
Counter-intuitively, you must insert a 180° twist in the wire to build this “straight-
through” cable (since the plugs are pointing in opposite directions), as shown
below:
From Mark Levinson digital processor To Nº31.5
Locking tab Locking tab
8-Conductor Source Component Link Cable
The Link between the preamplifier and the first power amplifier is dif-
ferent: it uses a six-conductor version of the same idea, as shown below:
To Nº38 Master To Nº333 Slave In
6-Conductor Preamp-Amp Link Cable
If you have more than one power amplifier in the system, it is important to en-
sure that the daisy-chain is preserved: slave out to slave in, out to in, etc.
To minimize the chance of accidentally plugging a slave out to a slave out

(which would damage the communications circuits), we use different sizes of
modular connectors at each end of the power amp daisy chain. We are still using
only six connections and therefore six conductors, but we have placed an eight-
pin connector at the slave out end of the cable, as shown below:
50
To Nº33x Slave Out To Nº33x Slave In

6-Conductor Amp-Amp Link Cable
In this case, we use pins 1-6 of the eight-pin connector in a “straight-through”

connection, and leave pins 7-8 empty.
Using the latest software As we add features and functionality to the Link system, we sometimes need to
update associated software. If you are Linking a system with one or more older
components (early Nº38’s, Nº30, Nº31, etc.), you may need to have your dealer
replace a socketed EPROM in order to install the current version of that product’s
software. If you think you may need new software, please contact your dealer
with the software code numbers of all Nº30 Series units in the system. This infor-
mation is typically shown during power-up as the word CODE followed by a
combination of four numbers and/or letter. (Your dealer should be able to help
you with this.)
51
Using Learning
Remote Controls
The Nº31.5 includes both an infrared receiver and an infrared transmitter. With
this capability, it can “teach” a learning remote control any commands that might
be needed for remote operation that do not exist on the remote control itself.
Specifically, the Nº31.5 can send these additional IR commands from its display
window, enabling you to teach a learning remote any or all of its front- (or top-)
panel commands, as well as some optional special commands that are available
to solve specific installation-related problems.
The Nº31.5 has two special modes of operation into which it may be placed in
order to facilitate the “teaching” of remote control commands to a learning re-
mote control. The first allows you to easily teach the commands for which there
are corresponding front panel buttons. The second allows you to teach “special”
commands to the remote control for which there are no corresponding front
panel buttons.
Teaching Nº31.5 Front 1 PRESS AND HOLD THE REPEAT DISC BUTTON TO ENTER THE FRONT PANEL
Panel Commands TEACHING MODE
The display will show TEACH IR to indicate that the Nº31.5 is ready to teach
a learning remote control the infrared commands that correspond to its
front- and top-panel buttons.
If you change your mind, simply don’t touch any button for ten seconds
and the Nº31.5 will return to normal operation. (Hint: you may remember
that this special “hidden” feature of the Nº31.5 is accessed via a press-and-
hold of the repeat disc button by associating its use with the external IR
“repeaters” so often used in custom installations; the functionality found
here is of most value in such installations.)
2 PRESS ANY FRONT- OR TOP-PANEL BUTTON TO CAUSE THE Nº31.5

TO SEND THE CORRESPONDING IR COMMAND
Line up the IR window of your remote control with the right side of the
Nº31.5 display (to the right of where seconds normally display), at a dis-
tance of approximately 2"-6". Select the to-be-learned button on the remote,
then press the corresponding button on the Nº31.5 to fire the appropriate IR
code. The display will change to indicate the sending of the IR signal:
sending code. When it reverts to TEACH IR, it is ready to issue the next
command to be learned.
Most learning remotes need to be held fairly still while they learn new IR
commands; movement can garble the received IR. If you are uncertain as to
how to prepare your remote control for learning new commands, refer to
the instructions provided with the remote control.
52
3 REPEAT THE PROCESS OF “TEACHING” NEW COMMANDS TO THE
VARIOUS BUTTONS ON YOUR REMOTE CONTROL UNTIL ALL
APPROPRIATE OR DESIRED FRONT PANEL COMMANDS HAVE BEEN
LEARNED BY YOUR REMOTE
4 WHEN FINISHED, EXIT THE TEACH IR MODE BY ALLOWING THE Nº31.5 TO

