#1
|
||||
|
||||
??Levinson??
I know reviews and reviewers are not the last word in gear, but I was reading this review of a product that I have had my eye on for some time; the Mark Levinson No. 433 amp. 3 channels, 200 w into 8, 400 into 4. The reviews gush about this amp, and say it is a new day for Levinson!
These are some comments from the Stereotimes reviewer that interested me. Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
What? Can a 3 channel 10k amp be as good as the beloved 501s in some areas, and better in others? DO I now have no reason not to pick one of these up? My head is spinning. Comments? |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
The 400 series and Model 53 amps by ML are very nice amps. I am sure that there are people out there who might prefer certain aspects or the overall sound in general.
|
#3
|
||||
|
||||
No info on associated gear, cables, etc. I wonder how the ML would sound for long term listening.
|
#4
|
||||
|
||||
I dont know. Another reviewer said that the 433 was the finest dollar for dollar amp Levinson had ever made!
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
I've owned and heard many a Levinson amp over the years. It used to have a slightly "darkish" overall character which can be good synergy with some systems and many like it. Have not heard the recent stuff. The comment about the 433 vs the MC501s is probably spot on as many of the other brands do bring on tauter bass and a new level of dynamics and spatial resolution and ML was never a slouch in those areas. Much depends on the system. Knowing that you are now using the Wilson Sophia II's in your system which can sound a touch lean in the upper mids depending on the gear driving them due to their openness and neutrality, I'd be a little concerned about that specific coupling. The 501s sound more forgiving overall even if you do pay for it with a slight loss of resolution and dynamics.
|
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
It is always a tradeoff. And anyway, I was thinking, and the wife told me that she wasn't going to let me go to any other brand other than McIntosh ever again. She said McIntosh to her "just sounds right." If mamma aint happy, no one is happy! |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I suspect there would be pretty good synergy and tonal balance between the two. The Sasha does need a stable amp into low impedance with lot's of grip and control and the ML would be up to the task. The Lamm M1.2s do a really good job in my system as well. The MX-R driving the Sasha's were a real sonic treat but lost a bit of control down low and sounded a bit too warm in the upper mids. I'll have to ask my dealer to hook up the Krells to the Sasha to hear that pairing.
|
#9
|
||||
|
||||
darkstar.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.
__________________
Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
Thank you. I am a recent visitor to the site and really have enjoyed it. There are many knowledgeable folks here who offer sage advice in a friendly environment.
I think I will stick around if you guys don't mind? Rich |
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |