Mark Levinson 32 or Viola Cadenza
- Thread starter Decibel
- Start date
I don’t know anything about the Viola but owned the 32 when it first came out completing my at the time ML system, 30.5, 31.5 & the 33. It had beautiful fit and finish and a perfect match for 33’s incredible industrial design. Sonically it was only average and dull sounding compared to other preamps I owned at the time so I sold it after a few short months.
david
Several at the time, a couple of CJs, ART & Premiere 7, whatever the ARC Reference preamp was at the time and the Lamm L1 which was my favorite out of the lot.
david
As you probably already know, there is a lot of shared DNA between the two companies. I consider Viola to be some of the best solid state today. My only problem with them is the lack of continuity not in sound but in design language of their case work between series'.
My vote would be Viola. I too would consider the number 32 too dark even for me. I suppose it would be great for people that prefer a more round presentation and do not give as much value to the sense of space and transient attack. To be fair the 32 was king in the era of the aluminum and inverted titanium domes of the era. They were usually only considered dark when used with the esotars and other popular silk domes of the same era. Today's tweeters be they fabric, metal or composite have the extension but not the ringing of those from the past. Basically I'm thinking the 32 is a piece best set up with era correct components to best enjoy them. I would not hesitate to use them with Gen 1 Revel Salons or Studios for example. Today, I think the Violas have the old Levinson sound at least until the 300 series and built on it. They are simply better across the board, the only other niggle that some of their amps use fans which should be a problem for the few with really quiet rooms like me. The 400 series got me off the ML wagon and looking elsewhere because I felt they were not just different, they were worse. Like trumped up Proceeds instead of real MLs I remember thinking.
For reference, I went from ML to BAT then Lamm with a few flirtatious side trips along the way. I currently use Lamm and CH Precision most in my main listening room.
My vote would be Viola. I too would consider the number 32 too dark even for me. I suppose it would be great for people that prefer a more round presentation and do not give as much value to the sense of space and transient attack. To be fair the 32 was king in the era of the aluminum and inverted titanium domes of the era. They were usually only considered dark when used with the esotars and other popular silk domes of the same era. Today's tweeters be they fabric, metal or composite have the extension but not the ringing of those from the past. Basically I'm thinking the 32 is a piece best set up with era correct components to best enjoy them. I would not hesitate to use them with Gen 1 Revel Salons or Studios for example. Today, I think the Violas have the old Levinson sound at least until the 300 series and built on it. They are simply better across the board, the only other niggle that some of their amps use fans which should be a problem for the few with really quiet rooms like me. The 400 series got me off the ML wagon and looking elsewhere because I felt they were not just different, they were worse. Like trumped up Proceeds instead of real MLs I remember thinking.
For reference, I went from ML to BAT then Lamm with a few flirtatious side trips along the way. I currently use Lamm and CH Precision most in my main listening room.
My speakers are Wilson Audio Maxx 2, but I don't know why I'm afraid with Nº.32
In the past, I owned Cello Palette and Duet 350 in mono and I was very happy but too much power and I sold them.
If one comes along in good condition and at a fair price, I don't think it'll be that risky. I remember wishing I had 20.5/6s but my budget at the time only allowed me to purchase a used 23.5 which I really loved driving my maggies.
Two things stood out for me when I went to show with 32s a couple of years later. First was the ergonomics, second the chassis build. Ergonomics, still some of the most thoughtful ever and the feel of the volume control was different from everything else and still not common now. The build? This is one of those that were not affected in the least by the shelves they were on. I've got to say, I still smile when I see pics of them. Beautiful gear. The IEC placement will also save anyone from power cord audio nervosa LOL
Still, if it were me, I'd still be lusting for the Cadenza even if it doesn't have the 32's iconic reputation. The preamp I used the longest in my life is the L2 Reference of Lamm, so clearly no remote is a-ok with me. It is a red flag for many though and the ML remotes of yore made for cute 1lb barbels LOL
Happy hunting decibel! The more I read what I've been writing the more apparent it is that I am splitting hairs here. I only wish I knew what the input sensitivity of the 20.6s are at full power. Only thing I could find was mV at 1w which tells me nothing. Otherwise I would easily recommend the Lamm L2 Reference should the 20.6s' IS be at the 1v mark.
Two things stood out for me when I went to show with 32s a couple of years later. First was the ergonomics, second the chassis build. Ergonomics, still some of the most thoughtful ever and the feel of the volume control was different from everything else and still not common now. The build? This is one of those that were not affected in the least by the shelves they were on. I've got to say, I still smile when I see pics of them. Beautiful gear. The IEC placement will also save anyone from power cord audio nervosa LOL
Still, if it were me, I'd still be lusting for the Cadenza even if it doesn't have the 32's iconic reputation. The preamp I used the longest in my life is the L2 Reference of Lamm, so clearly no remote is a-ok with me. It is a red flag for many though and the ML remotes of yore made for cute 1lb barbels LOL
Happy hunting decibel! The more I read what I've been writing the more apparent it is that I am splitting hairs here. I only wish I knew what the input sensitivity of the 20.6s are at full power. Only thing I could find was mV at 1w which tells me nothing. Otherwise I would easily recommend the Lamm L2 Reference should the 20.6s' IS be at the 1v mark.
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