Impeccable Performance

Experience incredible audio performance from these high-resolution wireless headphones, and discover all the nuances and subtleties in your favorite music. Featuring adaptive ANC to reduce background noise, the Mark Levinson № 5909 delivers reference-quality sound via 40 mm beryllium-coated drivers and high-resolution Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.

Designer Sound

The № 5909 has been engineered to provide you with optimal sound for an over-ear headphone. Its sound profile has been expertly tuned to an acoustic response curve that achieved the highest subjective scoring across listening tests. Experience reference-quality sound, the culmination of decades of research into listening preferences and the science of acoustics.

Crystal Clear Calls

Hold conversations comfortably, in nearly any environment. Four beam-steering microphones with Smart Wind Adaption prevent your voice from being muddled by outside noise. At the same time, ANC blocks ambient sounds so you can focus on what’s being said. Connect with family, chat with friends, and hold business calls – all in near-perfect clarity.

"...for anyone who is after the convenience of wireless without sacrificing too much sound quality to get it, and lucky enough to afford such a best-of-both-worlds solution, the Mark Levinsons are highly recommendable."

The post Mark Levinson № 5909 appeared first on Jack-fi.

Digital Audio

The Nº 5101 features outstanding digital audio capability with the Mark Levinson PrecisionLink II DAC. The latest generation ESS PRO Sabre 32-bit D/A converter with jitter elimination circuitry and a fully balanced, discrete current-to-voltage converter form the heart of the digital audio processing stage. Five digital audio inputs are provided: one coaxial and one optical S/PDIF, and USB for playback of high resolution PCM (up to 24 bit/192k, Network (WiFi and Ethernet) for streaming from a NAS drive which supports FLAC, WAV, AIFF, OGG, MP3, AAC and WMA, and an SACD input which supports disc formats including SACD, CD-A, CD-R and CD-RW.

Analog Output Stage
The Nº 5101 utilizes proprietary Mark Levinson PurePath circuitry- a fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural line-level output circuit for exceptional reproduction of the analog signal, which is delivered to the balanced XLR stereo outputs as well as the single ended RCA connectors. A linear power supply with an oversized toroidal transformer is employed to ensure the widest bandwidth and dynamic range possible.

Control
System integration and communication ports include IP (Ethernet), RS-232, IR input, and 12V trigger input. A newly designed, aluminum IR remote is included with the Nº 5101. In addition, drivers are available for major control systems.
“№ 5101 is a sleek and contemporary interpretation of the Mark Levinson style, complete with lavish finishes and over-the-top build quality.”

The post Mark Levinson № 5101 appeared first on Jack-fi.

With its elegant motif, the Nº 5105 blends lustrous elements intrinsic to the acclaimed 5000 series while introducing new material combinations essential for its exceptional performance. No detail has been overlooked.

Like its 5000 series companions, the Nº 5105 features one- inch thick, bead-blasted, black-anodized, solid aluminum front panels that are machined and contoured to flow seamlessly into the sleek glass display. The tinted glass is recessed into a bead-blasted, clear-anodized aluminum bezel, with aluminum speed and standby control buttons to match. The iconic Mark Levinson hourglass knob design makes a cameo as a record weight: bead-blasted machined aluminum with a gently curved profile, mass-loaded with solid brass. This silhouette is echoed in the custom aluminum tonearm gimbal.
The custom 10-inch high gloss black carbon fiber tonearm tube is fused to a solid aluminum headshell with an integrated finger lift.

A 14 lb. solid aluminum platter suspended on a ground, hardened steel axle rotates on ultra-precise bearings. An oil-free bearing bottom made of a mix of composite material with integrated lubrication and a maintenance-free sintered brass bushing ensures reliable operation for years to come.

The nearly 2“ thick solid aluminum plinth is machined from a single billet and is suspended on three adjustable aluminum feet, each with a mixed-material internal suspension system while an integrated white bubble level aids in deck leveling.

