TO CONTINUE-(earlier i couldn't seem to enter any more words past "bit" )--
if you like the Levinson Reference Sound- to me it's very neutral neither tubey or dry- then the 53's simply continue along the same line. these amps had very few hours on them when i started to try them out. also my cables need to be re-calibrated (Transparent) to optimize their performance- preamp to amps, amps to speakers. and then there is the question of investing in some even better power cords and/or conditioners since the stock cords seemed to limit the performance as well. and unquestionably it is time to get into high-definition audio from the internet since my new components are at level that 70% or more of my CD collection doesn't seem to offer any additional musical information.
AS FOR THE PRICE- well sometimes, at least for me, and especially in this instance, the local dealer offers delivery, set up, updating my wires, warrantee service, etc. that justify the expenditure. i have been dealing with this store for over 20 years as well. and it was a super pleasure to walk into the living room, switch the 53's on, and spend a full week evaluating them. FINALLY, i'll take a wild guess at this point that the latest offerings from Vitus, Soulution, Krell, etc. are going to do many of the same things the ML-53's are doing.
if you like the Levinson Reference Sound- to me it's very neutral neither tubey or dry- then the 53's simply continue along the same line. these amps had very few hours on them when i started to try them out. also my cables need to be re-calibrated (Transparent) to optimize their performance- preamp to amps, amps to speakers. and then there is the question of investing in some even better power cords and/or conditioners since the stock cords seemed to limit the performance as well. and unquestionably it is time to get into high-definition audio from the internet since my new components are at level that 70% or more of my CD collection doesn't seem to offer any additional musical information.
AS FOR THE PRICE- well sometimes, at least for me, and especially in this instance, the local dealer offers delivery, set up, updating my wires, warrantee service, etc. that justify the expenditure. i have been dealing with this store for over 20 years as well. and it was a super pleasure to walk into the living room, switch the 53's on, and spend a full week evaluating them. FINALLY, i'll take a wild guess at this point that the latest offerings from Vitus, Soulution, Krell, etc. are going to do many of the same things the ML-53's are doing.