The right preamp for a Mark Levinson 333

flez007

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Aug 31, 2010
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I am using a Symphonic Line Integrated as a preamp for my ML-333, and thinking to use it for a second system and get a matching preamp from the following available options:

1.- Mark Levinson 38s (I had a 38 some years back to pair my ML20.6 but sounded dull, I heard that 38s does not have those issues)



2.- Mark Levinson 26



3.- Mark Levinson 28



4.- Mark Levinson ML7 with L1 and L2 cards





They are roughly at the same price right now.
 

Phelonious Ponk

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Does Mark Levinson not make a pre that is of the same series, designed for use with that amp? I would think that would naturally be the best choice?

Tim
 

flez007

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It is the 390 Tim, hard to find it used and beyond my reach at the moment, I want to spend 2,500 max this time.
 

Bruce B

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I was using the 38S with mine before I went with the CAT and it sounded great!
 

DaveyF

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I was using the 38S with mine before I went with the CAT and it sounded great!

I think Bruce may be onto something.....how about a CAT? As you know, I am a VERY BIG fan of the CAT preamp. IMHO, it is far superior to any ML Pre that i have ever heard. You should be able to get a used one in your budget.
 

mep

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I think Bruce may be onto something.....how about a CAT? As you know, I am a VERY BIG fan of the CAT preamp. IMHO, it is far superior to any ML Pre that i have ever heard. You should be able to get a used one in your budget.

Uh Davey, I think he wants a ML preamp to go with his ML amp. You switched brands and technologies. I know you love your CAT preamp, but come on man.
 

flez007

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Tim left me thinking... I am not in a rush to get a preamp, I am currently being served by the Symphonic Line and sounds amazingly well IMO, and no rush to build a second... well third system :) .. so...

I will wait and get a preamp that will stay longer... that might include a non-Levinson preamp search like a CAT (which I also like a lot), a First Sound or a recent ML (380s or the like).

Wooow, feels good avoiding unnecessary spending !!! :)
 

microstrip

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The ML380s was significantly better than the ML38 - if you are considering used ML preamplifiers this is the one to look after. IMHO the choice of the preamplifier will depend on the sources you own or want to own. From my experience ML preamplifiers were critical about the digital sources - the ML 31 -30 series was a perfect match. However with some CD players the ML380S sounded "mechanical" and too electronic. The ARC REF series of preamplifiers was also a perfect match for the ML333.
 

JackD201

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Had the 380S with the 360S and 331s and 431s. My vote goes to the No32. Yes I am evil!

Seriously, I'd go with the 380S among the models in the provided suspect line up even for the remote alone. I would keep my eye out for a No.32 with a Phono Board though.
 
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Phelonious Ponk

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Tim left me thinking... I am not in a rush to get a preamp, I am currently being served by the Symphonic Line and sounds amazingly well IMO, and no rush to build a second... well third system :) .. so...

Sorry, didn't mean to encourage you to over-spend, but I'm a believer in engineered synergy.

Tim
 

hongkongfoufou

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Had the 380S with the 360S and 331s and 431s. My vote goes to the No32. Yes I am evil!

Seriously, I'd go with the 380S among the models in the provided suspect line up even for the remote alone. I would keep my eye out for a No.32 with a Phono Board though.
I agree with you. I have the 360S, do you think N35 is better thant N360S ? Thanks
 

hongkongfoufou

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What do you use like XLR cable for Mark Levinson ? I use Furutech Lineflux XLR and Furutech DIY FURUTECH FP-S55N LIMITED EDITION / FURUTECH FI-12L (R) / FURUTECH FI-E50 NCF (R) ...
 

andromedaaudio

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I agree with you. I have the 360S, do you think N35 is better thant N360S ? Thanks
I dont know what jack thinks .
But dont worry about the missing 10 year gap to much .
A lot of the competition( meitner ) is still struggling to close that gap on the 360S :)
I just bought one a year ago .
I almost bought a 30.6 as well a couple of weeks ago.

Ml 32 is still a great pre i think
 
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hongkongfoufou

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I dont know what jack thinks .
But dont worry about the missing 10 year gap to much .
A lot of the competition( meitner ) is still struggling to close that gap on the 360S :)
I just bought one a year ago .
I almost bought a 30.6 as well a couple of weeks ago.

Ml 32 is still a great pre i think
I can say I love my N360S. And I don't use the DAC of my K-03XS...Grimm CC1 does good his job too...
 
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andromedaaudio

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I have not had the Ml 32 in my system, so i cant really comment .
But i m planning to add one in due time and give it a try .
Old school mark levinson digital is still right up there imo.
Most digital i dont care for but i am very happy with the 360 S purchase .
 
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andromedaaudio

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In my spare time i have done a you tube transistor amp comparison by the way , FWIW :)
Ones that stood out were Boulder 3010 / 3050 and also Karan acoustics .

A Karan pre amp might be a suggestion to try with the ML Power amp .
I might actually buy a Karan pre / power amp KAS 400 myself in the future besides my tubes .


Brg HJ
 
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sbnx

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I paired two preamps with the ML333. The 380s and a Rowland coherence. The rowland adds some tonal density/meat. If you want something more modern and neutral than the 380s then the simaudio moon 740p would be a good choice.
 

Phillyb

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Well, match it to the Mark Levinson preamp of that time. 380S would be a match made in audio heaven.
 

hongkongfoufou

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Even the ML 32 was too old.
Listen the old Marantz SC7 S2...
 

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