Levinson Amps: What do they really sound like?

I don't own one, but seriously considered the No. 336 after two long weekend home auditions. I agree with Blackie that its greatest attributes are resolution and soundstage. It also has very deep and full bodied bass. Ultimately I felt the Levinson was to polite and reticent in the mids for my tastes. I auditioned the No. 336 with Thiel CS7.2s.

I used to love my ML#331 (not the current line) until someone told me to try the Pass Labs Aleph line. I sold my 331 for the Aleph 4 because it sounded even more natural and real. You won't go wrong with ML, but you might still prefer some others. I have not heard the current line (334-336) or the reference line.

I agree with most of the above comments. The problem, once you already have the speakers you want to use, is getting one-three dealers to lend you three or four (or with monoblocks, seven to eight) huge amps and drag them home to listen. And then there is the problem of comparison: see how fast you can substitute a pair of Levinsons for a pair of Krells, warm up the second pair, and then try and remember what the first pair sounded like! Then switch them back to check yourself! There is a shortcut--call the speaker manufacturer and ask them (a) what amp(s) they voiced the speaker on, and (b) what their reactions to the newest amps on the market are. Manufacturers lend each other equipment, or sample what's around, to see what changes they might want to make to their own lines, and this gives you a big leg up in deciding what 150 pound monsters to lug home. (Oh yeah, I don't have them, but Levinsons have sounded great when I've heard them on B & w's and Revels.)

I have had a Levinson 27.5 and now have a 334 with Audio Physics Avanti Centuries and have found both amps to very detailed, outstanding soundstage, with great bass, warm mids and highs. I do believe you need a good cables with the Levinson. I am using Audioquest Diamond X3 and Dragon speaker cables. You also need a very good input source, the amp is VERY detailed and will reveal any other input weakness. But in the end everyone has an opinion and thier own preferance. With a good name like Levinson or Krell you can always get a large portion of your money back if you want to change or upgrade. Hope this helps.

I own a Levinson 331. Nothing in a vaccuum. Get your warmth from your tube preamp and interconnects, they do it better. Look to your amp to give you power(tightness at high volumes without warbling or distorting, and cleanliness.)This may make it sound sterile, add your tubes and warm cables like Cardas or Aq, and you achieve a balance. With transport,pre,amp,cables,speakers, you're always simply trying to acheive a balance. Warmth or precision or detail. Pick your favorite,most expensive piece and move from there. Every new piece will add or subtract from the total.