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Help - Mark Levinson Owners

I am considering replacing the stock power cords on my Mark Levinson equipment and would like to get feedback on what other Levinson owners are using. To give you the full picture, my equipment consists of ML 32, ML30.6 and ML 31.5. I have a 20amp dedicated line using Beldon cable with Wattgate plug. I then have the three components running thru a Transparent PowerIsolator IV. I have two additonal 20amp dedicated lines with WattGate plugs for my Krell FPB 350MC monoblock power amps. They are also running thru seperate Transparent PIXL's. My cabling is all Transparent Reference XL and the speakers are Dynaudio Temptations. I want to maximize my system and get the most from it (ie dynamics, soundstage, presence).I like jazz, rock and new age. I am very happy with my equipment but am interested in seeing what powercords can offer. Thanks for your input.
piperdan
cello
645 posts
 
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Look at BMI Sharks or Whale Supreme. They are terrific on Levinson and reasonable priced. Buy one used, if you like it, contact Brian Introcaso at BMI ( bmicables@aol.com).
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In my system and for my ears, I prefer the BMI Sharks over the Shunyata Black Mambo that I had for a while and the Shark was head and shoulders better than the Black Mambo.
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What ever you do, replace the stock Levinson cords. That is a no brainer. Make sure that you allow for sufficient break in time on a new power cords (100-500 hours +).
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It is probably worth buying two used power cords and doing some comparative listening before diving into buying a bunch of power cords. I would suggest that you continue to try one used cord at a time and continue till you find your favorite. You can always sell the used power cords for more or less what you pay for them. Just be patient.
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Please let us know how it all turns out.
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Good Luck & Rgds,
Larry
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
I have almost the same system and have used Synergistic Research cables with excellent results.
sonic_genius
528 posts
 
Well if the newly announced Pure Note Paragon power cord is better than their old Sigma, I would check that out. I have one on order but it will be a month before I can evaluate it. Price was $375 for 2m. FWIW.

http://www.purenote.com
larryi
3,804 posts
 
I have found that a really top-flight power cord is not necessary for my Ref. No. 32. I use a decent Essence cord, but substituting a Shunyata did not make that much of a difference (then again, the front end is plugged into a Hydra). I may be the case that the regenerating power supply of the Ref. No. 32 minimizes power supply issues. For almost all other front end equipment, I find the Shunyata cords to work extremely well.

I've also generally heard good results with NBS power cords, but, if you think the Shunyata Anacondas are expensive. . .
cello
645 posts
 
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I have a NBS Statement power cord that is excellent and both the BMI Shark and Whale Supreme were dramatically better than the NBS. The Shunyata Black Mambo was good but was not even close to being as good as the NBS.
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I think that BMI Sharks, Whale Supremes and Orca's are by far the best value on the market and outstanding power cords in their own right.
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