Any experience with Mark Levinson No. 523/526 Preamps?
 

Is anyone out there using the Mark Levinson No. 523 or 526 preamplifier? If yes, please post your impressions. There was a very positive review on Stereophile recently for the No. 526.

My DAC research led me to the awareness of the R2R ladder architecture being used by companies like Totaldac and MSB Technology whose products are well reviewed. ML uses this for their volume control. Another thing that appeals to me about these preamps also involve the inclusion of what appears to be a high quality phono preamp section and with the 526 a nice quality DAC.

ylee, I have a No. 523 and a pair of No. 536's driving B&W 800 D2's. My DAC is a Bel Canto 2.7. Compared to direct connecting the DAC to the amps, I find increased resolution and delineation of vocals when the DAC is set to fixed output and connected to the preamp. What else could be responsible for this other than the R2R circuit? I bought the 523 for the theater bypass function and was already quite pleased with the DAC direct connected. I'll never go back as I'd miss what I found with the 523 in the mix.

As for the phono preamp, I've an Ortofon Cadenza Black mc cartridge connected to it and it sounds terrific. However, I can't compare it to anything since I last owned a TT 28 years ago and both it and the electronics it connected to were rather modest.

I realize my direct experience is limited and therefore so is my insight, but I offer it for whatever utility it might provide. The quality of sound in my system is exquisite though, with the music both immersive and engaging. Just delightful!

Karl - thanks for taking time to write your experience with the Levinson preamp. Your observation of how your DAC sounds better with the preamp than on its own is helpful and is the sort of information I'm looking for.

Karl Maga... Welcome to AA! :wave:

Karl Maga.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado. :wave:

Karl Maga welcome to AA

Flemming

ylee, I've been surprised by the dearth of on-line conversations about ML's new electronics as I've found them to be incredible.

My speaker dealer does not carry Mark Levinson, but does carry McIntosh and Classe. I've found the same speakers sound better in my home. The reasons for that can be many, and only a few of those electronics based, but it makes me wonder. I will say that my dealer has their room treated and I don't.

To all, please don't take my comments as disparaging these brands. I find they sound great and I'd be pleased to own them. I'm just saying what my experiences and associated subjective observations are. I do mean to suggest that the Mark Levinson electronics and B&W peakers that I have are pleasing in the extreme (to me).

Finally, I was not expecting the welcomes but they are a classy touch. I feel welcome, and I appreciate your efforts to make it so.

Most audio dealers I've visited are compromised by the following​ constraints in regard to speakers:

1) Position of speakers - Dealers have multiple speakers in the same room. This makes auditioning of a specific model challenging as most are not willing to move each one into place for optimal imaging and soundstaging.

2) Sympathetic resonance from other speakers' cone drivers - especially woofers, while one listens to the model of choice literally color the sound one hears from a system when there are many other speakers in the room.

3) Unsympathetic pairing of cables, components, and other ancillary equipment, which may bring out harshness, dullness, or lack of pace and rhythm.

4) Rooms that while treated are not optimal in size and geometry.

I've listened to systems in such environments that cost north of $200k that didn't impress me.

This isn't to discount what you said. It's something I've noticed about how audio dealers have limited ability to bring out the best in a single component.

Those are all very good points, and some of them are certainly applicable to my dealer. It's unfortunate though because it eliminates them as a place where I can do effective comparisons.

But the topic at hand is the Mark Levinson No. 526 and No. 523. In my case, the utter black noise floor, attack, sustain, and resolution characteristics are commendable and are also the basis for my very subjective recommendation!

Yes, and you're not alone in your very positive observations of the new ML preamps. I'm planning to get one next year. I just went big on a Totaldac d1-twelve and thus depleted my hobby budget for the year.