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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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Professional Reviews 94/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
96/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
93/100
The Nº585.5 delivers effortless authority and a wide, immersive soundstage, pairing deep, tuneful bass with smooth, finely resolved treble. Its configurable Class A phono stage and high-resolution DAC make it a true one-box reference hub, while Mark Gusew praised its low-noise poise and commanding speaker control at any volume.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Powerful, composed amplification controls difficult loudspeakers and remains clean at high volumes.
Exceptionally flexible MM/MC Class A phono stage delivers a huge, detailed soundstage and easy cartridge matching.
Integrated DAC, extensive digital connectivity and low-noise analogue stages provide clean, open, detailed playback.
&
Cons
Its polite, slightly recessed upper treble can sound darker with some loudspeakers, making system matching worthwhile.
The deep, heavy chassis may not fit standard equipment racks and is best handled by two people.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers describe an exceptionally complete and involving presentation, combining low noise, fine detail, powerful speaker control and a large, convincing stereo image. Its essential character is neutral, smooth and composed, though one reviewer found the very top octave slightly polite and system matching can influence the tonal result.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
StereoNET found all analogue and digital inputs remarkably neutral, clean and open, with little added coloration and an evidently very low noise floor. HomeTheaterHifi also heard transparent vocal realism, natural air on strings and a convincing sense of truthfulness to the source.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The amplifier is widely praised for its smooth, detailed and highly musical sound, with an honest bass balance, natural voices and grain-free treble. StereoNET noted a slightly recessed upper treble that can make the presentation darker with some loudspeakers, while another reviewer found achieving preferred system synergy dependent on speaker pairing.
Dynamics
95/100
Reviewers consistently praise the No.585.5's authority, rhythm and control. StereoNET reported effortless command of difficult loads and very loud playback without compression or rising harshness, while HomeTheaterHifi described world-class pace and sufficient power for virtually any domestic speaker.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
HomeTheaterHifi heard a wide, immersive field that filled the room, while StereoNET praised the phono stage for an enormous stage extending well beyond the speakers. The earlier No.585 review found its imaging precise and well defined, although its more focused stages could sound smaller than deliberately diffuse alternatives.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
96/100
Construction receives unusually emphatic praise: StereoNET described immaculate assembly, concealed fasteners and metal finishing among the best available at any price. HomeTheaterHifi found it massive and heavy, and considered it a component capable of providing a lifetime of trouble-free enjoyment.
Features Connectivity
95/100
This is a genuinely comprehensive integrated amplifier, combining extensive analogue and digital connectivity, a high-resolution DAC with USB, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical inputs, and Clari-Fi processing for compressed material. Its Class A MM/MC phono stage is especially flexible, offering extensive loading and gain adjustment from the front panel, plus an infrasonic filter and configurable stereo RCA pre-outs for subwoofer integration.
Value for Money
93/100
At roughly $34,000 to $40,000 depending on market and period, it is a costly proposition, but reviewers argue that its DAC, phono stage, preamplifier and power amplifier performance would cost substantially more as separate components. StereoNET called it a bargain within the Mark Levinson range, while acknowledging that whether it represents good value ultimately depends on a buyer's comfort with the asking price.
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Authorized dealers for Mark Levinson Nº585.5
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Advance Audio — in-store — Wichita, Kansas, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Ambiance Concert — in-store — Angers, Pays de la Loire, France (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
- Audio Affair — online and in-store — Deritend, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Breakthroughs — in-store — Manhasset, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Classics — in-store — New York, United States (website)
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