Mark Levinson has launched the new No 600 series. These new Reference Level models are led by the No 626 preamplifier and No 632 stereo power amplifier. The No 631 mono power amplifiers are expected to follow in July.
Mark Levinson No 626: preamplifier
Mark Levinson is primarily associated with powerful power amplifiers, but Mark Levinson's first product was a preamplifier named the LNP-1. This prototype was followed by the LNP-2 production variant, aimed at the professional market. The first model developed for the high-end hi-fi market was the JC-2, named after then-chief designer John Curl. The JC-2 was followed by the ML-1, a full Class A, complementary push-pull configuration and the first to bear the Mark Levinson initials. Only then did the first power amplifier follow, and that was the ML-2.
Purity and simplicity, with maximum control over every facet of signal processing, have always formed the foundation of every Mark Levinson design. The Mark Levinson No 320 and No 32 are still regarded by many as the very best preamplifiers ever made. Mark Levinson's new No 626 preamplifier borrows many of these technologies but develops them further using contemporary components and dresses them in a beautiful tailored suit that radiates class.
With a total depth of nearly 49 centimeters, the Mark Levinson No 626 can hardly be called modest. Beneath the beautiful cover, featuring a unique cooling vent structure and integrated model designation illuminated by red LEDs, lies a completely balanced design in a dual-mono configuration. Starting from the power connector, the No 626 effectively splits into two entirely separate amplifier sections that are, moreover, symmetrically constructed. The same applies to the power supply: oversized, with separate construction for digital and analog sections, and isolated to prevent interference. These are characteristic Mark Levinson priorities in which the brand has specialized since its inception. It typifies the desire to preserve every musical detail and every nuance with maximum integrity. The No 626 thus offers a deep connection with the recording. An extremely transparent, finely tuned sound in which every facet is translated into music with utmost precision and feeling.
The No 626 is equipped with two pairs of balanced (XLR) and three pairs of single-ended (RCA) inputs, as well as a single-ended input with a dedicated Class A phono amplifier (MM-MC). In addition to the analog inputs, there is also a variety of digital inputs, including AES/EBU and asynchronous USB-C input. The newly developed Precision Link III DAC builds its circuitry around the ESS Sabre ES9039PRO 8-channel Hyperstream IV DAC in combination with discrete Mark Levinson signal processing and jitter elimination circuits. Besides the balanced and single-ended outputs for connection to the power amplifier, a Class A headphone output is present.
As befits Mark Levinson, these extensive connectivity options for turntables and digital sources are not only a functional addition but, above all, an extremely high-quality alternative to external components. Short, pure signal paths for maximum musical perfection. That is exactly what the beautiful No 626 stands for.
Mark Levinson No 632: Dual Mono Power Amp
The first Mark Levinson power amplifier was the ML-2. An absolute monster. Built as a single-channel mono-block, the ML-2 delivered no less than 25 watts in full Class A. Yet it was primarily its unprecedented load stability combined with fine control that elevated it to legendary status. That extreme current reserve made the ML-2 an ideal partner for the Apogee loudspeakers of the time, whose 0.3 ohm impedance turned many an amplifier into a smoke machine.
Just as the ML-2 was paired with the ML-1, the current No 632 forms a natural combination with the No 626. Conceptually, however, the No 632 is more reminiscent of the No 300 series power amplifiers. The visible heatsinks, which transition beautifully into the rounded curves on the front, are reminiscent of the No 336, while the stylish glass front plate is adopted from the No 53s. The top features the same circular inlay as the No 626, with red LED accents symbolizing the internal ‘motor' of the No 632.
Like the preamplifier, the No 632 is fully balanced and dual-mono in design. The 1,900 VA low-noise toroidal transformer, developed for Mark Levinson, is centrally located and both mechanically and electromagnetically isolated. This forms the basis for a superior supply voltage with enormous headroom, undoubtedly the most important component for musical control. The rectification and buffering are typically of a rare class as Mark Levinson and leave nothing to chance with 80,000 µF buffer capacity per channel. With the No 632, Mark Levinson opts for minimal internal feedback and a particularly high bias setting for its 12 high-bandwidth bipolar output transistors per channel. This makes the No 632 super linear and ultra stable with maximum grip on the loudspeaker, regardless of impedance. The specifications reflect Mark Levinson's uncompromising approach, namely 250 Watts per channel into eight Ohms at a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, measured with less than 0.3% THD, doubling to 500 Watts into four Ohms and full stability down to two Ohms.
Together with the No 626, the No 632 presents music with extreme refinement and control. The sound is truly unprecedentedly clean but not soulless. On the contrary, the 600 series possesses the control and effortlessness that characterized the 300 series of that era, but adds phenomenal transparency and energetic speed. The combination draws you deep into the recording, where every detail is presented clearly, lifelike, and with high contrast. Once broken in, this combination represents exactly what Mark Levinson is all about.
Mark Levinson No 631: Mono Power Amp
Later this year, importer Reference Sounds expects to expand the 600 series with the No 631 mono power amplifiers, inspired by the iconic No 33H. Indeed, a 60-kilo+, vertically built tank of a power amplifier, a more detailed description of which will follow in due course.
Recommended retail prices
Mark Levinson No 626: 24,990 euros
Mark Levinson No 632: 27,490 euros
Mark Levinson No 631: 69,980 euros (per pair)
