Mark Levinson 326S versus the 380S pre-amplifier
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- čas přidán 19. 10. 2019
- We had to make a decision as to a reference quality solid state pre-amplifier for our test system. So please join us to get the inside lane on the race...to the finish line.
www.marklevinson.com/
This review never tapped into the sound quality of this superb preamp. If you were using 0 gain. The key for the sound of the 326S is what gain setting did you use, 0-18db, I own this preamp, and the Mark Levinson 532H the matching amp, on 0db gain lifeless, 6db, very clean and a bit more dynamics, 12db I used for years now dynamics and more weight, kills the other settings. The last one I tried just a few days ago for the fun of it was the 12db settingl. I could not believe this was the same system on the 12db setting, so depending on where you had the 326S gain setting set or the 380S yes, one could sound much leaner than the other. I could live with the 6db gain setting but the 12db gain is the one where this preamp shines and brings music to life. )db gain is lifeless with detail only much like a passive preamp.
Thank for sharing your insights and experiences. If not mistaken the gain was in the 0dB setting, basically due to my balanced DAC having a good (high) analog output level already. If I have another opportunity to have the 326S in my system, I will try the other gain settings.
Very special to have a direct comparison between the two, thank you and I also agree with your assessment. Very special preamplifiers. 🎶👍
Glad you enjoyed it Morne ! Indeed you are also a torch bearer for these reference quality state of the art pre-amplifiers - Olympic standard for sure !
@@TheAudioCouple it will be great if you could review No.32 and No.52 ：0
@@perrywu8552will do our best...to review
I have just bought the no380S to pair with my no 331 power amp. They are a match made in heaven, and the preamp made a huge impact. The music now sounds fuller, more rich and detailed and more relaxed. I was wondering what kind of cables did you use when you auditioned the 380s? Were you using the stock angled power cable? I'm really having a hard timw finding an angled power cord. Best regards!
Hi AMC thank you for your inquiry. Yeah this is the standard challenge related to the 380s, finding the correct angled power connector. Luckily for me our local electronic store had the correct cable and connector....and I used it...for a while. Wish you successful hunting for the correct connector. Apologies for the late reply...
Hello Audio Couple, do you have an idea where I could buy the internal phono cartridge for my 326S…. Do you have one?
please review the ifi zen blue bluetooth dac its a very affordable and capable dac
Hi myplayguestify yes sure will do my best to realise.
Hi again guys! I own a ml 331 power amp and a hugo2 dac with built in volume control. Do you think that it would be a good ideea to buy a no 380s preamp? Will it sound better with or without the preamp? Thank you very much!
Yes, absolutely
@@TheAudioCouple Thank you very much for your answer.
Do you like the 5 series power amp?
H David thank you for your inquiry. Yes I do especially the H versions - they retain all the ML qualities but are more fleet footed in comparison to previous generation of ML power amplifiers...
@@TheAudioCouple so the 532h was a good amp?
@@davidn8656 hi David it is an excellent amp 👌
Hello , any thought on Levinson vs Classe
Hi, I prefer the ML, but the latest version of the Classe Pre is also a masterpiece of engineering...👌
@@TheAudioCouple . What power amps do you use in your home setup may I ask please
@@jitrapornpha5104 hi again, thank you for your inquiry...haha they change quite often but currently VTLs and MLs
@@TheAudioCouple thank you
We sali dei due hai preferito?
For ultimate fidelity the 326S for a full sound 380S
could you sell the 380S to me? i come from china,thx
Hi thank you for your interest and inquiry. I just sold it yesterday - but perhaps you are in luck. I sold it to a company HFX systems which advertised it on their pre-owned site. Thus it is still for sale. You can access their site here. hfxsystems.co.za/pre-owned/. I am sure they will assist to help you ship the unit. Enjoy the music.
@@TheAudioCouple THANK U,best with
Hello,
why you do not let us listen your cnice combination system ?
you talk to much man !!
Regards
Hi @george, I want you to come and visit to listen to the system. But I hear you.
Much better of spending that money on professional studio equipment than this audiophile rubbish.
Mokta abdul- It is your money and you can spend it any way you want. If others want to spend their money on "audiophile rubbish" let them do it.
Crap jnk rubbish. Not detailed, more dead dull soft warm dark side.
Much better of with Yamaha pure neutral sounded than paying overpriced Overhyped rubbish
Mokta abdul well it don’t matter with your radio shack 6.9 speakers HAHAHHA