Mark Levinson No.523 Dual-Monaural Pre-Amplifier

The Mark Levinson № 523 is the definitive preamplifier for the analog music lover. Six line-level analog and phono inputs travel through the Mark Levinson proprietary Pure Path discrete, direct-coupled, fully balanced, dual-monaural signal path for breathtaking purity and performance. With precision control including a discrete, balanced R-2R Ladder volume control, class-A Pure Phono stage, and class-A Main Drive Headphone output, the № 523 preamplifier delivers an uncompromising performance regardless of analog source. Housed in a 6000-series aluminum chassis, like all Mark Levinson equipment, the № 523 is designed and handcrafted in the USA.

Product Highlights:

• Line stage gain, normal gain setting 13.5dB balanced; 7.5dB single-ended
• Line stage frequency response, 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.02dB
• Line stage frequency response, 0.4Hz to 370kHz +0.1 / -3dB
• THD+N @ 1kHz (2VRMS single-ended or 4VRMS balanced output) <0.003%
• Signal-to-noise ratio (ref. to 2VRMS single-ended or 4VRMS balanced, max vol) >115dB @ 1kHz
• Crosstalk @ 1kHz <-107dB
• Channel separation below noise floor (>115dB @ 1kHz)
• Input impedance >45kΩ
• Output impedance <80Ω single ended, <160Ω balanced
• Maximum input level, normal gain setting >10VRMS, single ended, >15VRMS, balanced
• Maximum output level >11VRMS single ended, >22VRMS balanced
• Headphone output impedance selectable; <3Ω or 75Ω
• Headphone maximum output, low impedance setting, 30Ω (0.3W), 20 to 20kHz, <0.1% THD >3VRMS
• Headphone maximum output, low impedance setting, 300Ω, 20Hz to 20kHz, <0.1% THD >9VRMS
• Headphone THD+N, 20Hz to 20kHz, 2V RMS <0.03% @ 30Ω, <0.01% @ 300Ω
• Analog inputs 2 balanced (XLR), 3 single-ended (RCA) line, 1 single-ended (RCA) phono w/ ground
• Analog outputs 1 balanced (XLR); 1 pair single-ended (RCA), 1 headphone (¼”, 6.3mm TS)
• Control connectors Ethernet (RJ45), RS-232 (RJ12), Trigger In and Out, IR In, USB-A, Mini USB
• Mains voltage 100VAC, 115VAC, or 230VAC, factory set
• Power consumption 0.4W Green Standby, 5W Power Save, 67W Normal Standby, 70W On, idle
• Dimensions (WxDxH) 17.25” x 18” x 3.75”
• Weight 39 lbs.
• Our 30-day money back guarantee

Completing the Signal Path
The № 523 offers five line-level analog inputs: two balanced (XLR), three single-ended (RCA), in addition to the Pure Phono (RCA with grounding pin) input. The preamplifier delivers its signal to balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) stereo outputs, as well as a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Main Drive Headphone output integrated into the front panel metalwork – a first for Mark Levinson.