Any thoughts on Mark Levinson No. 585.5 Integrated amp

[Darrel]

I've been thinking of going to a integrated amp in my system. I really like the Gryphon Diablo 300 for many reasons. But, ran a cross a 585.5 integrated on Audiogon just a five hour drive and a boarder crosssing. I've never owned any ML equipment. But, reviews and reputation that I remember gives ML really high marks. Anyone own or have any experience with the 585.5? It comes with a DAC and phono in the box.

[GSOphile]

Darrel, I have a Diablo 300 driving my S3 MkIIs and love it (replaced an old but excellent ML No 331). Levinson seems to have regained much of the cachet they lost following their Madrigal days, but I haven't heard the 585/585.5. If I were looking for an alternative to the Diablo 300 for a little less money, I'd probably be looking first at a Pass Int-250 or a Luxman L-509X.

Good luck in your quest.

[bluegrassphile]

Darrel, I have a Diablo 300 driving my S3 MkIIs and love it (replaced an old but excellent ML No 331). Levinson seems to have regained much of the cachet they lost following their Madrigal days, but I haven't heard the 585/585.5. If I were looking for an alternative to the Diablo 300 for a little less money, I'd probably be looking first at a Pass Int-250 or a Luxman L-509X.

Good luck in your quest.

All the amps mentioned above are superb.

[Darrel]

I've read on the Luxman and the sound quality is said to be very very good. I'm not in love with the looks however. And it doesn't have one of my biggest needs or wants. And that is duel sub outs. The Diablo and ML allow for easy sub hookup. The Pass Labs may allow for it if the RCA output can be used. I hanen't read on this yet. Thanks for the help so far.

[Mike]

Darrell - Diablo 300 gets my vote!


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[Darrel]

Mike, if were just about a vote. The Diablo wins. But, my budget is around 10K. I’ve been looking in the used market and if I find a pristine Diablo I’ll move to it. I’m patient and have plenty of time. But, if I see something else. I’ll check into it.

[Mike]

Mike, if were just about a vote. The Diablo wins. But, my budget is around 10K. I’ve been looking in the used market and if I find a pristine Diablo I’ll move to it. I’m patient and have plenty of time. But, if I see something else. I’ll check into it.

Let me check with Jock. He just went back to all NAIM separates, so he might be selling his Diablo.


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[Darrel]

Much appriciated Mike. Also tell Jock that he is one of my favorite members and people!

[Mike]

Much appriciated Mike. Also tell Jock that he is one of my favorite members and people!

Oh no, we can’t tell him that!


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[Mr Peabody]

The 585 won't have the muscle of the Bryston but the preamp section will best the NAD. The DAC and phono stage in the .5 version are very good. The sound is transparent, quick, nothing is rolled off but such a lack of distortion the highs are smooth. I'd love to hear a Levinson set up on Magico.

The 5805 for less money is outstanding, the amp section is based off the 534 topology opposed to the 585 based off the 532h. I haven't heard feedback but after hearing the 5805 I suspect it could hurt the 585 sales. The 5805 is 125x2 but doubles down.

Now if the Diablo comes along in your range I don't think anyone will question your choice.

[Darrel]

Thanks Mr Peabody. From what I’ve read on ML separates that’s why this integrated caught my eye. It doesn’t have the power of other integrated amps. But, sonically great control without adding anything. I’ve only heard ML best amps some years ago. But, I liked what I heard. Good information.

[UltraFast69]

Much appriciated Mike. Also tell Jock that he is one of my favorite members and people!

Now I’m chopped liver


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[Darrel]

Now I’m chopped liver


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No Ed, I'd say your one of my favorite people and shark members!

[the professor]

Are you CRAZY????

Much appriciated Mike. Also tell Jock that he is one of my favorite members and people!

[the professor]

I do want to sell my Diablo 300 w Dac

PM me if you're interested. It's on the N Oregon Coast so we could meet somewhere instead of any shipping. It was great on the Magico's M2s.

