Mark Levinson № 5805

Analog Input Stage

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.”