The 12V synchronous motor‘s control signal is digitally generated; therefore, it exhibits no temperature drift, ensuring speed stability and low wow/flutter. The integrated wide-range power supply is designed for global use with 90-260 VAC and four included AC cables.

The signature platter mat and user guide are delivered stylishly in the Nº5105 12“ double LP gatefold jacket.
"Simple setup; elegant build; fine details; spaciousness; low-frequencies...Adazzling turntable that does everything you’d expectat the price and so much more"
“The № 5105 is beautiful to behold and will be a statement piece that commands the attention of any room lucky enough have it, even before the needle drops.”

The post Mark Levinson № 5105 appeared first on Jack-fi.

The Nº 5802 delivers outstanding digital audio capability through the Mark Levinson Precision- Link II DAC. The latest generation ESS Sabre 32-bit D/A converter with jitter elimination circuitry and a fully balanced, discrete current-to-voltage converter form the heart of the digital audio processing stage. Six digital audio inputs are provided: One AES, two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF, and one asynchronous USB for playback of high resolution PCM (up to 32 bit/384kHz) and DSD (up to 11.2MHz) files. The Nº 5802 includes MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, which enables playback of MQA audio files and streams. A Bluetooth receiver equipped with aptX-HD enables the highest quality Bluetooth playback available.

Amplification

The fully discrete, direct-coupled, class AB amplifier channels get their power from an oversized (500+ VA) toroidal transformer with individual secondary windings for the left and right channels. The voltage gain stage employs a topology directly descended from the acclaimed Nº 534 amplifier, which is mated to an output stage comprising two high-speed driver transistors operating in class A and six 260V, 15A output transistors. Two Thermal-Trak devices in a unique configuration guarantee stable output bias regardless of load or temperature. Four 10,000-microfarad capacitors per channel, located directly on the output stage circuit board, easily provide enough current for a conservative 125W/channel at 8 ohms, nearly 250W/channel at 4 ohms, and stable operation down to 2 ohms. Variable line-level RCA outputs allow system expansion and flexibility.
"[The № 5802 greets you] with a lovely transparent wall of sound, a deep soundstage and loads of detail. This amplifier is instantly appealing and [has] no trouble digging deep to reproduce that rumbling low bass.”
[expand title="Mai multe detalii..."]

Control

System integration and communication ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, IR input, and 12V trigger input and output. A newly designed, solid aluminum IR remote is included with the Nº 5805. Finally, an internal webpage allows setup, import and export of configurations, and software updates using a PC and standard web browser. In addition, third party drivers are available.

Bold new industrial design

Robust materials, lavish finishes, and striking geometry are hallmark attributes of Mark Levinson designs. The one-inch thick, bead-blasted, black-anodized, solid aluminum front panels are machined and contoured to flow seamlessly into the sleek glass display, which itself is recessed into a clear-anodized aluminum bezel.

The iconic Mark Levinson hourglass knobs are redefined - machined with a gently curved profile transitioning into a rounded front, with feet to match. With debossed top cover vents, screen-printed logo behind the glass panel, and aluminum buttons, no detail has been overlooked. An elegant 5000 Series custom aluminum IR remote control is included.[/expand]

The post Mark Levinson № 5802 appeared first on Jack-fi.

The foundation of the Nº 5805 is its proprietary PurePath signal path- a fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural line-level preamp circuit, for which the Shelton design team has two patents pending. A unique single gain stage mated to a digitally controlled resistor network for volume adjustment maintains maximum signal integrity and widest possible bandwidth. Each of its three stereo line level inputs—one balanced XLR and two single-ended, using custom Mark Levinson RCA connectors—has its own individual high-reliability signal switching relays.

