General Asylum: REVIEW: Mark Levinson No. 334 Amplifier (SS) by Tasos

Model:	No. 334
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$6400.00
Description:	Solid state stereo amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Mark Levinson
Manufacturer URL:	Mark Levinson

Review by Tasos ( A ) on February 08, 2002 at 14:08:56
IP Address: 216.145.231.225

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for the No. 334

I have owned this amplifier now for several months, after auditioning it and several other amplifiers on my speakers, Thiel CS 2.3s.
Quick summary - this amp is fantastic with exemplary build quality and outstanding sound quality. Prior to the ML, I was using a Classe DR-9. For a short period, I used an ARC VT-100 MkII. Both of these amps were good, but the ML just brought the Thiels to a new level.
In particular, notes seem to stand out on a blacker background, as if the noise floor has been reduced. The characteristics of various instruments is so clearly portrayed that nuances are clearly delineated.
The other strong point of the ML No.334 is drive. Compared to the other amps, the 334 makes the Thiels swing with a more present and stronger bass. It's hard to explain, but the music simply moves together much better (I guess you'd call this 'pace').
I auditioned this amp, as well as a Bryston 4BST, Proceed HCA, McIntosh (do not remember the model, but it was solid state) and the new Ayre. The ML was the most expensive and beyond what I originally wanted to spend, but the best on the Thiels. The new Ayre was also very nice, but lacked the drive of the ML.

Product Weakness: hard to move because of weight
Product Strengths: detail and drive; build quality

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	ML No.334
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC LS12
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rega Transport; Mod Wright DAC
Speakers:	Thiel CS 2.3
Cables/Interconnects:	Acoustiz Zen; Analysis Plus
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	Some Foam Panels
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Mapleshade Power Strip
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	hard to move because of weight
Product Strengths:	detail and drive; build quality