I just got the new Mark Levinson 512

[pfslai]

I'm curioius to know whether you compared the ML 512 to Krell evolution 505?
Thanks

[Lefisc]

Pfslai,

Here is where I sort of fail as a high end customer. Yes, I did hear the Krell 505, however not on a “cast” system. However, I did not (and could not) hear it using the same equipment as the ML 512.

What I am saying is that I did not give the 505 the full test run. To me the Levinson 512 had a quieter sound (meaning an unbelievable no noise in background) and the upper end was a more detailed and accurate. The bass, especially on the SACD discs, was also more detailed and real.

I was not able to A/B them, but after hearing he ML 512 it did sound better. Again, it took me a while to get used to such a clean sound.

[pfslai]

Originally Posted by Lefisc

Pfslai,

Here is where I sort of fail as a high end customer. Yes, I did hear the Krell 505, however not on a “cast” system. However, I did not (and could not) hear it using the same equipment as the ML 512.

What I am saying is that I did not give the 505 the full test run. To me the Levinson 512 had a quieter sound (meaning an unbelievable no noise in background) and the upper end was a more detailed and accurate. The bass, especially on the SACD discs, was also more detailed and real.

I was not able to A/B them, but after hearing he ML 512 it did sound better. Again, it took me a while to get used to such a clean sound.

Where I live (Toronto, Canada), it's almost impossible to do an A/B comparison since no dealer carries both. Supposedly, I was told that some manufacterers will only allow dealers to carry one brand or the other and not both.

In my limited experience in the past, I have found that Krell tends to have more slam while Levinson is quieter with more detail. After I update my surround sound processor, I would be planning on upgrading my ML 380 for possibly the ML 32 or Krell evolution 202.

[Lefisc]

We have the same problem here, with dealers not carrying “competitors.” However, in the past, dealers had components on display and allowed you to take them home for an overnight (provided they can charge these on your credit card.) Unfortunately, I had no local ML dealer. The nearest Krell dealer was so far that it made taking it home impractical, which he would not allow to do anyway.

My conclusions about Krell and ML are very similar to yours

[wes]

Originally Posted by Lefisc

We have the same problem here, with dealers not carrying “competitors.” However, in the past, dealers had components on display and allowed you to take them home for an overnight (provided they can charge these on your credit card.) Unfortunately, I had no local ML dealer. The nearest Krell dealer was so far that it made taking it home impractical, which he would not allow to do anyway.

My conclusions about Krell and ML are very similar to yours

Yes it sucks when even in a very large town you only have one dealer he has you randsom if you want that brand unless you are willing to drive two hours but for a $1000 saving I will drive

Levinson is no longer made in the US same with Krell, you guys have a great brand up in Canada called Classé

[pfslai]

Originally Posted by wes

Yes it sucks when even in a very large town you only have one dealer he has you randsom if you want that brand unless you are willing to drive two hours but for a $1000 saving I will drive

Levinson is no longer made in the US same with Krell, you guys have a great brand up in Canada called Classé

So where is Krell and Levinson made in now a days? I looking for a AV processor and if Krell is not made in US then maybe I'll buy Anthem D2V.