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Levinson 39 vs Bricasti M1

I got the Levinson bug recently and got a #39 processor/player.  And a 38S pre.  I’ve been using a CEC TL1 with the Bricasti for years.  Great combo.

i was only planning on using the 39 as a transport.  I got a great deal.  Cheaper than the 37 (transport only).

Anyway, I was shocked that the 39, as a player, sounded nearly (and in some cases) identical to the Bricasti.  I have A/B’d dozens of times and the 39 is so close that I’m considering selling the Bricasti and getting a 360s D/A.  I can use my M2tech Evo for USB connectivity.  I realize I won’t be able to play newer hi-rez formats but that’s not a priority for me.

Just wanted to share.

P.S.  My Bricasti has the upgraded power supply but not latest firmaware.


marty97x
cvman
34 posts
 
I believe that the later 39 models have PCM1704 dac chips, so they are very good in their own right.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
marty97x

One of my R2R dream machines, been looking for one for ages, to do redbook with.

Yes they do have PCM1704K d to a chips (selected) and a HDCD input filtering chip, this is about as good as old school R2R Multibit gets, most new today are discrete R2R because the PCM1704 is no longer made because of it huge manufacturing cost and was the last of the best R2R’s chips made.

And forget the preamp, you really should try the No.39 direct to poweramp as it has an output stage most active preamps couldn’t match, should sound far more transparent. Here’s how to do it.

Fixed/Variable Volume
The Nº39 gives you the option of engaging a high quality analog volume
control, allowing you to use the Nº39 as a digital-sources-only
52
“preamp,” driving a power amplifier directly. This capability is particularly
useful in simple systems involving only two or three digital
sources. (The volume control circuitry is completely removed from the
signal path when this option is turned off). When first engaged, the
volume control circuitry will be set to a low volume to avoid any
chance of overdriving your loudspeakers
.
Balance Control
If you have engaged the volume control circuitry by setting the + VARIABLE
menu item, then you will also see a balance control within the
setup menu, indicated by arrows pointing in both directions (when at
the neutral position). Pressing the mode + key will move the balance
and the image to the right, indicated by a number of decibels and the
arrow pointing to the right; pressing the mode – key will reverse this
process. (This menu does not appear in the – FIXED volume mode,
since it would not apply.)

Locked Volume
Lastly, if (and only if) the volume control circuitry is engaged, you have
the option of setting a maximum volume beyond which the Nº39 will
not go. This is particularly helpful if you have a combination of high
sensitivity speakers and high senstivity power amplifiers, which might
make the normal maximum volume setting on the Nº39 dangerously


Cheers George

marty97x OP
17 posts
 
George, thanks for all the great info.  I’m going try running direct tomorrow.  I like the 39 so much I want to get a 360S.

Marty
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I like the 39 so much I want to get a 360S.

Then that’s settled the 39’s mine, your a good bloke Marty.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9di1j-mark-levinson-no-360s-dac-quad-multibit-24-bit-burr-brown-pcm1704-s-da-converters

Made a mistake above the, 39 only has the PCM1702 dac chips, not the later PCM1704
The only problem with owning the 39 is the laser Philips CDM12 Industrial, original Philips almost unobtainium new even used $$$

Cheers George
marty97x OP
17 posts
 
I bought from George Meyer AV in LA.  They’re an authorized Levinson repair shop.  It was just recently completely refurbished.  I would not be surprised if they had a spare Philips laser or two.
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