I do have the original box et al.

[Darrel]

Sorry Ed, looks like Jock is back on top. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. And no shipping required. Thank you Mike for pointing Jock my way.

[Mike]

Sorry Ed, looks like Jock is back on top. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. And no shipping required. Thank you Mike for pointing Jock my way.

You’re very welcome. I’m sure you’ll love it.


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[UltraFast69]

I do want to sell my Diablo 300 w Dac

PM me if you're interested. It's on the N Oregon Coast so we could meet somewhere instead of any shipping. It was great on the Magico's M2s.

I do have the original box et al.

Boy that is perfect match for Darrel!


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[Darrel]

Thanks Ed, I'm really excited. Now I need to decide if I need the Lumin T2? So many tuff decisions.

[Mike]

Thanks Ed, I'm really excited. Now I need to decide if I need the Lumin T2? So many tuff decisions.

Doesn’t Jock’s Diablo have an internal DAC?


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[Darrel]

Doesn’t Jock’s Diablo have an internal DAC?


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Yes the Diablo 300 is with the DAC. I'm just wondering if my Lumin T2 needs to be in the path. Since I'm not using a preamp to amp any more I can use the Cardas XLR cable from the Lumin T2 to Diablo 300 inputs.. But, I would be bypassing the added DAC of the Diablo. Or I can use one of the audio outs from the T2 to the DAC of the Diablo. And have the T2 set to bypass any processing as I do now to the NAD M12. What would you suggest Mike?

[Mike]

Yes the Diablo 300 is with the DAC. I'm just wondering if my Lumin T2 needs to be in the path. Since I'm not using a preamp to amp any more I can use the Cardas XLR cable from the Lumin T2 to Diablo 300 inputs.. But, I would be bypassing the added DAC of the Diablo. Or I can use one of the audio outs from the T2 to the DAC of the Diablo. And have the T2 set to bypass any processing as I do now to the NAD M12. What would you suggest Mike?

USB out from T2 to Diablo DAC. XLR from T2 to XLR input of Diablo. Have two DAC’s to choose from.


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[Darrel]

That is probably the best starting point. I can decide after some time which works best or sounds best. Thanks

[kzhtoo]

You’ll love Diablo 300. Congrats on scoring one of the best integrated amps on the market.

[UltraFast69]

USB out from T2 to Diablo DAC. XLR from T2 to XLR input of Diablo. Have two DAC’s to choose from.


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Agree, unless it’s a concern with budget.


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[Darrel]

Thanks KZHTOO. I may have to change my photo to match yours. Most Diablo 300s I've seen on the market and here are sold without the DAC. That was a incentive to pay more.

Ed, thank you for worrying about any budget. I have several USB cables to play with. I'll need about 1.5-2.0 meters to run from the T2. I have a rather inexpensive generic cable that will serve for a very short term.

I should have the piece in house by this coming weekend.

[kzhtoo]

Thanks KZHTOO. I may have to change my photo to match yours. Most Diablo 300s I've seen on the market and here are sold without the DAC. That was a incentive to pay more.

I’ve never tried the internal DAC, but reportedly it is very good. I’ll be interested in your findings regarding Diablo internal DAC vs. T2’s internal DAC.

[Darrel]

I'll post my impressions after everything is up and running.

[bluegrassphile]

I’ve never tried the internal DAC, but reportedly it is very good. I’ll be interested in your findings regarding Diablo internal DAC vs. T2’s internal DAC.

Had a chance to audition both DACs and I had a very slight preference for the T2 DAC vs the Diablo internal DAC. But it's strictly a matter of taste. I thought the T2 sounded, umm...fatter? Kind of like a steak that has a little more marbling throughout vs one that's a little more lean? I can't put it into words very well I guess. If I heard them side-by-side again I could possibly change my mind. Obviously, they're both outstanding DACs.