New Mark Levinson 5805 Firmware Problems


Greetings.  I'm new to this group.  I wanted to share my experiences.  I bought an ML 5805 that was delivered first week of February, 2020.  I updated the firmware to current version 1.47.  Upon doing so, the PCM digital filter choices "disappeared" from the amp menu.  Also missing was the decoding info provided when the Enter button is pressed.

Levinson customer support said no one else had reported this but me and seemed to try to "blame" it on me, asking such questions like, have I had a power outage, has the unit been moved, have I disconnected/re-connected wires, etc.  After being put through the wringer and providing them their requested information, they had me do a Config Restore to the previous firmware.  When I did that, the PCM filters and decoding info returned, but, if I customized ANYTHING in the amp (i.e. startup volume, offset, naming of inputs, etc) the PCM filters and decoding info disappeared again.  At one time, the amp went into Standby Mode and could not be awakened--it had "died."  This inferred to me that both firmware versions have bugs.

So, Levinson and my Raleigh, NC dealer (who has been terrific about this) provided a brand new replacement 5805 today.  The dealer's tech person installed it, updated the firmware, and, drum roll please...the exact same problems occurred with my new replacement 5805.  The dealer's tech said it appeared both firmware versions had bugs.  This so-called luxury amp has worn me out.  I am ready for a refund and a replacement product.  Does anyone have recommendations for a superb-sounding integrated amplifier for around the same price range +/-  $2K to $4K?
paulg24

Showing 9 responses by no_money

Sorry to hear about your issues as well. Jact. ML could really have knocked it out of the park with this one @ this price point. It really is great sounding. See if they have a 585.5 they can loan you. It certainly is beefier and has been out for over 5 years now. 
I am in Raleigh as well so have the same dealer. My initial unit failed after about six months and would not power up. They replaced with a brand new amp in December. I will have to try and see what the Firmware version is on it. I have confidence ML will figure this out. 
So far I can change digital filters with no issue, but don't find a large difference really between them. 
At this level I understand your frustration, I was plenty upset waiting a few weeks for it to be settled out. 
But also at this cost level i want a dealer that I trust, and Ive been with these guys for over 20 years, and when and if I have issues, they are on top of fixing them.
I wouldve tried the Mac stuff, but ML is my favorite house sound. 

good luck to  you 

Brian

Thanks for the update Paul, I am confident they will resolve the issues.
For now I have everything on default, and will not update FW... fingers crossed.
How do you like the unit overall? ... besides the frustration  
Hi Paul,I am using a NAIM uniti core for a digital source, connected via a Transparent Ref as well.
Previous system was ML 332 and 326s and source was 37 transport in to a 360s dacMost of this was lost in a lightning strike. Pretty much the only thing that made it was the cables, amp, and speakers. Thank goodness for Allstate! I used the insurance money for the 5805 and sold the 332. I actually preferred the 5805.The 5805 feeds a pair of aerial acoustic 10T via Transparent Ultra mm2Analog source is MoFi ultra deck with Soundsmith MIMC star. Transparent Super G5 RCA to the amp.
i have a set of superG5 and UltraG5 no longer used since I changed the setup. If it where not for all this CO19 I could bring them over to compare!  sigh.... 
My replacement has now died as well unfortunately.
it sounds so good though... crap..


The dealer has negotiated a fair trade up to a new 585.5 for me.

Cant wait for it to arrive!

and you are correct, the 5805 does sound fantastic.
keep us updated Stuart, I hope they get this resolved soon for you. Nice amps!