“TIMEOUT”
You may wish to teach your remote control some of the Nº31.5’s special
commands (those for which there is no corresponding panel button); in
this case, you should go directly to the next section. Otherwise, simply
avoid pressing any buttons for about ten seconds, and the Nº31.5 will auto-
matically return to normal operation.
At some point, however, you should test all your newly “learned” commands
to ensure that they were “learned” correctly.
Teaching Other As mentioned above, the Nº31.5 has the capability to teach learning remote con-
Nº31.5 Commands trols special commands for which there are no front panel counterparts. These
commands can be especially helpful in solving problems in certain kinds of cus-
tom installations.
These “positive control” commands in the Nº31.5 will place it into a certain mode
of operation regardless of its current state. For example, a positive control com-
mand to enter standby will leave the Nº31.5 in standby if already there, or switch
it to standby if it is currently operating. This type of positive control is especially
helpful when you do not necessarily know the current status of the Nº31.5, as
might be the case in a multi-room home entertainment system (for example).
1 PLACE THE Nº31.5 IN ITS FRONT PANEL TEACHING MODE

As explained on the previous page, you do this by pressing and holding the
repeat disc button until the display reads TEACH IR. If no further buttons
are pressed within approximately ten seconds, the Nº31.5 will “time out”
and return to normal operation.
2 RELEASE, THEN PRESS AND HOLD THE REPEAT DISC BUTTON A SECOND
TIME TO PLACE THE Nº31.5 IN ITS CUSTOM IR MODE
After about five seconds, the display will change from TEACH IR to
IR CODE 01. This indicates that the special IR codes that do not correspond
to front-panel buttons are now available for teaching to a learning remote
control—including some that are designed to solve problems unique to cus-
tom installations.
3 PRESS THE REPEAT DISC BUTTON REPEATEDLY TO ADVANCE TO THE

DESIRED FUNCTION
The table on the next page lists the various commands that are available for
the Nº31.5 for which there is no front-panel equivalent. In some cases, they
represent “positive control” alternatives to commands which normally toggle
between two settings (such as standby and operate). In other cases, they
represent functions which exist only on the remote control. In the second
column are the designations that will be displayed to indicate that the
Nº31.5 is ready to fire the corresponding IR code.
53
Pressing repeat disc will advance you to the next command in the table;
when you reach the end of the list, the Nº31.5 will return to the beginning.
If no button is pushed for more than ten seconds, the Nº31.5 will “time out”
and return to normal operation.
special commands table Command Display

positive “operate” OPERATE
positive “standby” STANDBY
positive “stop w/o moving lid” STOP, NO LID
positive “display intensity to off” DISPLAY OFF
positive “display intensity to medium” DISPLAY MED
positive “leave pause” UNPAUSE
positive “enter pause” PAUSE
positive “turn off repeat” REPEAT OFF
positive “turn on index mode” INDEX ON
positive “turn off index mode” INDEX OFF
positive “open lid” OPEN LID
positive “close lid” CLOSE LID
single-button “random play” RANDOM PLAY
switch to analog-input switching mode ANALOG MODE
switch to digital-input switching mode DIGITAL MODE
4 MOMENTARILY PRESS THE DISPLAY INTENSITY BUTTON TO TRANSMIT THE

SELECTED IR CODE
Line up the IR window of your remote control with the right side of the
display of the Nº31.5, at a distance of approximately 2"-6". Select the to-be-
learned button on the remote, then fire the selected code from the Nº31.5
by pressing display intensity. The Nº31.5’s display will show sending code
during the IR transmission.
(If you are uncertain as to how to prepare your remote control for learning
new commands, refer to the instructions provided with the remote control.)
5 REPEAT THE PROCESS OF “TEACHING” NEW SPECIAL COMMANDS

UNTIL ALL DESIRED COMMANDS HAVE BEEN LEARNED BY YOUR
REMOTE CONTROL.
If you take longer than approximately ten seconds between button pushes,
the Nº31.5 will time out and return to normal operation. If this occurs, re-
turn to step #1 in this section. You may cycle through the entire list by
pressing repeat disc repeatedly.
6 WHEN FINISHED, RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION BY ALLOWING THE

Nº31.5 TO “TIME OUT”
The Nº31.5 will “timeout” and return to normal operation after approxi-
mately ten seconds.
54
Troubleshooting
In general, refer any service problems to your Mark Levinson dealer. Before con-
tacting your dealer, however, check to see if the problem is listed here. If it is, try
the suggested solutions. If none of these solves the problem, contact your Mark
Levinson dealer.
1. THE Nº31.5 WON’T FUNCTION, AND THE DISPLAY IS DARK.

