Opinions On Mark Levinson No. 36 DAC Repair

Levinson left me "orphaned" with am $8k Model 35 DAC. They wouldn't upgrade it (although that was one of the promises made to sell it to me in the first place), because they discontinued the piece and service was horrific and expensive.

It was a bad time for Levinson and I hear they may be better now, but I've never done business with them again and got rid of two other pieces of Levinson at the same time, b/c of their repair policies and costs.

I'd go with more up to date technology, anyway.

I had my 36 repaired by Levinson repair guys at Harmon. You *will* pay within about $50 of the "it won't cost anymore than $XXX.XX no matter what's wrong with it" price. Mine turned out to just have a few bad electrolytic caps due to age in one analoge section, but they did replace a number of like caps throughout the entire unit. The repair cost was over $700.00, and it will cost you even more if you don't return it in the correct Levinson box, because you will get it back in the correct Levinson box. If I had to do it again, I would seriously consider using a capable third-party repair shop for about half the price of what I paid.

It is a shame that ML (Harmon)no longer services their equipment at the factor. They have (3) authorized repair centers around the USA, Calif, Tx, NY.
I'm looking to have my ML 20.6's sent to HEAR (High end audio repair) or Musical Concepts to fix them.
If you like the ML sound get it fixed by a 3rd party.
Some people do not like the sound of ML equipment some do. There is always something better sounding out there.
When I called ML to get new shipping boxes for my 20.6's (after much delay) they sent me new boxes without charging me for the boxes or shipping.
If anyone has good luck with 3rd party repair shops for ML equipment please let me know.
Thanks
Joe Nies

I have had non-warranty repair work done by Ben Jacoby at HEAR and this man is second to none....would not hesitate to ever have him work on any of my equipment. This guy knows his stuff...and is VERY honest about what he does.

Thank you Garebear for the input.
Joe Nies