Mark Levinson 39

Whoa, chas, what scintillating wit and repartee!

Sure put that pesky, agressive question asker in his place dincha?

Very impressive indeed. Nothing like the internet to take out your misplaced angst and venom risk free. The net is a virtual playground for insecure jerks

Problem is, with posts like that, you come off sounding like a moron with a chip on his shoulder. Chill, or go take some prozac. See a thread or post you don't like? Ignore it, or is that too difficult for a feller like you?

As for the question asked... The 39 run direct will afford greater resoltion across the frequency band, more dimensional imaging and a blacker background than the combination you mention, IMO.

I was using the 39 and the $7k Thor TA-1000 together. One day I became curious what direct would sound like and the next day the TA-1000 went up for sale. I lost a little tube bloom and air, but the heightened rez, slam and spatial characteristics were worth the trade off. If I were to make a suggestion, I would recommend you experiment with some tubed amplification downstream from that combo. Could be the best of both worlds. Good luck with your purchase.

Sorry Lev, but I'm with Chas. I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes to audio, and I have come to rely on much of the information shared on this site. There are many experienced, intelligent, and giving individuals here. Sure, many are biased to a certain brand, for whatever reason. Yet it seems most approach other's opinions and comments with an open mind. However, in your case, you are so single-minded that I need not even read any of your replies, they all say the same thing, ML is great, anything else sucks! That type of attitude detracts from the actual purpose of these forums. If I've been too harsh I apologize. I believe your experience and love of this hobby makes you a very important addition here, but without flexibility and an open mind your opinions regarding anything but comparing Levinson products head to head is useless. I'm sorry I don't feel qualified to comment on your technical questions. Continued good listening.

Lev335, my understanding from Madrigal's website is that the No. 39 embodies a No. 380 preamplifier in it as its volume control. As such, it would seem unnecessary, and probably redundant, to use it with the No. 38 preamp, which is an earlier model as well. If you are going CD only and don't need the preamp for other sources, I would think you would be happier running the No. 39 without the preamp.

Samuel:

May I direct your attention to the thread "Upgrade Advice" dated 3/12; and the thread "My Mark Levinson System Help" dated 4/9. It's said the man who forgets history is doomed to repeat it, it appears the man who doesn't know history is doomed to make a fool of himself. Well done!

As to your psychological diagnoses and proclivity to prescribe medications (regardless of how inappropriate they may be for the malady you misdiagnosed), you would be well served to get the requisite education before playing Doctor on the net. But thanks for your concern.

Lev - have you considered mail order for the 39? I gotta believe there's a dealer somewhere out there that would give you a decent return policy, particularly on this level of gear. (But really, you know what you want, stop agonizing and go for it!)

chas