✓ The unit is is standby. Press the standby button.
✓ The Nº31.5 isn’t plugged into the AC mains or the main power
switch isn’t turned on.
✓ The wall socket, adapter, or extension cord is faulty.
✓ There’s a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse in the wall outlet’s
circuit.
✓ A fuse is blown in your Nº31.5 (contact your Mark Levinson
dealer).
2. THE DISPLAY IS LIT, BUT THERE IS NO OUTPUT

✓ The proper source isn’t selected on your digital processor.
✓ The proper source isn’t selected on your preamplifier.
✓ The interconnecting cables are connected incorrectly or are faulty.
3. THE Nº31.5 DISPLAY READS “NO DISC”

✓ There is no disc in the drawer for the transport to read.
✓ The disc is upside down and therefore cannot be read.
✓ The disc has loaded improperly and cannot be read—open the
drawer, ensure that the disc is placed properly in the drawer, and
try again.
4. THE Nº31.5 DISPLAY READS “NO DAMPER”

✓ There is no damper in the transport well; reopen the lid and
place the damper on the disc.
✓ The damper is incorrectly positioned; center it on the CD
spindle.
✓ The lid was interrupted before it could close, and therefore could
not sense the damper’s presence; remove the obstruction and al-
low the lid to close.
5. THE Nº31.5 WON’T PLAY A CD INSERTED IN THE PLAYER.

✓ The CD is inserted upside down. Be sure to insert it shiny side
down (label side up).
✓ There may be condensation (moisture) on the laser pickup. This
can happen if the Nº31.5 is moved from a cold environment
(such as a warehouse or a shipper’s truck) to a warm, humid one.
Set the main power switch to its "|" position, and leave it on for
at least one hour to warm up, then try playing a CD again.
6. WHEN A CD IS PLAYING, THE SOUND "SKIPS."

✓ The CD is severely scratched or dirty.
✓ The Nº31.5 is on an unstable surface or is too close to your
speakers.
55
6. THE LINKED FUNCTIONS DON’T WORK.
✓ Try to SET OPTIONS (press and hold display mode). Once you
have SET OPTIONS in the display, click on display mode a couple
times. If the display never advances beyond INDEX Ø, then your
Link connection is not active. Check your Link cables.
✓ There is no “master” on the Link system: a Mark Levinson digital
processor normally serves as central clearinghouse of information
being passed from one component to the next. Without it, the
Linking system cannot work.
✓ The digital audio cable is disconnected, or is connected incor-
rectly (in which case the display link function would continue to
work correctly, but many others would not work).
✓ Try turning off/disconnecting AC power from both the processor
and the Nº31.5. After several seconds, restore AC power to the
digital processor, then turn on the Nº31.5’s main power switch.
✓ You may have older versions of the system software in your asso-
ciated Mark Levinson components which do not fully support all
Setting Options.
Mark Levinson components normally display a “code”
number when powering up that corresponds to the version num-
ber of their software. (On the Nº31.5, you can also display this
number by pressing and holding the stop button.) Write down the
code number for each component. With this information, your
dealer can determine whether you need to update some software
in your system. If so, new EPROMs will be provided at no charge.
7. THE REMOTE CONTROL DOESN’T OPERATE THE Nº31.5.

✓ The Remote Control is at the wrong angle relative to the Nº31.5,
and the Nº31.5 can’t receive the signal.
✓ The sensor window on the front panel of the Nº31.5 is dirty or
blocked.
✓ The Remote Control’s projection lens is dirty.
✓ Fluorescent lighting or sunlight is interfering with the operation
of the Remote Control.
✓ The Remote Control’s batteries are weak and need to be replaced.
✓ The Remote Control’s batteries are installed incorrectly.
56
Care and Maintenance
To remove dust from the cabinet of the Nº31.5, use a feather duster. To remove
dirt and fingerprints, we recommend isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth.
Caution! Always apply the isopropyl alcohol to the soft cloth and then
wipe the Nº31.5 with the dampened cloth. Never pour or spray
even small amounts of any liquid directly on the Nº31.5, as
doing so may allow the liquid to reach the circuitry inside the
unit. Any liquid inside the unit poses a hazard to both the user
and to the unit, and must be avoided.
Make sure that the Remote sensor window on the front panel and the Remote
Control’s projection lens are kept clean and dust-free.
Fluorescent lighting and sunlight may interfere with the operation of the Remote
Control. Avoid placing the Nº31.5 near fluorescent lamps or in direct sunlight.
When the Remote Control’s batteries need to be replaced, use only AA batteries;
always replace both batteries at the same time. If you don’t plan to use the Re-
mote Control often, remove the batteries. When not used for an extended period,
even “leakproof” batteries can leak corrosive acids that will damage the Remote
Control (and will void the warranty).
A CD, handled carefully, will last indefinitely. A warped, dusty, or scratched CD

