585

[tdelahanty]

I have the new Levinson 585 integrated amp home for demo. It has been playing about three hours, to warm-up. It sounds really good !!!!! Has plenty of power for my Theil 3.7's.

There's one small quirk, when adjusting the volume (up or down) I hear an ever so slight ticking in the speakers otherwise it's dead quiet.

[jdandy]

Tom.......I have heard this distant click before in other digitally controlled volume attenuators. It might even be intended as a step indicator. I would ask the dealer about it. The Mark Levinson 585 integrated amplifier is a good looking component.





Here is Harmon's press release for CES 2014.

CES 2014, LAS VEGAS – January 7, 2014 – HARMAN’s Luxury Audio Group today is showcasing its new № 585 Integrated Amplifier at CES 2014. The № 585 is designed to deliver ultimate-quality music reproduction from analog and digital sources, including computers and music servers.

The Mark Levinson № 585 integrated amplifier combines exceptional versatility with high 200 watts per channel power output (into 8 ohms, 350 watts into 4 ohms) and offers six digital inputs including USB, optical, coaxial and AES/EBU XLR, to accommodate a wide variety of digital music sources, including 32-bit/192kHz computer audio and DSD over PCM via USB. The № 585 incorporates exclusive HARMAN Signal Doctor processing, which employs proprietary signal-enhancement techniques to provide the best-possible sound quality from compressed digital audio sources.

“Our new № 585 integrated amplifier is created for audiophiles and music lovers who desire an all in one component that delivers musical performance equal to the finest separate components yet is space-saving and easy to use,” said Jim Garrett, Director of Marketing and Product Management, HARMAN Luxury Audio Group and Loudspeakers. “Recognizing that a growing number of listeners are using computer-based audio and music servers as primary music sources, the № 585 offers a broad array of digital as well as analog connections and includes a built-in 32-bit/192kHz D/A converter to provide high-resolution digital audio playback.”

The № 585 provides a subwoofer output with a selectable 80Hz high-pass filter for use in a properly implemented 2.1-channel system, and includes Ethernet, RS-232, IR and 12V trigger ports to facilitate its use audio/video installations with integrated systems control.

The № 585 is engineered for ultimate audio quality in every respect. It employs discrete analog circuitry throughout, optimized for maximum sonic purity as evidenced by its symmetrical, clean interior design with no visible wires or cabling. Its high-current Class AB power amplifier section utilizes a robust 900VA custom toroidal analog power supply and SMPS digital power supply and is capable of driving even the most demanding exotic loudspeaker loads with ease.

Though sophisticated in its capabilities, the Mark Levinson № 585 is simplicity itself to operate via its two front-panel knobs and six function buttons or using its included remote control. The № 585 is as stunning in appearance as it is in performance – its next-generation industrial design blends iconic Mark Levinson historical elements with an angular, modern contemporary look. The № 585’s substantial extruded and machined aluminum front panel has a two-tone brushed black and textured silver finish, accented by the company’s iconic red panel display and LED indicators.

The № 585 is built entirely without compromise to the highest standards, with a heavy-gauge chassis and casework, audiophile-grade internal components, premium rear-panel connectors, custom-machined knobs, controls and structural components and many additional refinements.

The Mark Levinson № 585 Integrated Amplifier will be available in Summer 2014 at a suggested retail price of $12,000.

[tdelahanty]

Dan this thing is a beast, it weighs 75 lbs, all the inputs are configurable for name, gain, on/off and it has a dac which uses 32 bit Sabre chips. Power output is 200w@8ohms and 350w@4ohms. Claimed stable @ 2 ohms.

[jdandy]

Tom.......How long will you be able to keep it for home audition?

[jdandy]

[ame]http://youtu.be/pohbaYTHEuo[/ame]

[Formerly YB-2]

Beautiful piece. Always wondered when they were going to replace the 383. Took them a while. Looking forward to your impressions.

[tdelahanty]

Sadly I'll be returning it today, there is another gentleman who wants to audition it.

[tdelahanty]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Beautiful piece. Always wondered when they were going to replace the 383. Took them a while. Looking forward to your impressions.

I had a 383 and loved it, still wondering why I got rid of it ??? The 383 had a great interface and beautiful sound, the 383 and Sim I7 were very close (sound quality). The I7's interface and remote are more cumbersome.
Comparisons of this nature make audio so much fun, the 585 is very fast, detailed, large sound stage, a great interface and built-in dac. It is also very smooth, it has not been harsh in any way with any material, plenty of power for my 3.7's. My Marantz Ref gear is more tube like and a touch softer (on transients). The only piece I've owned which meets or exceeds the Marantz in sound stage ability was the Mac MA7000.

[tdelahanty]

Well I didn't buy the 585 integrated amp. I took home a 326 preamp and 532H power amp (demo unit). The 585's mids and highs were a bit too prominent for my taste where as the amp and pre were much more to my liking. My first thought was to try new cables with the 585, but the cost equaled or exceeded the additional cost of the pre/pa. Strange that the separates worked quite well with my existing Nordost but the integrated did not. I made a note worthy improvement to my system that should satisfy me for years to come.

[chessman]

Tom, congrats on the new gear!!