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After a long, long sleep: ML-335

I’m the current caretaker for my pop’s (RIP) Mark Levinson ML-335. It has been in its box for 25+ years and I’d like to put it into my current system. (ARC SP11 Mk2/Acoustat 1+1) After sitting for so long I’m a little leary of just installing it and throwing the power switch. 

Am I being overly cautious or not paranoid enough?

Thanks! 

Happy listening  

 

128x128musicfan2349
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,570 posts
 

That’s a gorgeous amp. I recommend sending the amp to ML’s authorized service center for complete check-up before you insert in your system.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Fire it up, its an amp, not a land mine.

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,241 posts
 

Have it looked at first.  It's an expensive amp to repair so a little caution is warranted.  It doesn't have to be an ML service center.

gs5556
1,236 posts
 

Don't plug it in and turn it on. You will need to invest in a Variac. Set the Variac to 5 volts (AC) and turn on the amp and leave it at that voltage for at least six hours and then increase the voltage in 10 volt increments, with each increment at least two hours. This process will reform the power supply filter capacitors, which after 25 years are almost certain to be "dried out".

Or you can recap the amp. Pyramid Audio was quoting $1400 for cap replacement more than five years ago. 

 

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