Mark Levinson No39

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Marionks

Member
Joined 2010
#1
Hello,

I have a defective Mark Levinson No39 that I bought as defective. Unfortunately, both transformers were defective and one is unfortunately no longer available (currently runs on a laboratory power supply so that I can at least test something to see whether it is still worth repairing). I have exchanged all electrolytic capacitors because they have expired, which apparently happens often with this series.
I now have the problem that one side is much quieter than the other. Maybe someone has a tip? The device is really stuffed with components. You can't adjust the balance here, can you?
Another problem is that the sound is choppy over spdif.

Best regards

Mario
 
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#2
Hi Mario
If I were you I would start by disconnecting the analog part (dac) from the controller/transport part, ultimately the 39 is the evolution of the 37 and I would try to control this part.
For starters I would focus on this.
 
#3
elviukai said:
I have original new/unused programed Mark Levinson eprom chips (including No37)

I can
1) offer repair service (warianty) or
2) sell chip (no warrianty of any kind)
Click to expand...


second, you contact "elviukai" in post MK 37 saying they have spares available for Mark Levinson, he will probably have some transformers for you.

He wrote to me that he has the complete dac unit available for 39.
this one in the photo.
 

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#4
OK,I will try to help(if its not too late-

1)I have never seen any expired capacitors on no39. (on Spectral SDR-2000 all capacitors is leaking)
2)no39s is 4 layer pcb board. i would never change capacitor BEFORE repair.
3)its nearly impossible to repair no39 without schematics or priopietary parts (like programed chips)
4) if transformers are melted, it leads to excessive power consumption which mostly are because chip failed. I had few no390s failed or partly failed and upsampling xylinx chip were showing 600ohm on power pins (instread of 41kohm) it worked but also less output. another was 20ohm and no sound.

hope this helps.
 
#5
Yesterday I removed the PCM1702 chips and cleaned the board and the chips completely. I then installed sockets for the chips and used them again. Now I have sound on both channels again.

I couldn't have switched the device on like that because electrolyte had leaked out everywhere.
I'm happy to post pictures of the capacitors here tonight.
Apparently I got lucky before anything worse happened.


The two transformers were defective on the primary side (but all windings!)

The device was apparently connected to 230V although it was jumpered to 120V inside.

Is there actually a table like which jumpers have to be set for which voltages?



With the SPDIF signal I have to look again. Maybe my DAC also has a quirk here.
 
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#11
Works for most part but the CD drawer is a little sluggish. Opens but then closes again by itself without touching any buttons.
The remote doesn't respond well, only some buttons work properly.
Is there any description for the error code that you know of?
Are there common faults I should look out for (as I've just purchased it)?
Sorry for all the questions but I appreciate any advice the group can offer.
Thanks.
 
#12
I don't know the error codes either.
But I think that's what I do when I start too. (I think the version is displayed there)

The rubber on the blade drive is probably worn out. It would have to be replaced.

But a complete service probably wouldn't be bad, then you can also take a look at the capacitors. Unfortunately, mine were all bad.

Kind regards

Mario
 
#14
Thanks Marionks. What does a full service cost and what work is carried out?
Not sure about the remote but the possibility of leaking batteries can't be ruled out I suppose.
The Error 990E has got me curious in terms of what part of the unit it relates to.
 
#15
Hello,

I don't really know what is usually replaced when this device is serviced. I can't say how much this costs either. A service partner may be able to help you better here.

When does this message come? Is it always there or only when the device is switched on again?

You can completely disassemble the remote control so that you can see if the batteries have leaked.

Kind regards

Mario
 
#16
Tannoy385 said:
Hello all / elviukai,

I'm looking for some advice. My No.39 boots up displaying "CODE 990E" - what does this mean?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
My local technician said the problem came from this EPROM. He has faced this problem before and tried swapping the EPROM from a good one, and it worked.

306775288_3210397135942809_8238045756702802853_n.jpg
 

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#17

Thanks @xman2005. The unit has just recently returned from the retailer after a health check and service to the CD drawer. The original remote is not functioning - only sends a single command to the unit.​

The retailer sourced a brand new remote from Mark Levinson for a No.37 that Mark Levinson then reconfigured for the No.39. The replacement remote is identical to the Original remote so happy days​

 
#19
I have a ML model 39, when I power it on all the lights come on but nothing works. It was working and then one day came home to see it in this state with the disk drawer open. From reading some posts on the 37 and other 39s, wonder if the EPROM may have failed. The behavior is the same with or without the DAC module attached. Voltage regulators are all fine. I pulled the Altera chip and started it, the laser pickup moved which it didn't before so thinking that the chip may need to be replaced. Anyone have a recommendation on availability of replacement EPROMs? Thanks
 
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