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Mark Levinson No. 36 DAC & High Resolution Files

Hi

Still have a Mark Levinson No. 36 DAC which is sounding very good in spite of its age - it actually sounds more analogue and warmer than the DACs of today.

I have been outputting FLAC's from a Squeezebox Duet to it via the BNC input on the 36 and it has been playing fine. Recently, I have been thinking of buying higher resolution files. The 36 only goes up to 24/48. Would higher resolution files work on it and how would they sound? I presume they would be downsampled to or only play at 24/48.

Thanks
mikey8811
ts0711
91 posts
 
Danger Will Robenson!

From what I've read the W44 dac2, while being a great player is going to be far more digital sounding than the Levinson. If you like the analog sound of the 36 keep it and spend your money elsewhere.

Tim, you should hear the 360 with tube amps... Pure bliss.

Tony
mikey8811 OP
259 posts
 
Is there any DAC capable of higher bit rates so I can play files of 24/96 and higher resolution you would recommend that has a similar analogue sound of the Mark Levinson?
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
You might look into PS Audios Perfect Wave DAC it will decode any high rez files, and I replaced my Levinson 30.6 DAC with it and never looked back.
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
Mikey .. I did not try the Wyred 4 sound . My #360 displays 24/96 when HDCD's are being played .
mikey8811 OP
259 posts
 
OK thanks. The 36 only goes up to 20/48. I guess the 360 is quite future proof given its vintage considering most Hi Res files are 24/96.

Which ones did you try?

I will try to audition the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC.

I also read about the new Musical Fidelity M1 DAC. That is a lower end DAC but reviewers compare it favourably to the Weiss 202 DAC.
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