can cause playback problems, including audible skipping or other noises. Handle
a CD by the outer edges only; if necessary, support it with your index finger at
the center hole.
When you’re finished playing a CD, always return it to its plastic case. Store your
CDs where they won’t be exposed to direct sunlight, high humidity, or extremely
high or low temperatures.
57
U.S. and Canadian Warranty
90-Day Limited Warranty This Mark Levinson® product is warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of
purchase. To extend the warranty of this Mark Levinson product, return the war-
ranty registration card along with a copy of the original receipt of purchase to
Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc., P. O. Box 781, Middletown, CT 06457.
Five Year Extended Warranty The extended warranty for this Mark Levinson product is five (5) years from the
date of purchase. During the warranty period, any Mark Levinson component ex-
hibiting defects in materials and/or workmanship will be repaired or replaced, at
our option, without charge for either parts or labor, at our factory. The warranty
will not apply to any Mark Levinson component that has been misused, abused
or altered.
Any Mark Levinson component not performing satisfactorily may be returned to

the factory for evaluation. Return authorization must first be obtained by either
calling or writing the factory prior to shipping the component. The factory will
pay for return shipping charges only in the event that the component is found to
be defective as above mentioned. There are other stipulations that may apply to
shipping charges.
There is no other express warranty on this component. Neither this warranty nor
any other warranty, express or implied, including any implied warranties of mer-
chantability or fitness, shall extend beyond the warranty period. No responsibility
is assumed for any incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not al-
low limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and other states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so that
the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state. This warranty is applicable in the United States and
Canada only. Outside of the U.S. and Canada, please contact your local, autho-
rized Mark Levinson distributor for warranty and service information.
58
Obtaining Service
We take great pride in our dealers. Experience, dedication, and integrity make
these professionals ideally suited to assist with our customers’ service needs.
If your Mark Levinson component must be serviced, please contact your dealer.
Your dealer will then decide whether the problem can be remedied locally, or
whether to contact Madrigal for further service information or parts, or to obtain
a Return Authorization. The Madrigal Technical Services Department works
closely with your dealer to solve your service needs expediently.
Important! Return authorization must be obtained from Madrigal’s

Technical Services Department BEFORE a unit is shipped for
service.
It is extremely important that information about a problem be explicit and com-

plete. A specific, comprehensive description of the problem helps your dealer and
the Madrigal Technical Services Department locate and repair the difficulty as
quickly as possible.
A copy of the original bill of sale will serve to verify warranty status. Please in-
clude it with the unit when it is brought in for warranty service.
Warning! All returned units must be properly packaged (preferably in

their original packing material), and the proper return
authorization numbers must be marked on the outer carton
for identification. If the packaging to protect the unit is, in our
opinion or that of our dealer, inadequate to protect the unit,
we reserve the right to repackage it for return shipment at the
owner’s expense. Neither Madrigal nor your dealer can be
responsible for shipping damage due to improper (that is,
non-original) packaging.
Your dealer can order a new set of shipping materials for you if you need to ship
your component and no longer have the original materials. There will be a
charge for this service. We strongly recommend saving all packing materials in
case you need to ship your unit some day.
59
Specifications
The correlation between published specifications and sonic quality is unreliable. A

list of numbers reveals virtually nothing. All technical measurements must be sub-
ject to qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation.
Measurements of the Nº31.5 yield excellent results by any standards. However,

only those specifications that apply to its actual operation are included here.
■ Direct digital output, XLR: AES/EBU 110Ω, 3.5V

■ Direct digital output, RCA: S/PDIF 75Ω, 0.5V
■ Direct digital output, ST: Hewlett-Packard® ST optical
■ Direct digital output, EIAJ: Sharp® EIAJ optical
■ Mains voltage: 100V, 120V, 200V, 220V, 240V,
factory set for destination country only
■ Mains frequency: 50 or 60 Hz,
factory set for destination country only
■ Power consumption: 36 watts maximum
■ Overall dimensions: See Dimensions
■ Shipping weight: 63 lbs. (28 kg)
■ Connector complement: 1 male XLR-type connector
1 female RCA-type connector
1 ST-type optical connector
1 EIAJ-type optical connector
2 RJ45 connectors
1 IEC mains connector
(with built-in fuse holder)
Madrigal provides an owner-transferable, five year limited warranty on all Mark

