Mark Levinson No. 27 Amplifier, buy or not?


Just curious for all the ML lovers out there owning the ML No. 27 amplifier.

Has anyone had service since purchase from 1990?  Anyone still using it and having no issues?  Would like to get my hands on one, but the cost to repair along with finding a reputable service technician near me might not be worth it as I am located in NYC.  I know owning vintage equipment is nice and the warm sound is ideal for us loving audiophiles, however, my heart says to get one, and my wallet says to just get a different amp that's more modern.  I've read in the forums the amp cost around $2000 and repair cost could be another $2K, so doubling the price at $4K is something you can get caught into.  Or maybe you can just get lucky and the amp works fine. :)

Your thoughts and comments would be very helpful, thanks team.

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Showing 2 responses by jaynemo1962

The sweet spot is the 27.5. While these model offerings were stellar in their day, one must understand that Levinson used many over the top military grade components in the circuitry of these, which are now simply unobtanium. Roll the dice.....YMMV....   

What more do you need to know? You buy one, you listen, you like, you keep. If it hasnt been serviced by a reputable shop (not many left), the odds arent in your favor. If it has been serviced, who did the work? Been down the vintage amp rabbit hole many times. The common theme? Financially, like most things in this hobby,  you lose, unless you plan to be buried with it. Your resale market? This vintage  ML? Spotty at best. Trust me, I have a Model 26 pre and PLS226 Power supply, restored. Would probably have to find a buyer in the Far East to break even. We American Audiophiles? Tighter than bark on a tree!