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Mark Levinson № 5802
Digital Audio
The Nº 5802 delivers outstanding digital audio capability through the Mark Levinson Precision- Link II DAC. The latest generation ESS Sabre 32-bit D/A converter with jitter elimination circuitry and a fully balanced, discrete current-to-voltage converter form the heart of the digital audio processing stage. Six digital audio inputs are provided: One AES, two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF, and one asynchronous USB for playback of high resolution PCM (up to 32 bit/384kHz) and DSD (up to 11.2MHz) files. The Nº 5802 includes MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, which enables playback of MQA audio files and streams. A Bluetooth receiver equipped with aptX-HD enables the highest quality Bluetooth playback available.
Amplification
The fully discrete, direct-coupled, class AB amplifier channels get their power from an oversized (500+ VA) toroidal transformer with individual secondary windings for the left and right channels. The voltage gain stage employs a topology directly descended from the acclaimed Nº 534 amplifier, which is mated to an output stage comprising two high-speed driver transistors operating in class A and six 260V, 15A output transistors. Two Thermal-Trak devices in a unique configuration guarantee stable output bias regardless of load or temperature. Four 10,000-microfarad capacitors per channel, located directly on the output stage circuit board, easily provide enough current for a conservative 125W/channel at 8 ohms, nearly 250W/channel at 4 ohms, and stable operation down to 2 ohms. Variable line-level RCA outputs allow system expansion and flexibility.
Control
System integration and communication ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, IR input, and 12V trigger input and output. A newly designed, solid aluminum IR remote is included with the Nº 5805. Finally, an internal webpage allows setup, import and export of configurations, and software updates using a PC and standard web browser. In addition, third party drivers are available.
Bold new industrial design
Robust materials, lavish finishes, and striking geometry are hallmark attributes of Mark Levinson designs. The one-inch thick, bead-blasted, black-anodized, solid aluminum front panels are machined and contoured to flow seamlessly into the sleek glass display, which itself is recessed into a clear-anodized aluminum bezel.
The iconic Mark Levinson hourglass knobs are redefined - machined with a gently curved profile transitioning into a rounded front, with feet to match. With debossed top cover vents, screen-printed logo behind the glass panel, and aluminum buttons, no detail has been overlooked. An elegant 5000 Series custom aluminum IR remote control is included.
№ 5802 Highlights
- Digital Inputs
- 1 x AES ,1 x USB 2.0, 2 x coaxial S/PDIF, , and 2 x optical S/PDIF
- 384kHz/32 bit PCM and DSD 11.2MHZ capability
- Bluetooth audio input including AptX-HD support
- MQA full decoding on all digital inputs including asynchronous USB
- Outputs
- Line outputs: 1 x RCA stereo (variable)
- Headphone output: 1 x 1/4-inch/6.35mm jack (front panel)
- Speaker outputs: 2 pairs high-current binding posts
- Control
- Control ports: Ethernet (RJ45), RS-232 (DB9), 12V trigger input/output and IR input (3.5mm jack)
- Webpage setup, configuration import/export, software updates
- Included handheld IR remote control
- Control modules for third-party automation
- Other
- EuP compliant / low-power standby
- All-new Nº 5000 series industrial design
- Designed, engineered and precision-crafted in the USA
- Packaged and sold individually
Dealers selling Mark Levinson near you
Mark Levinson № 5802
The Mark Levinson № 5802 is a digitally focused integrated amplifier that delivers the brand's hallmark refinement with modern connectivity. Its heart is the Precision‑Link II DAC and its sound is neutral and transparent, pairing deep, punchy bass with precise midrange focus and airy treble to create a tall, wide and detailed soundstage. Dynamics and transient control are standout attributes, providing plenty of headroom and authority even at loud levels. Built in the USA with a substantial aluminium front and high-current speaker posts, the unit feels resolutely premium. With extensive digital inputs (asynchronous USB, coax, optical, AES), MQA/DSD support and aptX‑HD Bluetooth, it is aimed at digital-first listeners and streamers. As Mark Gusew for StereoNET United Kingdom observes, the № 5802 brings Mark Levinson musicality into a more attainable tier.
Pros
- Neutral, transparent presentation with strong detail retrieval and poised tonal balance.
- Excellent dynamics and transient control, retaining authority and clarity at high volumes.
- Impressive soundstaging and imaging—tall, deep and wide with clear instrumental separation.
- Premium build and finish (designed and made in the USA) with robust speaker connectivity.
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Cons
- No traditional analogue line-level inputs on the rear panel, limiting legacy source connectivity.
- Bass is deep and controlled but not quite as fleet‑footed as some reference amplifiers.
Sound Quality
91/100
Dynamics
91/100
Review highlights dynamics as a strength: "plenty of power on hand to reproduce transients" and it "didn't get harsh or compressed" at loud levels. The amp is said to retain control and authority even when pushed, implying strong transient response and headroom for its class. Exact power figures aren't supplied in the review/specs, so score reflects very strong real-world dynamic performance as reported.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Reviewer repeatedly praises the staging: 'tall, deep and wide, with excellent instrumental separation and location' and notes convincing room ambience and reverb tails. Imaging is described as accurate and stable across volume settings, supporting a high score for width, depth and focus.
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Build Quality
93/100
The unit is 'designed, engineered and made in the USA' and the reviewer states the 'quality, fit and finish is exactly as you'd expect of Mark Levinson.' Construction and finish are consistently praised, justifying a top-tier build score.
Features Connectivity
92/100
Connectivity is strongly focused on digital: multiple digital inputs (USB-B async, coax, optical, AES), MQA and DSD support, aptX-HD Bluetooth and Ethernet/streaming support; it also provides speaker A/B outputs and a line-level output. However, the rear panel lacks any traditional analog line (RCA) inputs which is a notable omission for many buyers; score reflects excellent digital/modern feature set but is reduced for the absence of analog inputs.
Value for Money
88/100
At MSRP ~$8,500 the reviewer frames the 5802 as a 'welcome addition' and 'more attainable' within the Mark Levinson range, suggesting it broadens accessibility to the brand. That wording implies a justified premium rather than bargain pricing; score reflects solid value within its high-end segment but not inexpensive.
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