Experts In Mark Levinson Audio Repair

Professional restoration & detailed product guide — vintage to modern. Direct, minimal, no fluff.

No. 380 / 380S Preamplifier No. 30 / 30.5 CD Processor

Founder's Era (1972-1984)

Model Type Description
ML-2 Monoblock
25W Class A
1970s
 Power Amp The legendary ML-2 is Mark Levinson's first pure Class A monoblock amplifier. Delivering 25 watts of pure Class A power, it runs warm and produces an incredibly smooth, detailed sound. Known for its massive heatsinks, dual-mono construction, and hand-selected transistors. A true collector's piece that defined high-end audio in the 1970s. Requires periodic bias adjustment and capacitor replacement due to age.
ML-3 Monoblock
50W Class A
1970s
 Power Amp The ML-3 is the bigger brother to the ML-2, offering 50 watts of Class A power per monoblock. It features a more robust power supply and higher current capability, making it suitable for less efficient speakers. The ML-3 is revered for its effortless dynamics, three-dimensional soundstage, and rock-solid build quality. Many units need recapping and transistor matching after decades of use.
ML-12
100W Stereo
1970s-80s
 Power Amp The ML-12 was Mark Levinson's first stereo power amplifier, producing 100 watts per channel. It bridged the gap between the monoblocks and more affordable systems. Known for its warm, tube-like midrange combined with solid-state bass control. The ML-12 features a unique chassis design with internal heatsinks. Common service includes DC offset adjustment and power supply capacitor replacement.
ML-1
Preamplifier
1970s
 Preamp The ML-1 is a dual-chassis preamplifier that set new standards for phono reproduction. It features a separate power supply chassis to eliminate noise, fully discrete circuitry, and an incredibly accurate RIAA equalization. The ML-1 is famous for its transparent, uncolored sound and ability to reveal micro-details. Vintage units often need switch cleaning, relay replacement, and phono stage recapping.

Madrigal Golden Era (1985-2000)

Model Type Description
No. 23 Monoblock
300W Monoblock
1990s
 Power Amp The No. 23 is a high-current monoblock amplifier delivering 300 watts into 8 ohms and doubling to 600 watts into 4 ohms. It features massive power supplies, fully complementary driver stages, and exceptional stability into difficult loads. Known for its authoritative bass, extended treble, and ability to drive any loudspeaker. A favorite among audiophiles seeking reference-level performance.
No. 23.5
100W Stereo
1990s
 Power Amp The No. 23.5 is a stereo amplifier that became one of Mark Levinson's best-selling models. It produces 100 watts per channel with a huge current reserve. The 23.5 is praised for its musicality, neutrality, and reliability. It features a unique "zero feedback" design in the input stage and fully discrete components throughout. A perfect entry point into high-end Mark Levinson sound.
No. 26 / No. 28
Preamplifier
1990s
 Preamp The No. 26 and No. 28 preamplifiers represent the pinnacle of Madrigal-era design. The No. 26 is a dual-chassis reference preamp with separate power supply, while the No. 28 is a more compact single-chassis version. Both feature fully balanced differential circuitry, high-quality phono stages, and remote control. Known for their black backgrounds, precise imaging, and musical transparency.
No. 27 / No. 29
Power Amp
1990s
 Power Amp The No. 27 (stereo) and No. 29 (monoblock) amplifiers were designed as more affordable companions to the No. 26 preamp. The No. 27 delivers 100 watts per channel, while the No. 29 monoblock offers 200 watts. Both share the same circuit topology as higher-end models, using complementary discrete components and generous power supplies. Excellent value in the used market.
No. 30 / 30.5
CD Processor
1990s
 CD Player The No. 30 and 30.5 were Mark Levinson's first reference CD processors, featuring dual-chassis design with separate transport and digital-to-analog converter. The No. 30 uses multiple Burr-Brown DACs in a balanced configuration, while the No. 30.5 improved the analog stage. Known for their organic, non-digital sound, they remain highly sought after despite aging transport mechanisms.

