Any feedback on the Levinson no.390s upgrade ??


Has anyone heard the difference between the no. 390s and the no. 39 cd players from Mark Levinson??
Ag insider logo xs@2xcmh2129
Hi,
As it happens, I've arranged with my local dealer (Definitive Audio) to borrow their 390S tomorrow night to compare in my system vs. my #39. I'll only have a single night to do the comparison, but will let you know what differences I hear (if any!).
Craig Zastera
I listened to the 390S in my system Saturday.
I thought it sounded significantly better than my 39--more liquid, smoother, less "edgy", more "analog-like".
I didn't even need to A/B to appreciate the difference.
I have signed up to have my 39 upgraded. The cost is $1500 (not $1800 as someone reported). Another $500 if you want the new faceplate too.

One negative--the 390S's digital inputs do *NOT* accept 24/96 signals. Disappointing. Their 360 and 360S DACs can process these higher resolution digital signals, so I'm surprised they didn't incorporate this into the 390S.

For those looking for a new CD player (as opposed to 39 owners), I'd strongly advise listening to the Audio Aero Capitole and the Electrocompaniet 24/192 upgraded EMC-1.
I thought both these were at least as good sounding as the 390S (although the Levinson has a much nicer user interface and several useful convenience features lacking on the others. Plus the Electro lacks a volume control).
But for 39 owners, the upgrade represents a worth-while improvement in sound for the $$.
Craig Zastera
Craig

I have 36 DAC and am wondering if it is worth an upgrade to the 360 and hpw much it costs.

My alternative would be to try and trade it and the transport Micromega Solo to a 390.

Any thoughts appreciated.
Mick...This comes from a very reliable source ...

"While the No390S uses a newer DAC and one that is very good, remember that implementation is still just about everything and the No360S still outperforms the No390S by a significant margin."

I am also in the same position, I think I will get a 36/360 and upgrade it to a 360S.
Matt
A clarification, I was told by Madrigal the cost to upgrade the 39 to the 390s was $1,800 from the factory with full check out of the player. If you want your local dealer to do the upgrade it is $1,500.