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New Mark Levinson gear: Amp, Pre-amp, Turntable and Streaming Player

hardisj

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Got this press release email from them (since I tested a Revel speaker, I guess I got added to their press distro list). Didn't see it posted here so figured I'd share. This is all way too out of my budget but I recently had the opportunity to use their 5805 receiver and it was awesome.

Links first:
№5302 amplifier
№5206 preamplifier
№5105 turntable
№5101 Network Streaming SACD Player and DAC


Press Release Below

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HARMAN’S MARK LEVINSON ELEVATES LISTENERS TO CENTERSTAGE



Iconic audio designer adds №5302 amplifier, №5206 preamplifier to elite line

featuring turntables, amplifiers, preamplifiers and audio players;


HARMAN unveils new brand initiative emphasizing the extraordinary

reveals enabled by listening to music with Mark Levinson.



NORTHRIDGE, California, October 15th, 2020 — HARMAN’s Mark Levinson today introduced a remarkable new preamplifier and amplifier and showcased two now-shipping source players in a substantial expansion of the 5000 Series range. The new №5302 amplifier and №5206 pre-amplifier and recently-introduced №5105 turntable and №5101 streaming player come as HARMAN launches a bold new brand initiative that emphasizes the intimate detail achievable in listening to music with Mark Levinson.



“The passion behind the Mark Levinson brand has always been a pure love of music,” explains Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio. “The exceptional audio quality delivered by our systems allows listeners to discover subtle nuances and intimate details they’ve never heard before on songs that they truly love.”



Introducing The Mark Levinson №5302 Amplifier
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The brand-new Mark Levinson №5302 bridgeable dual-monaural amplifier is a triumph of precision engineering and bold design in the pursuit of pristine imaging, musicality, and openness.



Sporting the stark cleanness of the signature Mark Levinson look, the №5302 amplifier delivers sound that has also become synonymous with Mark Levinson: a deep, expansive soundstage, accurate image placement, extended low bass response and excellent pitch definition. The audio circuitry of the №5302 yields impressive performance outputting 135W/channel in stereo mode and 275W in bridged monaural mode. Gain in stereo mode is 25.8dB and 31.8dB in bridged monaural mode.



Input connectors on the №5302 are a pair of balanced line-level XLRs and a pair of unbalanced RCAs. Output connectors are two pairs of high current multi-way binding posts and control is enabled via Ethernet and RS 232. The №5302 amplifier is priced at $9,000.



Introducing The Mark Levinson №5206 Preamplifier
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Drawing upon rich pedigree and a strong design philosophy and applying new innovations, the Mark Levinson №5206 dual-monaural preamplifier debuts today and provides audiophiles and discerning music lovers with exceptional sound, outstanding digital audio capabilities and iconic design that enhances any room environment. Derived from Mark Levinson’s highly-acclaimed Pure Path design philosophy, the №5206 preamplifier delivers all the performance and quality expected from Mark Levinson at exceptional value at $9,000.



The foundation of the Mark Levinson №5206 is its fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural line-level preamp circuitry, for which the HARMAN design team has been awarded two patents. 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 four-stereo line-level inputs—two balanced XLR and two single-ended, using custom Mark Levinson RCA connectors—has its own individual high-reliability signal switching relays. Like the 500 Series components, the MainDrive headphone output employs a preamp output stage specifically designed with the current and power capacity to drive headphones directly, without a separate headphone amp.



A brand-new phono stage features a hybrid gain topology, mating key discrete components from the acclaimed 500 Series Pure Phono stage with premium low-noise integrated circuits for high performance at a lower cost. Also, like the iconic Mark Levinson 500 series from which the new №5206 draws inspiration, a hybrid active/passive RIAA equalizer employs precision resistors and polypropylene capacitors for exceptional accuracy and sonic clarity. Listeners can select MM/MC gain and optional infrasonic filter from the setup menu, while capacitive and resistive loading settings are easily accessed from the rear panel. Variable line-level RCA outputs allow system expansion and flexibility.



“Mark Levinson is so much more than high-fidelity. Listeners can appreciate the entirety of a recording in ways never before possible,” Garrett adds. “You can hear music here like you have never heard before. Our new branding program elevates the fact that Mark Levinson adds a new dynamic to any listening experience and also the fact that appreciation of great music can be a social exercise as opposed to just a personal journey!”



