With a single-chassis design, the No.326S achieves separation of audio
circuit, control circuit, and power supply sections similar to that of
the dual-chassis No.32. The internal structure of the No.326S separates
these sections, while a steel shield box protects the power supply and
other circuits against electrostatic and magnetic interference. Filtered
AC power is routed outside audio circuit sections, providing audio circuits
with the quiet, shielded environment essential for superior sound.
Like most high-performance audio components, the No.326S relies on clean,
noise-free AC power to deliver maximum performance. Unfortunately, most
AC power does not meet these standards. Common household appliances such
as refrigerators, TVs, and computers often contaminate AC power lines
with line noise, spikes, and other irregularities that make it difficult
for audio circuits to perform up to their full potential.
To compensate for this, the No.326S offers a series of highly effective
noise suppression and isolation techniques that begin filtering AC power
for noise as soon as it enters the chassis. Audio and control circuit
sections use independent power supplies, each with its own low-noise
toroidal transformer. The audio circuit power transformer includes a
Faraday shield between the AC power line and low-voltage secondaries
for improved isolation.
Following the Mark Levinson tradition, the No.326S exceeds all reasonable
expectations for a stereo preamplifier. Its flexible design including
seven configurable inputs, separate main and record output connectors,
and complete surround sound processor integration allow it to accommodate
a wide range of demands. Even more, a series of advanced techniques shield
audio circuits, resulting in an incomparable sound befitting sophisticated
music reproduction systems.
Mark Levinson No. 326S
Pre Amplifier
The No.326S features audio circuits, controls, architecture, and optional phono modules based on the critically acclaimed No.32. In fact, some audio circuits, such as the proprietary discrete volume attenuators, are identical to those found in the No.32. The No.326S is similar to the No.320S, but the main circuit board has been replaced with an Arlon board that responds more quickly to transient signals in both the high and low frequency regions. The Arlon also presents a deeper imaging that reveals more of the subtle nuances of a recording, imparts a more engaging texture to the high frequencies, and presents more of the ambience of a recording. All of these properties work together to yield a sonic signature that is wider, deeper, warmer, and clearly superior.
Awards
Stereo Sound - Golden Sound Award 2004
Swing Journal - Jazz Component Award: Preamplifiers 2004
Review
Stereophile Jan 2006:
"What I did become increasingly aware of during
my time with the Levinson No.326S was the fact that "neutrality" is not
merely an absence of aberration but a positive virtue. I could hear more
deeply into the mix, but without detail being spotlit or unnaturally
thrown forward. Subtle details were presented with greatercontrast against
a quieter ground in all of these recordings: the reverberation tails
that follow Joe Morello's kick drum highlights in his drum soloin "Take
5" from Dave Brubeck's Time
Out (SACD, Sony 7464-65122-6)" - John Arkinson
After 6 months of testing John compared it to a host of other high end preamps and gave it a glowing recommendation saying that it offered all he wanted from a preamp.
Mark Levinson 326S Baby version of the Ref 32 Pre-amp at a reasonable cost of £6,995. Like most technologies the benefits of the research for the reference products trickle down into more affordable products like the 326s Pre-amp. You get alot of the quality of its bigger brother, providing a jump in the quality available at this price. |
Ayre Acoustics C-5xe Universal Disk Player Stereophile Extract: "It ought to be fairly obvious that I found the Ayre C-5xe more than satisfactory. I didn't expect it to disappoint, but I was unprepared for just how much it delighted me. I've heard a lot of impressive audio components over the years, but I've heard very few that afforded me greater musical pleasure or sent me on as many voyages of musical discovery through discs I thought I knew well." - Wes Phillips, July, 2005 |
Gryphon Diablo The ultimate reference integrated amplifier at £6100. The Gryphon sonic magic in a reasonable sized and georgeous case, you must hear this as it puts most pre power combo's to shame, pure music at its best. |
Brinkmann LaGrange turntableThe Brinkmann LaGrange turntable is without a doubt the best source component I have ever had the chance to enjoy over an extended period of time. It represents a level of perfection and emotional connection to music that I have never heard before. - Danny Kaey extract from Positive Feedback |
Teac Esoteric DV-50SThe Esoteric DV-50 is the most fun you can have with digital music playback short of the dCS trio reviewed by Michael Fremer in April 2003 (Vol.26 No.4). Given that the dCS gear costs about six times as much as the DV-50, the Esoteric is a screaming bargain, especially considering its hyper-advanced technology, bulletproof build, and exceptional sound. You can even play movies on it. - Stereophile Extract |
ProAc D100 The
imposing new Response D100 takes on the mantle of flagship model
from our legendary Response Four, which has delighted discerning
audiophiles for the last twelve years. |
