Mark Levinson N° 519 Audio Player
Has anyone had an opportunity to audition the new Mark Levinson N° 519 Audio Player? It looks to be an attractive component that features a discrete, direct coupled, fully balanced, dual-monaural signal path, six high-resolution digital inputs (balanced, coaxial, optical, and USB asynchronous), plays from networked drives and devices, streaming services, Bluetooth, and connected media, and plays up to 32-bit, 192kHz PCM, double-speed DSD (DSD128), CD, and virtually all two-channel formats.
Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Rhapsody/Napster, internet radio, and podcasts are built in. The Mark Levinson N° 519 features an analog output volume control for direct connection to amplifiers or active loudspeakers, and it is designed and handcrafted in the USA. http://www.ljudochbild.se/wp-content...09.47_9909.png http://www.avmagazine.it/immagini/20..._n519_back.jpg |
Dan - I did at Axpona. A very good looking piece. To me, it sounded ok under show conditions.
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It's also slated to decode MQA, as well.
It would be nice to know if it uses the current top line ESS Sabre chips. I have a feeling it probably doesn't because the 519 was first displayed back in January, 2016, before the latest ESS chips were released. I read that the 2017 MSRP was amended to 20K, if I'm not mistaken. 17K was originally suggested back in 2016... |
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Dan, this device has indeed interesting features.
Plays CD + streams virtually every format and has a (digital) preamplifier on board. But, as you stated, its build quality doesn't look premium. The multitude of functions puts it in a field with just a few competitors. Everyone shopping in this segment should also consider the T+A MP 3100 Multi Player, which looks definitely more solid, does have a SACD reader and FM, but lacks the preamp function. https://theaudiophileman.com/wp-cont...6-1080x457.jpg |
Bart.......Thanks for mentioning the T+A MP 3100 HV. I remember you posting about this component a few months back but I didn't take a good enough look to get interested. This is a unique audio component that looks very attractive. I see it uses a double laser system: SACD: 650 nm, CD: 785 nm. Interesting to note, T+A developed and manufactures their own transport.
https://images.cdn.whathifi.com/site...?itok=JqW-6fhp The T+A MP 3100 HV includes an FM, FM-HD, DAB, and DAB+, plus Internet radio. That is a bonus feature not typically seen in streaming type multi-source audio component. This is an impressive player/DAC/streamer/tuner. Looks like about $15K US price. http://www.hifiandmusicsource.com/wp...r-1024x512.jpg |
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My dealer also carries ML. Fantastic! That is why I am a bit disappointed when I look at the pics of the 519. For a price tag of 20K, it pales in comparison to T+A (look at that hefty transport!), and Esoteric (ditto!). |
Outward looks can be deceiving. The Levinson 519 weighs 36 pounds which is heavier than many high dollar units, albeit lighter weight than some as well. I've seen pictures of it's insides and it is built very well indeed.
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519 is indeed built very well and has an excellent preamp section in it. That said ...the Dac in it I feel is lacking for the price tag. Not impressed with the slot loading CD. First, it does have excellent bass and a very refined top end so tonally it seems very balanced. My biggest complaint is that compared to Esoteric, Berkeley, and EMM Labs DACs I find the soundstage to be too small with not nearly the presence or overall soundstage size of the other top flight DACs. That said, the others are at the same price and don’t include a streamer but for the price point I would have a hard time living with the compromises of an all in one unit especially when I could buy one of those other DACs and like an Aurender front end and sound way better...and that’s exactly what I did. Aurender N100h and EMM Labs DA2 and the Levinson wasn’t even close. At least to me. And I’m not hating on Levinson ... just bought new 523 and a pair of 536s which are simply amazing. The 536s may be the best amps Levinson has ever produced ... Digital product isn’t in the same league in my opinion.
George |
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