Showcasing The Mark Levinson №5105 Turntable
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Now shipping, the precision-engineered Mark Levinson №5105 premium turntable is built upon a nearly two-inch thick, solid aluminium plinth machined from a single billet. A one-inch thick, bead-blasted, black-anodized solid aluminum front panel contours into the sleek tinted glass display.



The iconic Mark Levinson hourglass knob design features as a record weight — bead-blasted machined aluminum with a gently curved profile mass-loaded with solid brass. The tonearm tube is 10-inch high-gloss back carbon fiber fused to a solid aluminum headshell with an integrated finger lift.



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



The 12V synchronous motor's control signal is digitally generated to eliminate temperature drift and ensure speed stability and low wow/flutter. The integrated, wide-range power supply is designed for global use with 90-260 VAC. The new №5105 Turntable is priced at $6,500 without phono cartridge and $7,500 with a cartridge.



Showcasing The Mark Levinson №5101 Streaming Player

1602770271922.png



Coupling audiophile-grade CD formats with high-resolution streaming, a standalone Precision Link II DAC and expansive control features, the new Mark Levinson №5101 preamplifier is a compromise-free zone and what every audiophile, entertainer, and music-lover aspires to. Looking very much the part with a bold industrial design, the Mark Levinson №5101 delivers luxurious fidelity with premium features and flexibility.



Featuring outstanding digital audio capability via the Mark Levinson Precision Link II DAC, the new Nº5101 also boasts latest generation ESS PRO Sabre 32-bit D/A converter with jitter elimination circuitry. Applying proprietary Mark Levinson PurePath circuitry, the №5101 features a fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural current to voltage converter for exceptional reproduction of the analog signal.



Sporting the bold geometry of signature Mark Levinson design and crafted from robust materials, the new №5101 features a one-inch thick, bead-blasted, black-anodized, solid aluminum front panel, a sleek glass display, debossed top cover vents, back-printed logo and machined aluminum buttons. The new №5101 preamplifier is priced at $5,500 and available now.



The new 5000 series products debuted during the Mark Levinson Reveals virtual event, for more information on the event and to watch it back click here.
 

Willem

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I agree, but I am also a sucker for steam engines. In the final analysis, however, my ideal audio esthetics is invisible gear. My bedroom system has an auto on/off amplifier with digital input and a Chromecast Audio, both hidden behind a rack of clothing.
 

JeffS7444

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I'm sure it's very nice: I would have been all over it in 1985.
Wonder why a 2-channel power amplifier needs an internal web server?
 

CDMC

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Seems like they missed the boat on the preamp. For $9,000 it should be a preamp/dac with ARC or Dirac and a crossover. Mini DSP can do it for $1,300, Anthem for $4,000, and even the Levinson elves that get paid top dollar should be able to for $9,000 and still turn a profit.
 

UCrazyKid

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Remember, these are all "Samsung" products now as Samsung acquired Harmon about 6 years ago.
 

CDMC

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Remember, these are all "Samsung" products now as Samsung acquired Harmon about 6 years ago.

Shh, don't tell, it lowers the value of the product.
 

anmpr1

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Remember, these are all "Samsung" products now as Samsung acquired Harmon about 6 years ago.
I'm surprised that the brand is as viable as it is. When Mark was shown the door, or left on his own (depending upon who tells the story), Madrigal (formed by ex-employees and some investors) kept it going, and actually made a pretty good go of it. Harman was in talks with them for a long time, they broke off negotiations, but picked up where they left off, and after a while the deal was done.

What other names have been around as long, even under different ownership? I guess there's Marantz, but I don't think their current customers associate the name with Saul. Saul used to be in their ads, cigarette in hand, touting his expensive tuner that supposedly broke the company's back. When Superscope took over, that was the first thing to be discontinued.

There's JBL. But does anyone associate it with James B Lansing? Other than old timers, who knows about Frank McIntosh? But Mark Levinson will always be known as Mark Levinson, regardless. For his pocketbook's sake I hope Mark just licensed out his name, but I think he signed that away when he left the building.
 

CDMC

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I'm surprised that the brand is as viable as it is. When Mark was shown the door, or left on his own (depending upon who tells the story), Madrigal (formed by ex-employees and some investors) kept it going, and actually made a pretty good go of it. Harman was in talks with them for a long time, they broke off negotiations, but picked up where they left off, and after a while the deal was done.