A newly designed Phono stage features a hybrid gain topology, mating key discrete components from the acclaimed 500 Series Pure Phono stage with low-noise integrated circuits for high performance at lower cost. Also like the 500 Series, a hybrid active/passive RIAA equalizer employs precision resistors and polypropylene capacitors for exceptional accuracy and sonic clarity. The user can select MM/MC gain and infrasonic filter from the setup menu, while capacitive and resistive loading settings are easily accessed from the rear panel.
Amplification

The fully discrete, direct-coupled, class AB amplifier channels get their power from an oversized (500+ VA) toroidal transformer with individual secondary windings for the left and right channels. The voltage gain stage employs a topology directly descended from the acclaimed Nº 534 amplifier, which is mated to an output stage comprising two high-speed driver transistors operating in class A and six 260V, 15A output transistors. Two Thermal-Trak devices in a unique configuration guarantee stable output bias regardless of load or temperature. Four 10,000-microfarad capacitors per channel, located directly on the output stage circuit board, easily provide enough current for a conservative 125W/channel at 8 ohms, nearly 250W/channel at 4 ohms, and stable operation down to 2 ohms. Variable line-level RCA outputs allow system expansion and flexibility.
"The № 5805 handles [a] diverse collection of music with ease. It has the resolution and dynamic expression to render [Melody] Gardot’s lovely voice with the body and finesse it deserves.”
"...The No.5805 offers excellent sound in an attractive, versatile package. There's little or nothing to fault."
" An integrated hi-end amplifier that you can stay with for years."

[expand title="Mai multe detalii..."]
Digital Audio
Building upon the superb analog platform, the Nº 5805 adds equally outstanding digital audio capability with the Mark Levinson PrecisionLink II DAC. The latest generation ESS Sabre 32-bit D/A converter with jitter elimination circuitry and a fully balanced, discrete current-to-voltage converter form the heart of the digital audio processing stage. Four digital audio inputs are provided: one coaxial and two optical S/PDIF, and one asynchronous USB for playback of high resolution PCM (up to 32 bit/384kHz) and DSD (up to 11.2MHz) files. The No 5805 includes MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, which enables playback of MQA audio files and streams. A Bluetooth receiver equipped with aptX-HD enables the highest quality Bluetooth playback available.

Control

System integration and communication ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, IR input, and 12V trigger input and output. A newly designed, solid aluminum IR remote is included with the Nº 5805. Finally, an internal webpage allows setup, import and export of configurations, and software updates using a PC and standard web browser. In addition, third party drivers are available.

Bold new industrial design

Robust materials, lavish finishes, and striking geometry are hallmark attributes of Mark Levinson designs. The one-inch thick, bead-blasted, black-anodized, solid aluminum front panels are machined and contoured to flow seamlessly into the sleek glass display, which itself is recessed into a clear-anodized aluminum bezel.

The iconic Mark Levinson hourglass knobs are redefined - machined with a gently curved profile transitioning into a rounded front, with feet to match. With debossed top cover vents, screen-printed logo behind the glass panel, and aluminum buttons, no detail has been overlooked. An elegant 5000 Series custom aluminum IR remote control is included.[/expand]

The post Mark Levinson № 5805 appeared first on Jack-fi.

The post Mark Levinson № 5302 appeared first on Jack-fi.

The post Mark Levinson № 5206 appeared first on Jack-fi.

"In my view, the Mark Levinson No 585.5 integrated amp is a complete success in every area of its build and performance. From the very moment I first started listening to the No 585.5, I found that it speaks with a clarity unrivaled among competing products."

The post Mark Levinson No 585.5 appeared first on Jack-fi.

