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Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 vs Mark Levinson 585.5

Hello All

Do you have an opinion on which of these two integrateds you would go with, the Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 or the Mark Levinson No. 585.5? I am leaning towards the Levinson but do not yet know very much about either brand. Is one considered superior to the other in overall quality? I like that the Levinson has an RS232 so in theory it can be controlled with something other than the house Levinson remote.
https://www.jeffrowlandgroup.com/continuum-s2/#specifications
https://www.marklevinson.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/NO585.5-.html?cgid=integrated-amplifiers&dwvar_NO585.5-_color=Black-GLOBAL-Current

Choices out there are more limited than I'd have thought, for an integrated with (i) 200+wpc and (ii) a built in DAC. The Goldmund and McIntosh are two others I've come across that meet the criteria. Any others out there I'm missing?
gmercer

Showing 4 responses by 4425

4425
861 posts
 
The ML unit is very good. Universally praised. 
4425
861 posts
 
the 585 and 585.5 are identical in every respect except for a built in phono stage for the 585.5
unless you hear it in your home you won’t know how good it is. the 5805 is built to a lower price point but regardless ML is building their gear at the highest level.comments based on past lore and hearsay are not meaningful. also i’ve had great support from harmon on a couple of revel issues.
4425
861 posts
 
I I have met Jeff and owned his products and both are stellar. He’s an audio icon.
All that said the ML 585 integrated amp is a really fine piece of gear. At 6k used it would be very hard to exceed. I doubt that JRDG would disappoint as well. IMHO
4425
861 posts
 
i’ll testify that the ML 585 or 585.5 are the real deal. if you don’t need phono they are identical and used 585’s can sell for 6-7k which is unreal. i have high regard for jrdg but if it’s a class d design it wouldn’t be for me.
there is another top integrated that has a lot of positive vibes and that’s the newest krell unit.  however for 6-7k the 585 isn’t going to be exceeded imho without a huge jump in price. at 12k list it seems underpriced in this crazy audio world. many raves about it.

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