Levinson Amp Experts, I need your help please

Why are you considering an amp change? Are you having reliability problems with the Pass or is the heat the only issue?

All the best.

I'd consider going to the 334/335/336 series. I own a
335 and am very pleased with its performance. I
previously used a Levinson 27.5 and the 335 is definitely
more powerful. The earlier 331/332/333 series has
been criticized for being lean, analytical and lacking
in bloom/air. The later series is allegedly superior,
though I've never owned the older models.

If you like Levinson and your are willing to take a gamble on the future of the company (service) I would go with the 334/335/335 series. I owned a 332 for 2 years and I ended up switching the amp out for something else. I think clinical is a very good word for describibg the sound.

I own Levinson equipment, both the 336 and the new 436 monos. I'm involved in some service issues, but after talking with HSG's Jamie Cohen I know things will be resolved for the better. Have confidence in buying Levinson equipment as they are part of Harmon International, the largest audio comglomerate in the U.S. I believe. Corporate is also dedicated to fixing the current state of Levinson. About the sound, well the 332,334,and 336 were great amps. Maybe some of the best ever. I do like my 436 monos better than the 336, and the 436 have been getting great reviews buy Absolute Sound, Stereophile, and Audio Revolution. They amps are very accurate almost chemeleon like in not have a sound of their own. They sound like the source. There are huge differences from CD to CD. My friend's Krell, (which I like too.) has a specific sound that is heard from CD to CD, the Levinson equipment does not have this effect. I believe this trait is what people remark about as being analytic. I call it accurate, because when everything else in the chain is right these babies sing. So if you like this sound, there are some good buys on Audiogon and I wouldn't hesitate.
Good listening,
Steven

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