Mark Levinson 326S with Nelco board

According to Harman there are no sonic differences between Arlon 25N and Nelco N4000-13 SI. However, at least one source shows Nelco as less expensive than Arlon (see 1st link below).

The data also reveals that while Nelco has slightly better dialectric properties than Arlon, Arlon has superior loss characteristics. I'm not an engineer so I won't even speculate as to how these differences potentially relate to performance in a high-end preamp.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb4943/is_12_25/ai_n31346925/pg_3/
http://www.trackwise.co.uk/www/materials-performance.html

You can also find full data sheets for each product here...
http://www.integratedtest.com/products/pcb-fabrication/laminates/index.php

Not sure why the change (I didn't ask), but it would be interesting to know
if any folks out there (including Levinson dealers) have compared the two.

Happy Listening!

My skeptic self would say costs as with most anything else.

Just spoke to Richard at Harman....he says no sonic differences, with the Nelco actually being a little more durable. The change was made due to stricter regulations abroad....hmm, I also think costs come into play here.

RoHS compliance plays a large factor here (lead free), which is now mandatory everywhere I believe.  Besides, I believe that the Nelco 25N has been replaced by an RoHS complant product.

Is the Nelco board used in the No.585 integrated amp?