Mark Levinson Unveils No 600 Series: A New Chapter in High-End Audio Components

Mark Levinson’s No 600 series raises the bar with cutting-edge preamplifiers and amplifiers designed for audiophiles craving pure, precise sound.

A Fresh Take on an Iconic Legacy

If you’ve ever wandered through the halls of high-end audio dreams, the name Mark Levinson rings loud and clear. This American audio legend has just debuted a new series of Reference Level components — the No 600 lineup. The first stars to hit the stage are the preamplifier No 626 preamplifier and the stereo power amplifier No 632 stereo power amplifier, with monoblocks No 631 expected later this summer. And for the truly devoted, a source component is slated for release next year.

Mark Levinson has always been synonymous with colossal power amps, but it all started humbly with preamplifiers. The brand’s journey kicked off with the prototype LNP-1, followed by the professional LNP-2. Then came the JC-2, aimed squarely at high-end aficionados and named after company founder John Curl. The ML-1 was the first device to proudly wear Mark Levinson’s initials, and of course, the ML-2 power amplifier soon followed, cementing the brand’s powerhouse reputation.

No 626 Preamplifier: Precision Meets Musicality

The No 626 preamp carries this rich legacy forward, evolving ideas from iconic models like the No 320 and No 32, still hailed as some of the finest preamps ever crafted in the high-end world. What’s new? A fully balanced “dual mono” architecture, which means from the power input on, the unit splits into two independent symmetrical channels. This clever design slashes channel interference and elevates signal purity to an art form.

Special care has been lavished on the power supply — digital and analog sections are completely separated, with robust, isolated power blocks reducing noise and interference. The No 626 is no lightweight either, boasting a nearly 49 cm depth, a ventilated top panel for heat management, and a classy red LED-lit model designation that strikes a perfect balance between understatement and presence. Mark Levinson’s goal here is crystal-clear transparency, razor-sharp accuracy, and preservation of every delicate musical nuance.

Connectivity and Digital Brilliance

This preamplifier doesn’t just excel in analog; it’s also geared up for the digital age. The No 626 offers two pairs of balanced XLR inputs alongside three pairs of unbalanced RCA inputs. Vinyl lovers get a treat with a dedicated class A phono stage supporting both MM and MC cartridges.

On the digital front, the gear is equally impressive — an AES/EBU port and asynchronous USB-C input come standard. The star of the digital stage is the new Precision Link III DAC, built around the ESS Sabre ES9039PRO 8-channel Hyperstream IV chip. This powerhouse combines Mark Levinson's bespoke discrete signal processing and jitter suppression circuits to keep your digital music smooth and lifelike. And yes, headphone lovers aren’t left out; there’s a dedicated output ready to drive your favorite cans.

No 632 Stereo Power Amplifier: Classic Design, Modern Muscle

The No 632 amplifier is made to be the perfect match for the No 626 preamp. Its design pays homage to several classic Mark Levinson models — open radiators reminiscent of the No 300 series, the rounded contours of the No 336, and a striking glass front panel echoing the No 53. Just like the preamp, it uses a balanced "dual mono" configuration for ultimate channel separation.

At its heart sits a custom-made 1900 VA toroidal transformer, expertly isolated both mechanically and electromagnetically to keep hum and noise at bay.

Within the amplifier, filter capacitors totalling a hefty 80,000 μF per channel keep the power supply rock steady. The design employs minimum internal feedback and maintains a high quiescent current, enabling the amp to deliver clean, powerful sound. Each channel boasts 12 wideband bipolar output transistors, pushing 250 watts into 8 ohms across the full audio spectrum (20 Hz to 20 kHz) with total harmonic distortion under 0.3%. Crank it to 4 ohms, and that figure doubles to a whopping 500 watts per channel. The amp is also stable down to a challenging 2-ohm load, promising a rare blend of strength and musical grace.

Pricing and Availability

For those ready to invest in sonic bliss, the new series carries a high-end price tag reflecting its exquisite craftsmanship and performance:

• No 626 preamplifier: Approximately $26,500 USD
• No 632 stereo power amplifier: Approximately $29,000 USD
• No 631 monoblocks (pair): Around $73,900 USD

With the monoblocks expected this July and other sources on the horizon, the No 600 series is already shaping up to be a milestone in Mark Levinson’s storied history.

“Such an approach should ensure maximum transparency, accuracy, and preservation of the tiniest musical nuances.” — Mark Levinson

Conclusion: A New Era of High-End Audio Excellence

Mark Levinson’s No 600 series proves that tradition and innovation can dance beautifully together. Whether it’s the meticulously engineered preamplifier or the mighty amplifiers, this lineup delivers on every promise of delivering pristine, emotionally engaging sound. For audiophiles who chase that perfect snapshot of music’s soul, these components might just be the next holy grail.

FAQ

• What makes the No 626 preamplifier special?
  It features a fully balanced dual-mono design, separating the channels from the power input for reduced interference and enhanced clarity.
• Which digital inputs does the No 626 support?
  It includes AES/EBU, asynchronous USB-C, and a new Precision Link III DAC with an ESS Sabre chip for top-tier digital performance.
• How powerful is the No 632 amplifier?
  It delivers 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling to 500 watts into 4 ohms, with stability down to 2 ohms.
• What is unique about the No 631 monoblocks?
  They offer even greater power and refinement, coming later this summer to complement the series.
• Are these components suitable for vinyl enthusiasts?
  Absolutely, the No 626 includes a class A phono stage compatible with both MM and MC cartridges.

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