The Levinson Sound?


I have never listened to a Mark Levinson amp, but am curious as to what sound characteristics they have, especially the older amps from the 90's. How do they compare to say Pass Labs amps? Any info would be appreciated.
333jeffery

Showing 6 responses by 68pete

Hello jafant
I have not had the pleasure of the Mark Levinson 383, other than a audio show just for a couple of minutes.
I feel the 3 series is still the best amp Levinson has made today. I have owned 331, 334.332 and now the 335. In all fairness i have heard the 4 series and did not like them at all. The newer 5 series i have not heard them enough to pass opinion. The 3 series had the cap problem, but once corrected is a great amp. To me it was the older Levinson pre amps that sounded dark not the amps. The Levinson 3 series does not have the bass slam that the Krells of the same age had. But for me they where better across the board. For me the best cable to put with the 3 series is Transparent cable the Reference line or higher.  I have had friends tell me when they listen to my system that it has a tube quality sound when matched up. The Highs and Mids are very detailed and sweet sounding.
enjoy Pete
jafant
Like i said i only heard it for a few minutes at the audio show. But it did not stand out if i remember correctly. I think the audio shows are a good place to get exposed to products but a lot harder to form a feeling  on something when you hear it for a couple of minutes. Rooms, speakers and cables  all enter into it even music played.
clemvice
The Levinson 336 amp is 2 channel amp 350 wats into 8 ohms and doubling down each time 700 into 4 ohms 1400 into 2 ohms. Not a multi channel amp. The power cord is hard wired so you can not swap it out . Unless you modify the amp
clemvice
Never said any thing about the 335 was only talking about the 336 power cord as i own the 335
generatorlabs
Your amp is stunning Just beautiful  Sorry to hear about your bad dealings with Levinson. I know the company has gone through a lot. Sold and bought not to mention moved several times. But that is no excuse for poor service. They have always answered my questions (emails) in a timely manner.
enjoy Pete