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Mark Levinson n°39 or dedicated DAC?

Hi,

I currently own a Mark Levinson n°383 (integrated amp) and have been offered to buy a 39 (CD player). A lot of my music is now stored uncompressed on a server and I've been looking for a good DAC for a while now.

The 39 has two digital inputs that would allow me to connect a source (eg. Ipod) and benefit from both my CDs and the stored music.

I know the 39 is not the youngest anymore but I'm still hesitating between buying it or move to full digital with a DAC like the one from Bryston. The 39 would be the perfect match with my 383 but is it really outdated. Technology has not evolved that much (lots of figures but lots of marketing too).

Anyway. What would you do or recommend?

Buy the 39?
Buy a dedicated DAC?
Alternative?
pmichellon
danielk141
489 posts
 
I believe Harman/Levinson does not support the #39 CD player anymore.
Any problems, you have a shiny doorstop.
pmichellon OP
2 posts
 
This support issue is probably the main potential stopper indeed. The person who sells the 39 just got it revised and everything seems to work fine. I know I'd take a risk by buying it. I'm just wondering if the 39 is really as outdated as one could think. I like the analog sound style of the late 90s ML products but what I don't know is if some of the more recent DACs are miles away from the 39 or just different (as in more details, wider soundstage, ...)
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
If the price is right I'd go for the #39 . I've owned a bunch of Levinson gear, not only do they rarely need service but Levinson has always found a solution for any problem , obsolete or not .
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