Designed to work in perfect harmony, Mark Levinson’s newest products might be an audiophile’s dream quartet. We’re talking about the new 5000 Series amplifier, an excellent preamplifier, streaming player, and a brand new turntable as well.
Mark Levinson is name that always comes to mind whenever we think about top-of-the-line audio equipment – for good reason. The eccentric audiophile and his company became synonymous with high-end sound, but did you know that he started as a stand-up bass player with jazz pianist Paul Bley?
That is the proper way to train your ear, I must say. Modern-era audiophiles may not remember that period with rock’n’roll legends, but Mark Levinson’s logo aims to show you a small bit of the past.
The brand’s commitment to performance and build quality has always been highly appreciated and Mark Levinson’s current 500 series electronics sit right at the top of their class.
But the signature Levinson look and sound has just become slightly more affordable, which is good news for everyone.
The No.5302 amplifier costs $9,000, but that’s a small price to pay for an impressive Levinson amp, featuring an oversized 1100 VA toroidal transformer that delivers 135 wpc into 8 Ohms, with stable operation into 2 Ohms.
The No.5206 preamplifier costs about the same and brags about full-function versatility, and includes MM/MC phono preamplifier circuitry, as well as a preamp output stage. Balanced and performant, this equipment does not disappoint.
Then there’s the No.5101 streaming player, which delivers ESS PRO Sabre 32-bit D/A converters with jitter elimination circuitry and can stream even platforms like Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, and Qobuz.
The No.5101 costs only $5,500 and, yes, you may also use your USB drive to play your favorite tracks and even CDs, because it also comes with a dedicated CD/SACD player, with front slot loading.
Lastly, the fresh No.5105 turntable starts as a solid, two-inch-thick aluminum plinth and ends up supporting a 14-pound aluminum platter that’s belt-driven by a 12-Volt synchronous motor. Features such as a 10-inch carbon-fiber tonearm and an optional Ortofon Quintet Black S moving-coil cartridge might get people noticing.
The 5000 Series looks like the perfect package for a true audiophile, with all the right components working as a single unit to deliver the most wonderful sonic synergy. Party on, Wayne!
