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Mark Levinson Nº585.5
Evolution
The Mark Levinson Nº 585 has swept up best in class awards and countless accolades around the world, and is now widely regarded as perhaps the finest integrated amplifier ever made. Now, the Nº 585.5 redefines the playback quality of a classic medium; by adding the same Pure Phono stage found in the award winning Nº 523 and Nº 526 preamplifiers taking the reproduction of any source material to new heights of realism.
Architecture
The foundation of the No 585.5 is its fully discrete, mirror-imaged, dual-monaural analog circuitry featuring individual signal switching relays for each of its five stereo inputs: one XLR and three RCA plus a Stereo Pure Phono stage. Volume controls use discrete R2R ladders and low-noise analog switches for the widest possible bandwidth and maximum signal integrity. The fully-differential Class AB power stage includes an oversized 900VA toroidal transformer with individual secondary windings for the left and right channels.
Amplification
Each elegantly simple amplifier channel utilizes twelve output transistors and multiple smaller local capacitors that allow them to be placed physically closer to the amplifiers for greater transient response when power is needed immediately. This robust architecture results in a conservative power rating of 200W per channel. System integration and expansion are possible using the stereo RCA pre-outs which can operate full-range or with an included switchable, second-order, 80Hz crossover filter allowing for seamless integration into 2.1-channel systems with powered subwoofers.
Pure Phono: Class A for a Classic Medium The Pure Phono stage is a discrete design with no op-amps and operates exclusively in class A throughout, employing tantalum nitride thin-film resistors and polypropylene capacitors with exceptionally low tolerances.
A fixed-gain moving magnet (MM) section with five capacitive cartridge-loading settings, and a moving coil (MC) section with three gain settings and 10 resistive cartridge-loading settings ensures optimization for any cartridge. And an ultrasonic filter intelligently compensates for rumble and warping. The Pure Phono stage also contains physically separated channels and balanced inputs for sonic purity.
Audio Chassis
Building upon this superb analog platform, the Nº 585.5 adds equally outstanding digital audio capability. An ESS Sabre 32-bit O/A convertor with proprietary jitter elimination circuitry and fully balanced, discrete IN circuitry forms the heart of the digital audio processing stage. Six digital audio inputs are provided including one AES/EBU, two coaxial and two optical plus a USB audio processor capable of asynchronous data transfer of high resolution DSD and PCM files at up to 192kHz/32 bits resolution. For low-resolution audio formats, proprietary Clari-Fi'" signal processing reconstructs information and bandwidth lost in compressed file formats restoring them to higher fidelity.
Control
System integration and communication ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, IR input, and 12V trigger input and output. An iconic Mark Levinson custom cast aluminum system IR remote is included with the Nº 585.5.
Construction
The chassis of the Nº 585.5 utilizes card-cage architecture to isolate critical low-level analog and digital circuitry from the power supplies and amplifier modules. The steel and aluminum construction features internal amplifier heatsinks and Mark Levinson's iconic black and silver anodized aluminum front panel with its intuitive twin-knob control system and unique red display. A newly designed 3-piece anodized brushed aluminum top cover exudes durability, elegance and quality.
Nº585.5 Highlights
- Pure Path Phono pre amp – a discrete design with no op-amps and operates exclusively in class A throughout
- High resolution sound from class A/B amps
- Ethernet, RS-232, IR and 12V trigger ports
- Fixed-gain moving magnet (MM) section with five capacitive cartridge-loading settings
- 4 analog inputs
- Discrete analog circuitry throughout
- Mark Levinson extruded aluminum remote
- Moving coil (MC) section with three gain settings and 10 resistive cartridge-loading settings
- 6 digital inputs: USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF
- 200W at 8 ohms; 300-350W at 4 Ohms
- Ultrasonic filter intelligently compensates for rumble and warping
- 32-bit/192khz performance, including DSD over PCM via USB 80 Hz high-pass option allows proper operation of a 2.1-channel system
- Designed and handcrafted in the USA
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Mark Levinson Nº585.5 — flagship integrated amplifier
The Nº585.5 marries a muscular Class AB power stage with a world-class digital and analogue front end. Reviewers such as Jim Clements and Mark Gusew praise its transparent, musical presentation: taut, tuneful bass, a detailed, sweet midrange and a polite, well-controlled top end that yields expansive, precise imaging. The built-in ESS Sabre DAC and an exceptionally flexible, discrete Class‑A phono stage give the 585.5 reference-level performance for both digital and vinyl sources. Its 200W/ch output, low noise floor and refined dynamics make it effortless with demanding speakers, while the hand‑built chassis and premium mechanics underline long-term reliability. Ideal for audiophiles seeking an all‑in‑one flagship that competes with separates, it’s especially compelling where space or system simplicity matters.
Pros
- Transparent, highly musical presentation with wide, precise soundstage and controlled, tuneful bass supported by a very low noise floor.
- Exceptionally configurable, discrete Class‑A phono stage (multiple MM/MC loading and gain options) that delivers large, detailed soundstaging for vinyl.
- Powerful, low‑noise amplifier section (200W/ch) with effortless dynamics and speaker control, able to drive demanding loads without compression.
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Cons
- Large, heavy and deep chassis that can be difficult to fit into standard racks or smaller installations.
- Upper treble is slightly polite/rolled‑off on some systems; careful speaker pairing is recommended to avoid a marginally darker balance.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
92/100
With a Class AB topology and 200W/Ch (8Ω) reviewers report 'endless power supply', effortless control, and ability to drive difficult loads without harshness or compression. Comments like 'plenty of power', 'plays loud, really loud' and 'world class pacing' justify an excellent dynamics score in line with the amp's power/topology expectations.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Reviews repeatedly praise wide, deep and realistic soundstaging ("filled the room and swirled around my head", "huge, well outside the boundaries of the speakers") with precise imaging and inner detail, particularly from the phono stage. The consistent reports of broad, well-defined staging support a high score here.
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Build Quality
94/100
Build is described as pinnacle level: heavy, hand-crafted USA construction, immaculate metal finishing and an oversized 900VA toroidal transformer supporting the Class AB stage. Reviewers note long-term reliability expectations and premium mechanical quality, meriting a near-top build score.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Exceptionally well equipped: high-quality ESS Sabre DAC, comprehensive digital inputs (AES/EBU, multiple coax/optical, USB), fully featured MM/MC phono with extensive loading/gain options, balanced I/O (RCA & XLR), stereo pre-outs with programmable sub crossover and onboard Clari‑Fi processing. The unit essentially integrates world-class DAC and phono sections plus flexible I/O, so it rates at the top of the allowed feature range.
Value for Money
91/100
Several reviewers call the 585.5 highly competitive for what it delivers ("match up against anything near its price point", "bargain in the Mark Levinson product line up") and note you would otherwise spend far more to replicate its combination of DAC, phono, preamp and power amp. Given mixed/varied MSRP references but consistent praise that performance justifies the price, it scores as a justified premium.
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