Refurbish a classic amp or replace it?

if it works, why fix it ?
the small amount of $ you get for it will be silly compaired to the cost of a new amp which may not sound any better.

If you really want a new amp buy one, and keep the ML for a back up. (And I would strongly recommend listing to tubes instead of another flavor of SS )

Hello and happy new year ...

I have the same thoughts ... I have a ML 23.5 and I just love it ... even to the point of taking it to the next level. I am looking at $2500+ to bring it to the "next level” I have emailed a few members who had their classic Levinson amps re-caped and the signal path "upgraded". They were all pleased - some even blown away. I have been waiting for the moment when I know it's time. Like was stated above ... I love the way it sounds now so why risk an upgrade? I am also looking at a Pass Labs (X250.5) but I will want to try one out first. I like the idea of bringing in the second amp and spending a few months making up my mind. Then I will sell off the second place finisher. Unless … I love em both (gulp) dreaded Tiger Woods syndrome.
However; if I do the Levinson upgrade - it's going to be somewhat of a marriage at least for 5-10 years and I expect much longer. I have very small speakers right now (ProAc Response D Two) but man does it sound good to me. I am sipping vino as I type and listening to the Beatles remasters. I bought the ProAc’s just to prove to myself that they are not all they are cracked up to be. I was heading towards Dynaudio C1’s but wanted to be sure … at this point I’m not looking back. I found a good combo. I even bought a McIntosh MC275 MkV and ran it for a few months … not even close. In my setup the Levinson put it to shame. Not sure why – I know the Mac is a great amp and the fellow I sold it to was very pleased. As most of you know … you put the right components together and for some reason the synergy just happens. Sure there is some logic to it but it’s also somewhat of a crap shoot. Everyone’s ears are different I guess.

So,
The name I was given was Joseph Chow and the company was Component Plus, USA. I hear he does very good work and I intend to write him this/next year and get his thoughts. Honestly … I will probably go for it in a year or two and seal the “relationship” with the 23.5. I worry a little about being able to get parts and the knowledgeable hands to do the upgrade. If it all lines up – I say go for it. If I am missing something … feel free to pipe in. I’m sure there are other mod guys out there who specialize in Levinson. It can’t hurt to get as many opinions as possible.

Hope this helps ... I vote you bring the Levinson back into FULL glory.

I would pass on the refurbish.Keep it,or sell it and upgrade to something newer.The part that isn't replaced may fail too.

I take a know what your are getting approach. Hold on to and not upgrade the ML3. Seek a replacement that you can bring into your system and hear via a dealer that will give you a loaner. Once you have 'better' sound, buy it and sell off the ML3. Most people I know that have done upgrades of their own equipment have been disappointed and felt the value was not good.

Joseph Chow is a good source for upgrades. I believe he also has a Mark Levinson amp in his system. Also, remember that most electronics that are 20 years old or more probably need to have their electrolytic caps replaced due to the old caps life expectancy running out. Electrolytics have also improved a bit over the last 20 years, so if done right, your amp should come out better than when new. If you like the Levinson sound now, a little refurbishing and upgrading will be a very cost-effective approach versus buying another amp.