Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Mark Levinson No. 334 Amplifier (SS) by Hammer77B@AOL.COM

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 Hammer77B@AOL.COM on April 04, 2003 at 12:11:02
IP Address: 12.159.180.253

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for the No. 334

I've been using the 334 for about one month now and I'd like to give you my impressions. I use it with the ML 38S Preamp, Proceed CDP and Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home speakers (90 dB sensitivity), Cardas wiring all around. I listen to 60's rock, folk, soundtracks, new age, jazz and some classical music.

I traded up from the Bryston 4B-SST amp to the ML 334. This review is not a slam against the Bryston, the 4B-SST is a fantastic amp! The system synergy was/is simply better between the 38S, CDP and 334, as to be expected. And in the end, I believe that it's about the music and getting the best from your system.

The Bryston sounded a little brighter than the 334, however the 334 is clearer/cleaner sounding with less glare.

While the bryston has tons of bass the ML 334's base is somehow grounded better. It feels more robust and has greater depth. Additionally, there was no artificiality or over emphasized base.

Overall the 334's midrange is to die for, and after all that's where, what, 60+ % of the music is anyway. The mids are liquid silver fast, with warm golden simmering tones. The 334 puts out a fantastic sound stage, I played the new Pink Floyd DSOTM, cd layer, not sacd layer, and wow, I don't know if it's the last track or second to last track on that album, but, it felt as if the musicians were in the room with me. The voices were portrayed realistically, with character and body!

The 334 has been discontinued by ML and replaced by there 400 series amps. If your in the market for a solidly built amp with great sonics please give it an audition.

Product Weakness: 125 wpc may not be enough for some systems
Product Strengths: Liquid mids, solid base, not flabby, deep dark background!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	ML 334 125 wpc
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ML 38S
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	CDP-Proceed
Speakers:	Sonus Faber Grand Piano's 90db
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas throughout
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	60's rock, folk, jazz, soundtracks and some classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	N/A
Time Period/Length of Audition:	35 days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	125 wpc may not be enough for some systems
Product Strengths:	Liquid mids, solid base, not flabby, deep dark background!