Levinson 23.5 - I think I need a new toy.


Being a die-hard tube guy, I haven't used a ss amp in my main system for many years; except a brief stint with Meitner 101's which are now in a weekend home system. A friend wants to sell his Levinson 23.5 for what seems like a very very good price (cheap!). It is in terrific shape, hasn't been used nor abused much, and is one of the few ss amps that really picqued by interest (based on reviews) back when I was still on the fence re the tubes vs ss thing. I figure, what the hell; I can always sell it if I can't stand the ss-itis. It would be powering one of two sets of speakers; either Paragon Regents (easy load transmission line), or Stax electrostats (brutal load).

I welcome any thoughts re this amp. Reliability, desirability, resale, sonic experiences, etc. Thanks.
frogman

Showing 3 responses by dave_72

Rockitman nailed it. I had the original no. 23 many moons ago, and if you want clarity and top end extension, look somewhere else. I found the 23 to be dull and muffled. Not a very rewarding experience.
Well, fair enough. The Levinson does have its fans as evidenced here, as far as being as good as today's amps, I disagree. I would say the same about the old Krells.
I respectfully disagree. The class-A Krells of the 80s-early 90s run rings around the Levinson.