Mark Levinson Introduces Its First 5000 Series Integrated Amplifiers
(HARMAN) The new No. 5805 Integrated Amp(October 11, 2018) Mark Levinson’s all-new 5000 Series of Integrated Amplifiers recently welcomed its first two models. Estimated to be available during the first quarter of 2019, the all-new USA-crafted No. 5802 ($7,000 MSRP) and No. 5805 ($8,500) deliver audiophiles and enthusiasts true high-class performance at the hands of all-in-one designs graced by quality finishes.
“The No. 5805 and No. 5802 were created to deliver all of the performance and quality expected from Mark Levinson while implementing state of the art features and efficiencies gained from decades of superlative audio engineering and technological advancements,” says Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy & Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio.
The No. 5805 is built around a proprietary fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural line-level preamp circuit. This circuit employs a single gain stage paired with a digitally controlled resistor network that provides users with volume adjustment capabilities that maintain signal integrity with the widest possible bandwidth. Connectivity-wise, the No. 5805 presents rear panel XLR and RCA inputs, along with a newly designed MM/MC phono stage controlled via front-mounted gain levels and infrasonic filters and rear panel capacitive and resistive loading settings. Additionally, a front headphone jack taps a specialized preamp output that carries enough current and power capacity to drive headphones without a dedicated headphone amp.
Aside from its analog prowess, the No.5805 also carries digital capabilities grounded by the Mark Levinson Precision-Link II DAC. This DAC utilizes a high-end ESS Sabre 32-bit digital-to-analog converter offering compatibility with PCM (192kHz/32-bit) and DSD (up to 5.6) music files. And a XMOS USB processor is capable of handling MQA-encoded files. The digital section of the No. 5805 can be accessed via four inputs, which includes coaxial, optical S/PDIF (2), and asynchronous USB options.
The step-down No. 5802 is an “all-digital” model that also utilizes the Precision-Link II DAC with MQA compatibility and Hi-Res audio playback. A primary difference, however, is that the No. 5802 adds two additional digital inputs (single AES and coaxial) and Bluetooth with AptXHD connectivity.
Power wise, the No. 5805 and No. 5802 are specified to offer stable operation down to 2 ohms, with 125 Watts per channel at 8 ohms. The amps both feature fully discrete, direct coupled, Class AB designs backed by oversized toroidal transformers, in addition to technologies found on the company’s famed No. 534 Amplifier.
On the exterior, both models present 1” thick black-anodized solid aluminum front panels, debossed top cover vents, and Mark Levinson’s recognizable machined hourglass control knobs.