- Harmonic distortion <0.02% at 1kHz and <0.2% at 20kHz - Bandwidth extending from 0.2Hz to 120kHz, and beyond if possible - Critically damped square wave response, with leading and trailing edges free of any slewing artifacts, and a slew rate of at least 100V/µs - Maximized open-loop linearity and bandwidth, with global negative feedback in the range of 12-20dB and without nested feedback loops

This fully differential, fully discrete, monaural Pure Path amplifier drives virtually any loudspeaker effortlessly for impeccable imaging, musicality, and openness. A direct-coupled signal path; a highly linear, low-feedback design; and voltage gain and drive stages operating in class A, are joined by the modern system integration capabilities provided by Ethernet, RS-232, and USB for monitoring and network control. Housed in a 6000-series aluminum chassis, like all Mark Levinson equipment, the № 536 is designed and handcrafted in the USA.
“[The pair of № 536s] woke up my Revel Ultima Salon2 speakers, delivering an aural palette startling in its transparency and clarity, with an expanded ability to reproduce dynamic contrasts.”

[expand title="Mai multe detalii..."]

Mark Levinson Pure Path Circuit Design

Since 1972, Mark Levinson has been dedicated to the uncompromising art of sound, with the guiding principle of musical purity above all else. To achieve that goal like never before, Mark Levinson engineers scoured company archives, ultimately developing a circuit-design philosophy called Pure Path. On a conceptual level, its hallmark principles include a discrete, direct-coupled, fully balanced, monaural signal path that delivers unrestricted, uncompromised sonic purity.

Far from merely arranging high quality components in an intelligent manner, Pure Path is the meeting of science and art: Mark Levinson engineers are tasked to create the best possible measured AND subjective performance. To quote Albert Einstein: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

Pure Path highlights in the № 536 include Folded Cascodes, an extremely high bias current, and usage of very little negative feedback.

The Folded Cascode

Mark Levinson components are designed around a Pure Path amplifier circuit concept that makes heavy use of a circuit design element called a cascode. Originally created for improving the bandwidth of vacuum tube circuits in radios, Mark Levinson engineers deploy cascodes in Pure Path circuit designs to both improve bandwidth and enhance linearity. A cascode combines two transistors so that they operate as a single composite device that functions like a single transistor, using the wanted characteristics of each component transistor, and rejecting the unwanted characteristics.

Mark Levinson engineers began their design of the gain stage with pairs of JFETs (junction field-effect transistors), chosen for their low noise and high gain. JFETs achieve these characteristics in part by being large, and with their large size comes nonlinear gain – or distortion. To mitigate this, BJTs (bipolar junction transistors) were added to the circuit. The BJTs exhibit very low input impedance and very high output impedance, which translates to excellent bandwidth and linearity. By creating a cascode of the JFETs and BJTs, they created a design with the best characteristics of both sets of devices.

Engineers than connected the output of the cascode to another transistor of the opposite “gender.” Current flows through it in the opposite direction to “turn around” the direction of the signal current. This special connection is called a Folded Cascode and it is a hallmark of the Pure Path circuit: high gain with low noise, wide bandwidth, and excellent linearity.

Gain Structure

The audio circuitry in the № 536 has been optimized for the best possible open-loop performance. As a result, very little negative feedback is necessary, and the amount employed could be adjusted to achieve certain subjective or objective results. The open-loop gain and bandwidth of the circuit were painstakingly set using precision resistors and compensation capacitors, and additional precision resistors were employed to compose the feedback network.

Military Grade Components

All Mark Levinson equipment employs electronic components carefully chosen for their specific task. Gain-stage JFET pairs have high gain, low noise, low distortion, and because they are encapsulated in the same package, the two devices operate under nearly identical conditions. Capacitors used in critical filtering locations are film types, noted for their consistent performance regardless of temperature and frequency. Finally, resistors in critical gain-setting and feedback locations use tantalum nitride thin-film elements. An extremely costly material, tantalum nitride typically finds use in sensitive military equipment because it is unusually stable with respect to temperature, exhibits very low noise, and is unaffected by magnetic fields. In fine audio equipment, those characteristics make the sound even more revealing and effortless, free of the low-level nonlinearities caused by lesser resistive materials as they heat and cool under dynamic conditions. Housed in an aircraft-grade 6063-T5 extruded aluminum chassis, the № 534 features extremely high build precision, to exceedingly low tolerances.

