2. amps-preamps
  3. 180728-151049

Will a New Amp Sound Better Than My ML333?

I have a Mark Levinson No. 333 amplifier that we bought new over 25 years ago. It was repaired by an authorized service facility 5 years ago. I do not know whether the facility performed any restoration beyond the needed repair, which was fairly extensive. The ML333 is my main amplifier today, as it has been since we acquired it.

Anyway, I generally believe that new technology is better than old technology, so I have been wondering whether I should consider replacing the ML333.

Will, for example, two Benchmark AHB2's in mono mode, or a Bryston 4B3 offer a sonic improvement over the ML333?

If I "upgrade," the amp must have the possibility to be the last amp that I ever buy and must not restrict my possible choice of speakers in the future.

 

128x128mcdonalk
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 

If you don't listen you have no idea if a change is an upgrade for you or not.

Having said that, it may be good to get the amp recapped if it hasn't already.

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

to erik's point, what i said below assumes the levinson amp is working properly, fully performing to spec

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

No, a sideways move at best.

tuberist
951 posts
 

Great amp you have

ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

Amps have sonic character. If you were to buy another Mark Levinson of equal or greater level it would probably have the same character, but with much better performance. For much of the last 40 years I had Pass amps and found a significant (worthy of spending money) every ten years. I would think ML would be the same.

If you are changing brands then the character is going to change, maybe a little maybe a lot. My tastes have changed dramatically over the decades as I have been exposed to much more live acoustic music and recognized the emotional connection that my system lacked. This caused me to change my approach to amplification. Mark Levinson is a very respected brand, but I have always found it lacking in emotional connection. This certainly does not mean you will.

 

I think you are in a great position. Not in a hurry to make a change… basically pretty happy. Time to browse. Take your time and listen to different alternatives. You have the luxury of not doing anything unless something sounds great. Go listen to Boulder, Pass, Audio Research, and a couple more.

If you are not near dealers make a couple “audio” trips to the city… spend the night, make appointments at high end shops to listen. Take your wife… dinner, go hear some live music. Make it fun for both of you.

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