Mark Levinson Nº383

[Ninanina]

Egde or harshness is a distinct sign that it won't last in my system. The grain that is so often attributed to the SS amp is certainly not a factor via the Krell and seems ML has that licked too.

Fluidity and flow

That's how I describe these types of amp that I've heard. Just nothing bad about them, apart from the size of them and their demands on the National Grid.

That said, if you can somehow fit one in, and can spend a very few extra quid a year on electricity, I'd recommend them to anyone.

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Thanks Oliver... as you say any 'edge or harshness' just won't cut it with me... especially coming from SET valve amps that have none of that sort of thing in their sound

Fluidity and flow definitely would describe the ML sound I have

I'm really not that worried about giving SSE a little extra dosh for running the ML as I'm sure it's peanuts really..

The ML is certainly a big and heavy brute but actually that's not how it sounds and it's fitted in perfectly so far

[Ninanina]

No do I really. Guess a bit of Hawkwind might do.

I don't own any Hawkwind stuff...

[Ninanina]

I'm listening very quietly now but the sound of the ML is still coming through the Maggies... it's just nice and smooth and lovely..

Will I now sell the Naim? well time will tell I think...

[Ninanina]

Now got some Diana Krall on quite low but it's sounding lovely...

[oldius]

Egde or harshness is a distinct sign that it won't last in my system. The grain that is so often attributed to the SS amp is certainly not a factor via the Krell and seems ML has that licked too.

Fluidity and flow

That's how I describe these types of amp that I've heard. Just nothing bad about them, apart from the size of them and their demands on the National Grid.

That said, if you can somehow fit one in, and can spend a very few extra quid a year on electricity, I'd recommend them to anyone.

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That's because attributing grain or harshness to SS is as much goolies as saying that valves have smoothness. Utter goolies.

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[Pigmy Pony]

I see that most of your posts here end with "we shall see", "time will tell", etc., but I have a feeling the ML may be a keeper... I say this not from experience (of which I have none) but your descriptions of its performance (effortless, smooth, velvet glove) bode well for its future IMO, much more than if you were using words like "detailed" and "revealing".

I once heard someone advise that it's best to avoid speakers that immediately impress, they are the ones most likely to get on your wick after a time. No doubt this would apply to pretty much everything.

Is it a bit of a beast? We could do with pics of it with you stood next to it, to give an idea of scale. In your new jeans

[jandl100]

I've not [yet] had any Mark Levinson amps but I have owned a 36, 37 and 39.
... a DAC, CD transport and integrated CD player.

The build quality on all 3 was nothing short of superb.
The sound quality was smooth but well detailed and well organised. I've had more transparent gear, but it was pretty good in that respect and the sound had a 'sophistication' to it that is hard to describe but was very enjoyable.
I kept the ML gear far longer than is usual for me.

... come to think of it, the 39 CDP had a volume/preamp capability as well, so I guess I have owned some ML amp gear.

[Firebottle]

We could do with pics of it with you stood next to it, to give an idea of scale. In your new jeans

We just need to keep chipping away Steve, otherwise it will never happen.

[User211]

And then you hook a good valve amp in and everything changes...

In my opinion a good example from both camps is almost mandatory if you can manage it.

One is the antidote to the other.

The relaxed ease that some of these amps deliver is not entirely natural. The Luxman does it too.

When you listen to live music this sense of relaxed ease is almost never present.

Just saying cos it is true I think.

Glad you like it so far Bev. I will answer that PM over the weekend.

[jandl100]

I hate to agree with Justin --- but "relaxed ease" especially when combined with "smooth" -- typical class A tranny amp sound in my book. Sends me off to sleep. Real music doesn't sound like that, imo.