Completing the Signal Path The № 536 offers balanced and single-ended inputs for use with virtually any preamplifier or source player with variable output. For connection to loudspeakers without needing tools for a secure link, the № 536 features two pairs of gold-plated binding posts with Mark Levinson Hurricane terminal knobs to support either standard or bi-wired loudspeaker connections. Speaker cables terminating in banana plugs can be used in the USA and other non-European countries.

System-integration connectivity includes Ethernet/IP control, RS-232, USB for monitoring and configuration via web page, plus 12V triggers.

Designed and Handcrafted in the USA

Like all Mark Levinson equipment, the № 536 is proudly designed and handcrafted in the USA. A dedicated Engineering Center of Excellence in Shelton, CT houses Mark Levinson engineering and product development, just a state away from small-batch production at Mack Technologies in Westford, MA by a team of craftsmen who bring all Mark Levinson equipment to life.
[/expand]

The post Mark Levinson Nº536 appeared first on Jack-fi.

Mark Levinson Pure Path Circuit Design

Since 1972, Mark Levinson has been dedicated to the uncompromising art of sound, with the guiding principle of musical purity above all else. To achieve that goal like never before, Mark Levinson engineers scoured company archives, ultimately developing a circuit-design philosophy called Pure Path. On a conceptual level, its hallmark principles include a discrete, direct-coupled, fully balanced, dual-monaural signal path that delivers unrestricted, uncompromised sonic purity.

Far from merely arranging high quality components in an intelligent manner, Pure Path is the meeting of science and art: Mark Levinson engineers are tasked to create the best possible measured AND subjective performance. To quote Albert Einstein: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

Pure Path highlights in the № 523 include Folded Cascodes, an R-2R Ladder volume control, the class-A Pure Phono stage, and class-A Main Drive Headphone amplifier output.

"They may typify Stateside heavy-metal hi-fi, but this pre/power amplifier from one of the high-end's best-known names is really all about simplicity and directness"

"Mark Levinson No 523 Preamplifier, Phonostage And Headphone Amplifier.The No 523 is truly first-class linestage, excellent phono stage and impressive head amp."

[expand title="Mai multe detalii..."]
Analog Mastery: The Folded Cascode

Mark Levinson components are designed around a Pure Path amplifier circuit concept that makes heavy use of a circuit design element called a cascode. Originally created for improving the bandwidth of vacuum tube circuits in radios, Mark Levinson engineers deploy cascodes in Pure Path circuit designs to both improve bandwidth and enhance linearity. A cascode combines two transistors so that they operate as a single composite device that functions like a single transistor, using the wanted characteristics of each component transistor, and rejecting the unwanted characteristics.

Mark Levinson engineers began their design of the preamp gain stage with pairs of JFETs (junction field-effect transistors), chosen for their low noise and high gain. JFETs achieve these characteristics in part by being large, and with their large size comes nonlinear gain – or distortion. To mitigate this, BJTs (bipolar junction transistors) were added to the circuit. The BJTs exhibit very low input impedance and very high output impedance, which translates to excellent bandwidth and linearity. By creating a cascode of the JFETs and BJTs, they created a design with the best characteristics of both sets of devices.

Engineers than connected the output of the cascode to another transistor of the opposite “gender.” Current flows through it in the opposite direction to “turn around” the direction of the signal current. This special connection is called a Folded Cascode and it is a hallmark of the Pure Path circuit: high gain with low noise, wide bandwidth, and excellent linearity.

Superior Volume Control: The R-2R Ladder

The basis of many volume controls is the venerable analog potentiometer – a device with a number of performance drawbacks. The mechanical connection wears out, creating scratching or crackling noises; it is nearly impossible to manufacture an identically performing pair, and mismatches in a stereo pair can cause level imbalances between the two channels; and due to their varied reaction to parasitic capacitances at different volume settings, the sound changes depending on where the volume is set. Rather than attempting to improve upon this flawed design, Mark Levinson engineers abandoned it. Instead, they employed a complex circuit architecture called an R-2R Ladder.

