Mark Levinson & Others

I picked up an old ML CDP (no 39) with a built in pre-amp/volume control as a back-up for my Ancient Audio Lektor Prime that had to be sent back to the manufacturer to be repaired. Other than being a redbook only CDP, I am quite pleased with the no 39. It is especially dynamic and mates well with my 300b SET.

Mark Levinson is a very highly regarded brand among some audio folk. I have never liked the brand. To me it is highly accurate, dynamic but unmusical. It removes the music… might be good for studios.

I want dynamic, detailed and highlu]y musical. My first choice would be Audio Research… they have integrated at the $5K and $10K price points. Krell would work also. But I would at least listen to an ARC.

I have to disagree. The newer stuff is pricey but it's excellent I have a 526 preamp I am listening to through a levinson ML23.5 and older Matrix speakers.   The phono stage is magnificent and I am really enjoying it.  I have both tube and solid state. Right now listening to a Linn LP12 Troika and it's goosepimple territory with the ML23.5. Also a Cardas fanboy but tried Transparent with this setup.  Excellent synergy.   I have not yet tried the 526 dac or linestage going -  to soon. I am mainly vinyl.  The 23.5 is wonderful, trying to save for the 536 amps.  I heard them and they are special.  I don't know anything about the pieces you mentioned but the new design team Levinson put together, in my opinion did a great job.  At some point older Levinson products need maintenance, that can be pricey.  I hesitated in going after the amp I found and even posted about the cost.  After hearing the 23.5, I committed.  Will easily rebuild if needed but mine had little use .  Won't look back. 

I was considering Mark Levinson myself as my dealer was just raving about them. I auditioned the 5000 series equipment. I didn’t audition the 500 series. I use to service consumer electronics. IMHO the new Mark Levinson equipment is completely overpriced! Also doing a lot of digging, a lot of software issues with the 5805. I don’t know the total extent of that issue. From a service standpoint I feel the 534/536 is poorly designed in the fact that the filter caps live on the amp board mounted over the output transistors sandwiched right against the power transformer. I see faulty power supply caps prematurely! They are really priced out of range considering the competition of many brands depending on your tastes. Look up the review on these amps and look at the pictures that they display. These are not your vintage Mark Levinson. To me it’s not par with build quality vs price tag. Anyone else’s take or opinions? Regards, Greg 

As mentioned in prior post, they (536) sounded great to my ears.  The 526 now heard the linestage and DAC.  Think this preamp is special.  The 536 really sounded great, hope I have the means to purchase at some point in future.  I cant comment on design.  Sound wise I wouldn't hesitate.