Mark Levinson 331 or McCormack .5 Rev. A

Hi John; The 331 actually runs pretty cool-- Don't remember about use of banana plugs though. Re: Chuck's comments on the 331. I shouldn't have made it sound like I was bashing the 331, which I didn't intend to. The 331 is a beautiful well built amp, but in my system, the McCormacks were just more musical. At the time I had a Sony XA7 CD player, Muse Model Two DAC, SF Line 2 pre-amp, and very good Syn. Res. ICs and spkr. cables. As I now have ML 37 transport and 360S DAC, the 331 may work better, but I'm so happy with the DNA-2DX that I'm not motivated to try anything else. Hopefully you can audition the 331 and let your ears be the judge. Cheers. Craig.

Hi Jla - I am not familiar with the McCormack amplifiers, but I have been using two M-L 331s in bi-amp mode with Vandy 3A Sigs for a number of years. I think that this set-up works very well. Certainly, the Vandys liked to be bi-amped: base, resolution and soundstaging all improved. I always left my M-Ls on standby when not in use. It is true that the M-L amps take spade lugs; they have some very nice plastic handled knobs that are great to use in tightening without over-tightening.

Thanks Kweifi, But does the 331 allow for the use of banana's? In my case Nordost Z-Plugs.

They will not work with the zplugs. You can send your nordost cables back to the factory for re-terminating.

Hey John: To answer your questions about the 3" clearance for ventilation, no problem. I have my 331 on the bottom shelf of a Salamander cabinet. I have the sides on the cabinet. I have about 3" and have not had any problems. The amp runs cool. As for the 331, it is a great amp. However, I have to agree with Charlie. What is up front makes a great difference. But, just as important is the fact that I don't anybody that hears the same. What may sound good to me may not sound good to you. Therefore, you need to make the judgement yourself, with your equipment and cables. By the way, just to let you know my 331 is listed for sale, however, it appears that I have been under priced by other 331's lately....that is what makes this a great site, power of competition. Good luck on your decision. PJ