In the R-2R Ladder, a string of resistors, all with identical resistance (R), form the side of the ladder, with another set of resistors forming the rungs, all identically with double the resistance (2R). This unique circuit takes whatever current appears at its input and successively divides it in half at each “rung” of the ladder. Different combinations of “rung” currents can then be selected and added together, precisely delivering nearly any output current, and thereby, volume setting.

An R-2R Ladder is a highly accurate device. The currents through the rungs are determined by fixed resistors, capable of very tight tolerances, able to be closely matched to one another in value. Analog switches “steer” the currents, are precision devices, and have no mechanical contacts to wear out. In short, the R-2R Ladder solves all the problems inherent to potentiometer-based volume controls. That’s why it is a cornerstone of Mark Levinson Pure Path design philosophy.

Military Grade Components

All Mark Levinson equipment employs electronic components carefully chosen for their specific task. Gain-stage JFET pairs have high gain, low noise, low distortion, and because they are encapsulated in the same package, the two devices operate under nearly identical conditions. Capacitors used in critical filtering locations are film types, noted for their consistent performance regardless of temperature and frequency. Finally, resistors in critical gain-setting and feedback locations use tantalum nitride thin-film elements. An extremely costly material, tantalum nitride typically finds use in sensitive military equipment because it is unusually stable with respect to temperature, exhibits very low noise, and is unaffected by magnetic fields. In fine audio equipment, those characteristics make the sound even more revealing and effortless, free of the low-level nonlinearities caused by lesser resistive materials as they heat and cool under dynamic conditions. Housed in an aircraft-grade 6063-T5 extruded aluminum chassis, the № 523 features extremely high build precision, to exceedingly low tolerances.

Pure Phono: Class A for a Classic Medium

Preamplifying from turntable to line level can a difficult task, and it is an area where some equipment makers skimp on components and design. The № 526 and № 523 preamplifiers introduce a new Mark Levinson phono stage, Pure Phono, itself following Pure Path design principles including discrete design, free of op amps. The Pure Phono stage operates exclusively in class A throughout, employing tantalum nitride thin-film resistors polypropylene capacitors with punishingly low tolerances. The Pure Phono stage also contains physically separated channels and balanced inputs for purity.

The Pure Phono stage offers a fixed-gain MM section with five capacitive cartridge-loading settings, and an MC section with three gain settings and 10 resistive cartridge-loading settings. And an ultrasonic filter intelligently compensates for rumble and warping.

Completing the Signal Path

The № 523 offers five line-level analog inputs: two balanced (XLR), three single-ended (RCA), in addition to the Pure Phono (RCA with grounding pin) input. The preamplifier delivers its signal to balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) stereo outputs, as well as a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Main Drive Headphone output integrated into the front panel metalwork – a first for Mark Levinson.

The Main Drive Headphone amplifier circuit drives up to 32-ohm headphones in class A by employing the main output circuit rather than a secondary signal path: a perfect example of reducing clutter in the circuit design.

A selectable fourth-order, 80 Hz high-pass filter enables seamless integration of a single or dual subwoofers for full-range performance with a wide range of loudspeaker setups.

System-integration connectivity includes Ethernet/IP control, RS-232, USB for monitoring and configuration via web page, plus 12V triggers and an IR input. An included machined metal remote delivers the robust feel and precise control befitting of a component of the preamplifier’s caliber.

Designed and Handcrafted in the USA

Like all Mark Levinson equipment, the № 523 is proudly designed and handcrafted in the USA. A dedicated Engineering Center of Excellence in Shelton, CT houses Mark Levinson engineering and product development, just a state away from small-batch production at Mack Technologies in Westford, MA by a team of craftsmen who bring all Mark Levinson equipment to life.[/expand]

The post Mark Levinson № 523 appeared first on Jack-fi.