Mark Levinson 38 Preamp Schematic

highviewvideo · 5th June 2007, 11:18 AM

I have in the workshop a Mark Levinson 38 preamp with odd fault. There is NO volume control even though the 'numbers in the display' change with rotation of the volume control or with the remote control. The output remains at a fixed level (high).
It does work when 1st turned on so I guess it is out with the freezer spray on the processor/surrounding caps etc.
Anyone experienced this problem?

analog_sa · 5th June 2007, 01:46 PM

How the volume control works:

After passing through a couple of opamps the signal is applied to the Vref inputs of a current output 12-bit 8222 DAC. If you're constantly getting full output this probably means that all data inputs to the dac are constantly high or the dac is blown - easy to check. If true check the shift registers feeding the dac and whether they are getting volume data/strobe from the micro.

highviewvideo · 5th June 2007, 06:01 PM

Hi
I sort of worked out how the volume control worked in the short time after posting the enquiry. What is strange is that problem is intermittent. I'll delve deeper this evening and keep you updated. Thanks for info.

highviewvideo · 7th June 2007, 02:43 PM

As suspected the DAC inputs are all constantly high so I'm back to the shift registers. I reckon the DAC is culprit but will know when the inputs are disconnected.
Anyone with schematic?
Ta

gmphadte · 12th June 2007, 04:55 AM

Intermittent...
could be dry solder

Gajanan Phadte

highviewvideo · 12th June 2007, 09:27 AM

Hi
Dry joints on a Mark Levinson? I don't think so. Anyway the repair is progressing. The unit works when 1st turned on but then the volume control fails to operate on one channel after short time. All the inputs to the DAC on that channel remain high (no strobe).
The inputs to the 4049's are strobing when the control is turned. I have replaced the DAC8222 but no better. I am investigating the 4049's a bit deeper. Thanks for the suggestion.

highviewvideo · 13th June 2007, 05:08 PM

A pair of SCL4094 shift register chips did the trick
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

highviewvideo · 9th October 2011, 02:13 PM

Problem with a 380 now. All inputs fine except 4 designated SSP for a surround processor input. When this is selected it gives full volume and the volume and balance do not work.
Help!

5th June 2007, 11:18 AM	#1
highviewvideo diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	Mark Levinson 38 Preamp Schematic I have in the workshop a Mark Levinson 38 preamp with odd fault. There is NO volume control even though the 'numbers in the display' change with rotation of the volume control or with the remote control. The output remains at a fixed level (high). It does work when 1st turned on so I guess it is out with the freezer spray on the processor/surrounding caps etc. Anyone experienced this problem?

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5th June 2007, 01:46 PM	#2
analog_sa diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Sofia	How the volume control works: After passing through a couple of opamps the signal is applied to the Vref inputs of a current output 12-bit 8222 DAC. If you're constantly getting full output this probably means that all data inputs to the dac are constantly high or the dac is blown - easy to check. If true check the shift registers feeding the dac and whether they are getting volume data/strobe from the micro.

5th June 2007, 06:01 PM	#3
highviewvideo diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	Hi I sort of worked out how the volume control worked in the short time after posting the enquiry. What is strange is that problem is intermittent. I'll delve deeper this evening and keep you updated. Thanks for info.

7th June 2007, 02:43 PM	#4
highviewvideo diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	As suspected the DAC inputs are all constantly high so I'm back to the shift registers. I reckon the DAC is culprit but will know when the inputs are disconnected. Anyone with schematic? Ta

12th June 2007, 04:55 AM	#5
gmphadte diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Dona paula, Goa	Intermittent... could be dry solder Gajanan Phadte

12th June 2007, 09:27 AM	#6
highviewvideo diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	Hi Dry joints on a Mark Levinson? I don't think so. Anyway the repair is progressing. The unit works when 1st turned on but then the volume control fails to operate on one channel after short time. All the inputs to the DAC on that channel remain high (no strobe). The inputs to the 4049's are strobing when the control is turned. I have replaced the DAC8222 but no better. I am investigating the 4049's a bit deeper. Thanks for the suggestion.

13th June 2007, 05:08 PM	#7
highviewvideo diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	A pair of SCL4094 shift register chips did the trick Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

9th October 2011, 02:13 PM	#8
highviewvideo diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	Problem with a 380 now. All inputs fine except 4 designated SSP for a surround processor input. When this is selected it gives full volume and the volume and balance do not work. Help!

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