Modern & Reference Series (2000–2010s)

Model Type Description
No. 32
Preamplifier
2000s
 Preamp The No. 32 Reference preamplifier was Mark Levinson's flagship for over a decade. It features a dual-mono, dual-chassis design with fully balanced, pure Class A circuitry. The No. 32 uses modular input and output cards, allowing customization. Its volume control is a precision stepped attenuator with 0.1dB accuracy. Renowned for absolute neutrality, incredible resolution, and effortless dynamics.
No. 335
Stereo Amp
2000s
 Power Amp The No. 335 is a stereo amplifier from the 300 series, delivering 150 watts per channel. It features a massive toroidal transformer, high-current output stages, and Mark Levinson's proprietary "Pure Path" circuitry. The No. 335 is known for its combination of warmth and detail, making it an excellent match for many speakers. A reliable workhorse with exceptional build quality.
No. 436
Monoblock
2010s
 Power Amp The No. 436 monoblock amplifier delivers 350 watts into 8 ohms and doubles to 700 watts into 4 ohms. It features a balanced bridge topology, extremely high damping factor, and sophisticated protection circuitry. The No. 436 is praised for its grip on bass, effortless dynamics, and ability to disappear from the sonic picture. A modern classic from the Harman era.
Preamplifier
2000s
 Preamp The No. 380 and its successor 380S were Mark Levinson's most popular preamplifiers of the 2000s. The 380S added improved components and a revised power supply. Both feature fully balanced operation, remote control, and a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Known for their transparent, uncolored sound and excellent phono stage options. An outstanding value on the used market.
No. 39 / 37
CD Player
2000s
 CD Player The No. 39 is an integrated CD player with a transport and DAC in a single chassis, while the No. 37 is a standalone transport designed for use with external DACs. Both use the Philips CDM-12 mechanism and feature balanced and single-ended outputs. The No. 39's DAC section remains highly capable, making it a favorite among those seeking a classic Mark Levinson digital source.
No-585 / 585.5
Integrated
2010s
 Integrated Amp The No. 585 is Mark Levinson's flagship integrated amplifier, delivering 200 watts per channel. The 585.5 added improved DAC sections and streaming capabilities. It includes a high-quality phono stage, multiple digital inputs, and a fully balanced preamp section. Known for its convenience without sacrificing sound quality, the 585 series brings reference-level performance into a single chassis.
No.53
Monoblock
2000s
 Power Amp The No. 53 monoblock represents Mark Levinson's venture into Class D amplification, delivering 500 watts into 8 ohms. It uses a proprietary switching topology that maintains the signature Levinson sound with much higher efficiency. The No. 53 runs cool, saves energy, and produces tremendous power. Specialized knowledge is required for repair due to the complex switching power supply and output stage.

Other Notable Models

Model Type Description
No. 331 / 332
No-331 / 332
Stereo Amp
2000s
 Power Amp The No. 331 (75W) and No. 332 (125W) were entry-level stereo amplifiers in the 300 series. They share the same circuit topology as higher-end models but in a more compact chassis. These amplifiers are often overlooked but offer exceptional sound quality for their size. They feature balanced inputs, high-current capability, and the classic Levinson transparency. A hidden gem for budget-conscious audiophiles.
No-326S
No-326S
Preamplifier
2000s
 Preamp The No. 326S is a high-performance preamplifier that sits below the flagship No. 32. It features a fully balanced, dual-mono design with a separate power supply chassis. The 326S includes advanced features like programmable inputs, a precision volume control, and a high-quality headphone amplifier. Known for its dynamic expression, low noise floor, and musical engagement.
No. 432
Stereo Amp
2000s
 Power Amp The No. 432 stereo amplifier delivers 200 watts per channel and is part of the 400 series. It features a massive power supply, fully discrete output stages, and Mark Levinson's "Super-Balanced" circuitry. The No. 432 is praised for its ability to drive difficult speakers with ease, delivering tight bass, open midrange, and extended treble. A serious amplifier for serious listeners.

Service & Buying Guide – Vintage Mark Levinson

  • Check DC offset & bias — many vintage units need adjustment after decades.
  • Inspect for leaking capacitors (especially 80s–90s models).
  • Confirm original packaging or safe shipping materials for service.
  • Ask for recent service records — restored units are more reliable.
  • Remote / accessories missing can indicate need for replacement parts.
  • Common issues: relay failure, cold solder joints, worn volume pots.

* All descriptions highlight the unique characteristics of each Mark Levinson model. Contact us for specific service questions or restoration estimates.

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