ML 32 vs 526

[SpecialK]

Wondered if anyone has heard both?
I have a 32 driving 536s into Salon 2s and wonder if a 526 would be a step up.
Would be interested here anyone's experience.

Graham

 

[gadawg58]

You will want to listen to it for sure as they are quite different. When I had a 32 in my system I loved the tonality but felt like I was leaving something on the table in terms of space/air and overall soundstage compared to other newer designs. The 526 will give you more soundstage but the tonal balance is different now and you may or may not like it so make sure you demo first for sure. I went from 326->32->523->52->BAT Rex2 and found I liked the tubes on the front of my 536s much better. Good luck!

George

 

[SpecialK]

Thanks George.
The jump from 32-523 you made is probably the closest. I did hear the 523 when demoing the 536s (against my 532h) and sound was good.
I listen to vinyl (LP12/Ekos 2/Kandid) mostly so am considering a separate phono stage (Vitus/Whest or similar) but the box count would increase yet again so a one-box line stage/pre would free a shelf!
Never heard BAT so can't compare but thank you for the recommendation, although I see it is a two box design without a phono stage so not a box count friendly combo!

 

[gadawg58]

As a note ... At the time I went with the 523 vs 526 because its the identical preamp with the exception that the 526 has a DAC and at the level you are at the DAC in the 526 isn't comparable to the rest of the system I found.

George

 

[Addicted to hifi]

i like all ml stuff.very reliable as well