Mark Levinson No. 383 Integrated Amplifier
The qualities of Mark Levinson components have been coveted and cherished
by music lovers for decades. The superior value of Mark Levinson products
is derived from the value we place on sonic performance, construction
details and sophisticated operation. Together, these characteristics
define what a Mark Levinson is — and what it is not.
The No383 Integrated Amplifier addresses those installations where the
size and complexity of a separate component amp/preamp system is not
desirable, but performance and quality are requirements.
The Value of Integration
Combining power and preamplifier functions into a single chassis is a
well-established method of delivering high performance in a more convenient
and cost-effective package. In addition to savings on chassis and shipping
cartons, two interconnect cables and their associated connectors are
eliminated. With preamp and power amp sections designed to work together,
the preamp output buffer (found on separate preamplifiers so they can
be used with a wide range of amplifiers) may be eliminated. And with
lower power requirements, fewer gain stages may be required, presenting
additional cost-saving opportunities.
For these reasons, integrated components usually reside at the entry
level in a given product line. With the No383, we've made it possible
to own a product that is in every way a true Mark Levinson, without requiring
the usual initial investment.
From its sophisticated operational feature-set, through its circuitry
and construction details, the No383 is designed to emulate Mark Levinson
separate components, but using a more compact, simpler and less costly
approach.
Performance
The No383 was designed with an ambitious sonic goal. It can offer performance
nearly the equal of our separate 300-series components. In installations
where the overall demand is modest or average, the No383 will closely
match that of the more expensive separates.
The No383 satisfies the high-expectations of Mark Levinson owners who
want to enjoy music in another room or a second residence. It possesses
the characteristic Mark Levinson sonic qualities: rich harmonics, effortless
dynamics, and a high degree of detail and timbral resolution. The No383
palpably conveys the emotionally satisfying nuances of great performances.
When matched with high-quality sources and loudspeakers, the performance
space and the musicians can be viewed without distraction through the
open window of the No383.
Recreational listening to the No383 reveals how successful we've been
in translating the performance characteristics of our best products into
this amazing package. While Mark Levinson Reference products show how
far we can go, the No383 brings more people along for the ride.
Reviews
Awards
Specification
Dimensions: 17.5"w x 19.5"d (including rear handles) x 6.55"h
Frequency Response: Within 0.1dB from 20 Hz to 20kHz
Input Connectors: Two pairs balanced XLR
Output Connectors: One pair Madrigal-designed speaker binding posts
Power Consumption: 100W in standby
Power Output: 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms
Volume Control Gain Resolution: 0.1dB steps above the 38.5 in display
(-34.7 dB) with slowly increasing step size at progressive lower levels
Weight: 80 lbs. (36.6 kg)
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.
The D100's produce stunning music, effortlessly. The enhanced sensitivity
extracts the tiniest detail from any recording without brightness
or exaggeration. Greater bandwidth creates a huge soundstage, drawing
in the listener and creating a concert hall experience, where the
loudspeakers seem to melt from the scene.. |
