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Mark Levinson 383 or ML 334?

Merry Christmas and Happy new year!!

I want to get some words of advise from you on my situation. I always strive to have a system that allows me to visualize and feel the music, for example, being neutral, open, transparent, musical, neutral, life-like, and one that gives me a feeling of "I am there." I listen to classical music (80%) and light jazz (20%). Currently, I have Sony SCD-777ES -> Transparent Super IC -> Krell KAV-300i integrated amp -> MIT T2 Biwire -> B&W N805 on DIY speaker stand made of MDF filled with sand.

I recently auditioned Mark Levinson (ML) 383 integrated amp with a Krell cd-player (KAV-280cd) and B&W N805. I really liked it. It seemed to have more clarity and cleaner sound with a feeling of deeper and wider soundstage than my Krell 300i. One striking difference that I noticed was its transparency, almost see-through kind of feeling. Certainly, it does not have any harsh and aggressive high that I have grown accustomed to with the Krell 300i. However, I felt a lack of power that excites me. It was in some way, very polite and reticent. The dealer did not have pre-amp (380) and power amp (334) combo. I couldn't audition the combo. They want to see whether Levinson will come out with a new or updated model at CES 2002 in January. But, they told me that the combo would be almost same sound with more power.

My question is which of the following options would be better or wiser in the long run when I have around $5,000 to spend:

1) get ML 383 (with trade-in of my Krell and discount of ML 383, the cost of this option will be well under $5000), or
2) get ML 334 power amp, pre-amps like Adcom GFP-750 or other tubed-preamp, and HT Pro-Silway (Costwise, I figure that it will be about $5500-$5700), thinking that I will upgrade the pre-amp to 380S in a couple of years.

I read a Stereophile review of ML 383 by L. Greenhill that quoted "Sonically, it's as close as we could make it to the performance of a No.334 driven by a No.380 preamplifier," "And if you fail to use the best interconnect, a No.383 will be better."

Sometime next week, I will be able to audition ML pre-amp (380) and power amp (334) combo. I will be in a better position to make a decision. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for a long post. Thanks in advance!!
jwmin

Showing 2 responses by lakefrontroad

lakefrontroad
302 posts
 
I have listened to the ML38,ML38S,ML380 and ML380S with a ML332 and the ML38 and ML380S with a ML335. My first thoughts are better to buy a used ML380S and a used ML332/331 than a ML380 and a ML334. The difference in detail and soundstage of the ML380S compared to the 380 is so great that the 380 sounds flat alongside. The difference between the 332/331 and the 335/334 is slight increased warmth and roundness to the edges with very slightly improved power.

Granted that you are asking with regard to new. If you are open to selling your current gear here on Audiogon and buying replacement gear here on Audiogon, you should keep within your desired $5000 upgrade.

BTW, sure you can louse up a pre-amp/amp combo with the wrong interconnect, so ask for advice in advance here in the Forum as to other's experience.

Bill E.
lakefrontroad
302 posts
 
I use Stealth PGS Gold XLR's 1.5 meter between the amp and pre-amp and 1 meter between the cd and pre-amp. I have two stands and the amp/ps audio 600 are on one and the cd/ML 380 S are on the other.

Bill E.
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