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Any update on Mark Levinson 5000 reliability?

Searching has not been fruitful. I know that the ml 5805 (analog/digital) integrated has serious reliability issues, but those were 2019/2020/2021 units from what I can tell. Does anyone know anything more recent? It was also suggested that the 5802 (digital) version did not have the same problems. I think I would be most interested in that version. I'm hunting for any news at all! 

By weight and components, this should be a very powerful and reliable integrated amp. The digital/firmware world is wreaking havoc on the electronics lifecycle. There is an Ayre EX-8 2.0 for sale here, super interested, but I cannot imagine a 24lb (digital I think) amplifier is going to drive like the ML ~70-ish lb Class A/B amplifier.

Note - I did ask ML directly. No help at all. They gave me a canned response to reach out to a dealer... I am working with one, but they cannot answer the question either. 

smoothtech
smoothtech OP
8 posts
 

Understood Patrick. I would not assume that either... just that the ML is impressive compared to the Ayre in stature. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,193 posts
 

There are so many better, less problematic units out there for similar or less monies 

why put that reliability thing to chance as I stated with so many quality alternative's

sergeyshikanov
2 posts
 

I've been using ML 5802 for over a year, no technical issues at all, the sound is rather analytical but paired with Tannoy Ardens gets me the sound I want.

Good luck!

smoothtech OP
8 posts
 

Thanks, Sergey... I can buy one for close to dealer cost (like new) from a dealer friend. Most recommendations being made are for integrated amps that would cost $3-4k more. In mint condition, this seems like a great integrated amp for $5k. 

viethluu's avatar
viethluu
90 posts
 

Mark Levinson amps sound mostly very good, but it is very hard and expensive to recap or service (and you have to do full recap for your amp every 20-30 regardless of brand). I used to own ML 23.5 and ML 333. The cost of servicing for those amps are any where between $2400 and $2600 not including shipping from and to the service center. 

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