Can anyone discuss the differences sonically between the ML 531H monoblocks and the ML 532 stereo amplifier? Obviously there's a big difference in price....thanks..
Mark Levinson questions...
- Thread starter es347
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And I answered him in PM 
. Just briefly for others, the H series is designed for high reliability and compact form factor so that you can get multiple channels in one box. Here is a picture of its guts (stereo version; monoblock is just one amp):
The 532 on the other hand is cost and size no object type of design and far more massive in build quality:
Comparing them to each other, I can get the H series to run out of power at lower levels than the 532. Bass gets thinner in the H series at levels where the 532 is still transparent. This is in a large space with someone who likes his music dynamic and loud at times.
. Just briefly for others, the H series is designed for high reliability and compact form factor so that you can get multiple channels in one box. Here is a picture of its guts (stereo version; monoblock is just one amp):
The 532 on the other hand is cost and size no object type of design and far more massive in build quality:
Comparing them to each other, I can get the H series to run out of power at lower levels than the 532. Bass gets thinner in the H series at levels where the 532 is still transparent. This is in a large space with someone who likes his music dynamic and loud at times
.
Amirm,
I still own a ML 335 and ML 433 amplifiers. If I did have an issue is there still a way to receive service if needed? I have to say just for the record I have had zero issues with either amplifier. The 335 had it's caps replaced by the dealer when I bought their demo unit and has worked fine years! It was wrong for them to drop previous owners the way they did.
I still own a ML 335 and ML 433 amplifiers. If I did have an issue is there still a way to receive service if needed? I have to say just for the record I have had zero issues with either amplifier. The 335 had it's caps replaced by the dealer when I bought their demo unit and has worked fine years! It was wrong for them to drop previous owners the way they did.
The cap is one of the major issues so the fact that the dealer replaced them is good. As to service, Harman will refer you to an authorized repair place in Texas. They will not handle it themselves. That said, do work with your dealer if/when the time comes. I know we have the ability to get things done for the customers and Harman's intentions are good/right in figuring out what to do. It is just that if you can afford to get the newer designs, do so.
BTW, are you the same Sharp1080 member on AVS that used to write about Sharp LCDs in early days when they had a leading position in US?
Thanks Amir. I wish I still had a dealer. They went under awhile ago along with most of the other mid-fi/high end stores here in So Cal. I at least have the memories of the "good old days" at least. If I ever do develop an issue I will call Harman. I am a long time member on AVS with that same moniker, but those are not my posts regarding anything to do with Sharp products.
The shop in Texas is not just any Levinson authorized warranty shop in Texas, but my facility Pyramid Audio.
So far we are having no problem making the classics reliable. We specialise in the No33 33H 23 23.5 20 20.5 We have learned and addressed the older amp weaknesses.
The more recent amps like the 432/433/434/436 and 5xxH series are no issue either. For these models and the older Proceed HPA and AMP5 we offer support for amplifier modules. No need to ship the entire amp.
www.pyramid-audio.com/shipping.html
CD players, DAC and preamps are also no problem. Based on the No30.6 we even have a replacement for the D20400 UltraAnalog dac used in the No30, 30.5 and 35.
4 techs including 2 engineers, We offer similar support for Lexicon, McIntosh and B&o
So far we are having no problem making the classics reliable. We specialise in the No33 33H 23 23.5 20 20.5 We have learned and addressed the older amp weaknesses.
The more recent amps like the 432/433/434/436 and 5xxH series are no issue either. For these models and the older Proceed HPA and AMP5 we offer support for amplifier modules. No need to ship the entire amp.
www.pyramid-audio.com/shipping.html
CD players, DAC and preamps are also no problem. Based on the No30.6 we even have a replacement for the D20400 UltraAnalog dac used in the No30, 30.5 and 35.
4 techs including 2 engineers, We offer similar support for Lexicon, McIntosh and B&o
That's great news thank you Chris. I have your web site bookmarked for "just in case"! I have been extremely happy with both amps and tried to talk myself into selling them but why? I am usually in your city and surrounding area once a year for MotoGP at COTA. Not going to make it this year. We had a place we rented in Cedar Creek, but it was sold.
I personally owned a 431 for 4 years and i think its a poweramp steal the 432 probably even more , never had any problems , could be happy with the sound anyday, just needs a top pre
But those 531 internals ??
Nice circuit by the way COTA .
But those 531 internals ??
Nice circuit by the way COTA .
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I personally owned a 431 for 4 years and i think its a poweramp steal the 432 probably even more , never had any problems , could be happy with the sound anyday, just needs a top pre
But those 531 internals ??
Nice circuit by the way COTA .
So is Assen in the Netherlands, I want to attend a round there.
Yeah assen is great but ....flat , i like that first uphill left hand corner right after start finish on Circuit of the americas
Somehow I missed mentioning the 300 series. These are probably my favorite Levinson amps. Huge external sinks and mechanically they are dead quiet.
Aside from a horrible capacitor failure rate, the 331/332/333 are more reliable and due to the larger form factor, cooler running than the models before and after. Good news is the Levinson specified UnitedChemiCon replacements show no reliability issues. The next generation 334/335/336 were slightly quieter and used different output transistors but many of theme still had the bad caps. We stock the UCC caps and before anyone asks, no one is allowed to sell Levinson parts to end users.
Aside from a horrible capacitor failure rate, the 331/332/333 are more reliable and due to the larger form factor, cooler running than the models before and after. Good news is the Levinson specified UnitedChemiCon replacements show no reliability issues. The next generation 334/335/336 were slightly quieter and used different output transistors but many of theme still had the bad caps. We stock the UCC caps and before anyone asks, no one is allowed to sell Levinson parts to end users.
I loved my Mark Levinson amplifiers that I owned, the ML 332, 33H and 33, and I think it's so cool that there is a place that can service them now.
great performance, and still as elegant as industrial design in electronics as has yet been built.
wow. it makes me happy hearing about this.
I owned the 23.5 and several members of the 33X series. Great sound, but most of them suffered from poor reliability, and because they were units from the first batches, had to go through extensive upgrades to solve design faults. Although the ML distributor would carry them for free for original owners, if as me, you got them used you would be faced with very expensive bills.
In spite of that I still dream owning a pair of ML20.6, one the best SS of anytime IMHO ...
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