Levinson products within the U. S. and Canada ONLY. Warranty and service
policies outside the U. S. and Canada are set by the local, authorized
distributor and are applicable in the country of purchase ONLY. Madrigal
products are designed to operate at set voltages appropriate for the country
of sale and may be damaged if operated at the wrong voltage.
60
Dimensions
19.375"
49.21 cm
5.560"
14.12 cm
1.100"
2.79 cm
11.861"
30.13 cm
13.726"
34.86 cm
12.261"
31.14 cm
11.93"
30.30 cm
5.432"
13.80 cm
.308"
.782 cm
61
Installation Notes
Software Code Version: _______

Sent in Warranty Registration? Yes / No
62
63
Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc.
2081 South Main Street, P.O. Box 781
Middletown, Connecticut 06457 USA
Telephone: (860) 346-0896

Fax: (860) 346-1540
http://www.madrigal.com/
is a registered trademark of Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc.

a Harman International company
630218-4 © 6/1998 Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

Mark Levinson No31.5 Manual

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Mark Levinson No31.5 Manual

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Operating Manual

Madrigal Audio Laboratories, Inc.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna;

5. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.

6. NEVER operate this product with any covers removed.

7. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.

8. NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.

9. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.

10. NEVER bypass any fuse.

13. NEVER expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures.

14. NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.

Unpacking and Placement ....................................................................... 6

Warning! The transport screws and shipping strap must be removed

If the AC mains voltage or frequency indicated on your Nº31.5 is incorrect, please

We recognize that many people are understandably eager to begin listening to

1 TURN OFF YOUR ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS

2 REMOVE THE TRANSPORT SCREWS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE Nº31.5

3 CONNECT THE Nº31.5 TO AC POWER

4 CONNECT A DIGITAL OUTPUT TO A MATCHING DIGITAL INPUT ON YOUR

6 SELECT THE INPUTS YOU ARE USING ON YOUR DIGITAL PROCESSOR

Congratulations on your purchase of the Nº31.5 Reference CD Transport. The

Conventional CD transport design depends on the quality of the oscillator used

For your protection, review Important Safety Instructions before you

• Mark Levinson Nº31.5 Reference Digital Transport

Warning: Shipping the Nº31.5 in anything other than its purpose-

• A soft cloth or towel

1 INSTALL THE SPIKES INTO THE FEET (OPTIONAL)

Repeat this procedure for the other three spikes.

2 REMOVE THE TRANSPORT SCREWS REQUIRED!

If the voltage indicated is incorrect, or if you wish to change the AC operat-

4 CONNECT A DIGITAL OUTPUT TO YOUR PROCESSOR

5 IF YOU HAVE A MARK LEVINSON DIGITAL PROCESSOR, CONNECT THE

6 PLACEMENT OF YOUR TRANSPORT

Caution: Interfering with the Nº31.5’s ventilation or that of another

7 LEVELLING YOUR TRANSPORT

• Ensuring that the unit itself is approximately level enables the

• Levelling the laser/motor mechanism within the Nº31.5 yields

8 INSERT BATTERIES IN THE REMOTE CONTROL

9 TURN EVERYTHING ON, AND ENJOY!

display track index time display

time remaining on disc MADRIGAL AUDIO LABORATORIES

repeat A>B preview program + program – REFERENCE

If your processor generates such a pop, and if you wish to

Press display mode to change the time part of the display:

elapsed time on disc

The information in the time portion of the display corresponds to the

To return to normal play, press repeat disc again.

To return to normal play, press repeat track again.

Pressing program clear, followed by pressing program save (12), perma-

If you press program clear when there is no program in the Nº31.5’s

If you press program review when there is no program in the Nº31.5’s

To cancel this function, press index mode again, or press stop.

☛ If your Nº31.5 is connected to a compatible Mark Levinson digital

Pressing play while a CD is playing suspends play, returns to the beginning

Alternatively, this extended pause feature may be engaged by pressing and

To “cue up” the beginning of a CD or track, press pause before pressing

Pressing previous while a CD is playing suspends play, skips the laser