Mark Levinson 333.5 vs Emotiva XPR-1 Monoblocks

Levchappy, I suppose the question now would be how hard would it be to replace the 333.5, if it turns out that you don't like the Emotivas? If the answer is,not hard at all,then perhaps you could take the chance and risk only the return shipping on the Emotivas.

If the answer is that it would be difficult and/or very costly, I'd take a step back,let some time pass and see if the urge to try something new wanes.

I am only making the comments that I am making because, although I am a bang for the buck kind of guy, I was also very impulsive in my not so distant youth. I have screwed myself more than once looking for something different, when what I had was already good.

Bravo Tonyangel, very well said!

I am ALSO one of those lunkheads who think Mark Levinson gear sounds really good. Plus the poster states he had his amp updated (a 333.5 is already an updated product to begin with). I don't know what an Emotive product can or can't do, but ML can make music. So does Pass Labs Rowland Boulder Krell (yes, Krell) Halcro VTL Audio Research etc. But ML has been AND REMAINS in this class of components. These companies like to show you what their gear looks like when you remove the top cover and for good reason. Compare that with a Marantz receiver from the 70's (a decent product, no question) but you CAN SEE as well as HEAR the difference in build quality and superior parts.
And if this stuff is a bit too expensive there are many companies that make components that sound pretty darn close to the major leaguers, but they have thinner cases, less power reserves, less expensive circuit boards, etc. Just don't pair 2nd tier stuff with a very sensitive (as in detailed) speaker- unless you plan to upgrade later on when you have more money saved up.
If you want a better ML amp get a newer ML amp. I can highly recommend a pair of 33H monoblocks- an amazing amplifier if you can get someone to sell you a pair. that's just one suggestion.

This is getting good!, I agree with French Fries! uhh? @ French Fries, why did you post yes, Krell, as if Krell subject to bad reviews or something!, I have a Krell 700cx amp,however, It is at krell getting up-dated and renewed!, everthing, I am doing all that because you would have to spend a hell of alot more money by eany other brand to better this amp, they say the evo E amps are better, LOL!, they are so damn ugly I have not brought myself to go and listen to one, Ha,Ha!, I really do not have to have the best, just an amp that really makes me Happy, cheers!

Dear Audiolabyrinth,
in regards to Krell equipment, i guess it was that whole Fabio craze that seemed to create a bit of superficiality and "muscle-amp" promotion that Krell did not deserve but could have avoided just the same. I owned an FPB-300 myself for quite awhile and it threw a big stage and sounded wonderful to my ears.
A Rowland dealer told me the amp sounded "like crap" but consider the snobbish attitude he had about anything he didn't carry in his shop.
I am not so sure the Evo line is so terrible as you seem to imply.
Nor for that matter is the D'Agostino gear as good as certain reviewers seem so
impressed by. I think the fancy little meter on the front tells me to look elsewhere...