Potato score: 92.74

93%

Mark Levinson № 5805 #1
Mark Levinson № 5805 variant 1
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Mark Levinson № 5805 variant 10

Mark Levinson № 5805

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Analog Input Stage


The foundation of the Nº 5805 is its proprietary PurePath signal path- a fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural line-level preamp circuit, for which the Shelton design team has two patents pending. A unique single gain stage mated to a digitally controlled resistor network for volume adjustment maintains maximum signal integrity and widest possible bandwidth. Each of its three stereo line level inputs—one balanced XLR and two single-ended, using custom Mark Levinson RCA connectors—has its own individual high-reliability signal switching relays.


A newly designed Phono stage features a hybrid gain topology, mating key discrete components from the acclaimed 500 Series Pure Phono stage with low-noise integrated circuits for high performance at lower cost. Also like the 500 Series, a hybrid active/passive RIAA equalizer employs precision resistors and polypropylene capacitors for exceptional accuracy and sonic clarity. The user can select MM/MC gain and infrasonic filter from the setup menu, while capacitive and resistive loading settings are easily accessed from the rear panel.


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.


Digital Audio

Building upon the superb analog platform, the Nº 5805 adds equally outstanding digital audio capability with the Mark Levinson PrecisionLink 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. Four digital audio inputs are provided: one 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 5805 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.


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.


№ 5805 Highlights

  • Digital Inputs
  • 1 x USB 2.0, 1 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
  • Analog Inputs
  • 1 x balanced XLR stereo, 2 x RCA stereo, 1 x RCA Phono (MM/MC)
  • HT processor pass-thru mode
  • 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
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Overall Score 93/100

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Deliciously Crispy

Mark Levinson № 5805: compact powerhouse with high-end refinement

The Mark Levinson № 5805 blends robust, controlled Class‑AB drive with a refined, transparent digital and analogue front end. Reviewers at HiFi News and StereoNET note its effortless dynamics, tight, tuneful bass and a natural midrange that keeps vocals immediate while treble stays airy and non‑fatiguing. The unit’s ESS Sabre-based DAC, selectable digital filters and configurable MM/MC phono loading give you granular control and consistent tonal balance across sources. Built like a tank with machined aluminium controls and tidy internals, the 5805 suits listeners who want a single-box high-end solution that can drive demanding speakers and deliver lifelike staging for both orchestral and rhythm music. With wide connectivity and thoughtful engineering, it’s a premium, long‑lived choice for serious systems.

StereoNET United Kingdom

"Think of the Mark Levinson No. 5805 as akin to a velvet glove covering an iron fist."

Pros

  • Effortless dynamics and headroom that drive demanding speakers without strain, delivering controlled, punchy transients.
  • Comprehensive, high-quality digital and analogue feature set — ESS Sabre DAC with multiple filter/up‑sampling options plus a configurable MM/MC phono stage.
  • Tank-like build and premium finish: precise controls, solid chassis and tidy internal layout that inspire confidence.

&

Cons

  • Premium price positioning means strong value only for buyers who need its wide feature set and high build/performance level.

Sound Quality

92/100

Dynamics

93/100

Multiple reviews praise its 'massive punch', 'effortless' dynamics and the ability to remain composed at high levels; measured/claimed power (125W/ch, Class AB) and reviewer measurements support strong headroom and control. Phrases such as 'almost unburstable', 'never runs out of steam' and clear transient definition in percussion/backbeats back a high dynamics score (StereoNET, HiFi News, The Sound Advocate).

Soundstage Imaging

90/100

Most reviewers report a broad, deep and well-layered soundstage with good image focus and placement of vocals/instruments; some note it is slightly less reverberant or expansive than the most diffuse presentations, which can be positive for coherence. Overall it projects a stable, three-dimensional presentation that suits both studio and live recordings (StereoNET, What Hi‑Fi?, The Sound Advocate).

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Build Quality

95/100

The 5805 is repeatedly described as 'built like a tank' with immaculate metalwork, precise controls and tidy internal layout; weight and finish are called industrial-grade and reassuringly solid. Multiple reviewers highlight the high-quality knobs, chassis and internal engineering consistent with Mark Levinson's high-end pedigree (Alpha Audio, The Sound Advocate, What Hi‑Fi?).

Features Connectivity

95/100

Exceptionally well‑specified: high‑quality ESS Sabre DAC (32-bit), wide digital input set (USB-B, coax, 2×Toslink, AES), Bluetooth aptX‑HD, full phono stage (MM/MC with loading), balanced XLR analogue input, twin speaker outputs, USB and USB‑DAC support, remote and Ethernet control/web interface and extensive DAC filters. The unit essentially maxes the features band in this segment (reviews list exact inputs and advanced filter/MC/MM phono controls).

Value for Money

91/100

While clearly a premium-priced product (reviews cite ~€11.5k / MSRP ~ $10.5k), multiple reviewers state that you 'get nearly everything' and that it 'justifies the price' for buyers in this segment — an 'entry-level' Mark Levinson in name only. Sentiment across reviews leans to a justified premium: high performance, strong features and build quality make it competitive vs peers.

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