2. amps-preamps
  3. 1351347112

Levinson 23.5 - I think I need a new toy.

Being a die-hard tube guy, I haven't used a ss amp in my main system for many years; except a brief stint with Meitner 101's which are now in a weekend home system. A friend wants to sell his Levinson 23.5 for what seems like a very very good price (cheap!). It is in terrific shape, hasn't been used nor abused much, and is one of the few ss amps that really picqued by interest (based on reviews) back when I was still on the fence re the tubes vs ss thing. I figure, what the hell; I can always sell it if I can't stand the ss-itis. It would be powering one of two sets of speakers; either Paragon Regents (easy load transmission line), or Stax electrostats (brutal load).

I welcome any thoughts re this amp. Reliability, desirability, resale, sonic experiences, etc. Thanks.
frogman
microstrip
180 posts
 
The ML23.5 was a great amplifier, but most probably will need a full recap, as all the electrolitic capacitors have lost most (or all) of their capacity. It is a very compact unit with several PCBs in layers and it will be a lot of work.

The ML23.5 is significantly better than the 27.5 or the 23, but is an old fashioned sound - you will need a matching preamplfier that will impart some life to the system.

I have to say that the only amplfier of this family I would love to own is the ML20.6 - a very different amplifier.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
No solid state-itis with the 23.5. It is one of the best sounding solid state amps made, but I recommend you use it with the matching ML preamp. I would not worry about a recap. See if you like it. It is a great amp. The 20.6 Microstrip mentioned is Class A monos costing much more than the 23.5.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
I respectfully disagree. The class-A Krells of the 80s-early 90s run rings around the Levinson.
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
Another respectful disagreement, I always found the Levinson's better than the Krell's, past and present.
As far as the 20.6's that Microstrip mentioned, there probably one of the best amps ever made regardless of technology, but are only a 100 watts and run hotter than any tube amp I've owned.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Well I never found any of the ML amps to sound dark. I find them neutral or true to the source. I have owned the 27, 27.5 (step up from 27 and sounds more extended), 334.5, and ML-29 (sweet 50 wpc amp). There are a lot of ML haters here so take advice with a grain of salt. Also it depends on your speakers. Are they dark, neutral or cool sounding? I also in the past find that the 23.5 if priced fair will sell very quickly.
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