What other names have been around as long, even under different ownership? I guess there's Marantz, but I don't think their current customers associate the name with Saul. Saul used to be in their ads, cigarette in hand, touting his expensive tuner that supposedly broke the company's back. When Superscope took over, that was the first thing to be discontinued.

There's JBL. But does anyone associate it with James B Lansing? Other than old timers, who knows about Frank McIntosh? But Mark Levinson will always be known as Mark Levinson, regardless. For his pocketbook's sake I hope Mark just licensed out his name, but I think he signed that away when he left the building.

He sold the name, oops.


You forgot Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon.
 

anmpr1

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You forgot Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon.
I thought about them, but H-K is not really a presence in the hi-fi marketplace, anymore. It looks like they are selling a few 'lifestyle' products. Automotive seems to be their thing. My guess is that no one who has an H-K system in their car associates their radio with Sid and Bernie, or would even know who they were, if told.

On their automotive site they have a pic of a trendy chick in red boots with a Golf in that wonky VW yellow. My GTI had a Fender stereo. But you could tell it wasn't a real Fender, because it didn't have settings for Speed, Intensity, or Reverb! LOL And FWIW, I'd much rather have the latest and greatest Mk8 GTI in wonky yellow than a complete Mark Levinson stereo system. Even without the girl in red boots. ;)

harman.jpg
 
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FrantzM

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Not the site to tout Mark Levison by Harman products. The value proposition's not there for us, here:
 

paddycrow

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I'm surprised that the brand is as viable as it is. When Mark was shown the door, or left on his own (depending upon who tells the story), Madrigal (formed by ex-employees and some investors) kept it going, and actually made a pretty good go of it. Harman was in talks with them for a long time, they broke off negotiations, but picked up where they left off, and after a while the deal was done.

What other names have been around as long, even under different ownership? I guess there's Marantz, but I don't think their current customers associate the name with Saul. Saul used to be in their ads, cigarette in hand, touting his expensive tuner that supposedly broke the company's back. When Superscope took over, that was the first thing to be discontinued.

There's JBL. But does anyone associate it with James B Lansing? Other than old timers, who knows about Frank McIntosh? But Mark Levinson will always be known as Mark Levinson, regardless. For his pocketbook's sake I hope Mark just licensed out his name, but I think he signed that away when he left the building.

I think it was early 1980's that he "disassociated" from the brand. I've read about some of his other endeavors (Cello), but have no first hand experience with their products.

One of the most obnoxious people I ever met owned a rack of Levinson equipment (late 80's). He looked down his nose at anyone who owned something else. He personified what I've always found objectionable about the hobby.
 

Frank Dernie

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I'm surprised that the brand is as viable as it is. When Mark was shown the door, or left on his own (depending upon who tells the story), Madrigal (formed by ex-employees and some investors) kept it going, and actually made a pretty good go of it. Harman was in talks with them for a long time, they broke off negotiations, but picked up where they left off, and after a while the deal was done.

What other names have been around as long, even under different ownership? I guess there's Marantz, but I don't think their current customers associate the name with Saul. Saul used to be in their ads, cigarette in hand, touting his expensive tuner that supposedly broke the company's back. When Superscope took over, that was the first thing to be discontinued.

There's JBL. But does anyone associate it with James B Lansing? Other than old timers, who knows about Frank McIntosh? But Mark Levinson will always be known as Mark Levinson, regardless. For his pocketbook's sake I hope Mark just licensed out his name, but I think he signed that away when he left the building.
Wharfedale 1932, Quad 1936, Tannoy 1926. I am sure there are plenty around the World.
 

Frank Dernie

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Levinson gear has only been available sporadically here and never had an importer who did a particularly good job.
I saw it when i was living in France. Nicely made, I nearly bought a CD transport and DAC but ended up with Goldmund instead. Imported US stuff was very, very expensive.
 

CDMC

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I thought about them, but H-K is not really a presence in the hi-fi marketplace, anymore. It looks like they are selling a few 'lifestyle' products. Automotive seems to be their thing. My guess is that no one who has an H-K system in their car associates their radio with Sid and Bernie, or would even know who they were, if told. ;)

My wife’s X3 has the HK system, sounds pretty good, a step up from the decent standard system in my sons X3. Don’t go thinking I am rich, bought both used.
 

JeffS7444

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What other names have been around as long, even under different ownership?
The company started by Peter Bang and Sved Olufsen has been around since the early days of radio.
 
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