Mark Levinson 5805 Analogue & Digital Integrated Amplifier – Demonstrating Now

Description

Analog Input Stage

The foundation of the Nº 5805 is its proprietary PurePath signal path- a fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural line-level preamp circuit, for which the Shelton design team has two patents pending. A unique single gain stage mated to a digitally controlled resistor network for volume adjustment maintains maximum signal integrity and widest possible bandwidth. Each of its three stereo line level inputs—one balanced XLR and two single-ended, using custom Mark Levinson RCA connectors—has its own individual high-reliability signal switching relays.

A newly designed Phono stage features a hybrid gain topology, mating key discrete components from the acclaimed 500 Series Pure Phono stage with low-noise integrated circuits for high performance at lower cost. Also like the 500 Series, a hybrid active/passive RIAA equalizer employs precision resistors and polypropylene capacitors for exceptional accuracy and sonic clarity. The user can select MM/MC gain and infrasonic filter from the setup menu, while capacitive and resistive loading settings are easily accessed from the rear panel.

Amplification

The fully discrete, direct-coupled, class AB amplifier channels get their power from an oversized (500+ VA) toroidal transformer with individual secondary windings for the left and right channels. The voltage gain stage employs a topology directly descended from the acclaimed Nº 534 amplifier, which is mated to an output stage comprising two high-speed driver transistors operating in class A and six 260V, 15A output transistors. Two Thermal-Trak devices in a unique configuration guarantee stable output bias regardless of load or temperature. Four 10,000-microfarad capacitors per channel, located directly on the output stage circuit board, easily provide enough current for a conservative 125W/channel at 8 ohms, nearly 250W/channel at 4 ohms, and stable operation down to 2 ohms. Variable line-level RCA outputs allow system expansion and flexibility.

Analog Input Stage

The foundation of the Nº 5805 is its proprietary PurePath signal path- a fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural line-level preamp circuit, for which the Shelton design team has two patents pending. A unique single gain stage mated to a digitally controlled resistor network for volume adjustment maintains maximum signal integrity and widest possible bandwidth. Each of its three stereo line level inputs—one balanced XLR and two single-ended, using custom Mark Levinson RCA connectors—has its own individual high-reliability signal switching relays.

A newly designed Phono stage features a hybrid gain topology, mating key discrete components from the acclaimed 500 Series Pure Phono stage with low-noise integrated circuits for high performance at lower cost. Also like the 500 Series, a hybrid active/passive RIAA equalizer employs precision resistors and polypropylene capacitors for exceptional accuracy and sonic clarity. The user can select MM/MC gain and infrasonic filter from the setup menu, while capacitive and resistive loading settings are easily accessed from the rear panel.

Digital Audio

Building upon the superb analog platform, the Nº 5805 adds equally outstanding digital audio capability with the Mark Levinson PrecisionLink II DAC. The latest generation ESS Sabre 32-bit D/A converter with jitter elimination circuitry and a fully balanced, discrete current-to-voltage converter form the heart of the digital audio processing stage. Four digital audio inputs are provided: one coaxial and two optical S/PDIF, and one asynchronous USB for playback of high resolution PCM (up to 32 bit/384kHz) and DSD (up to 11.2MHz) files. The No 5805 includes MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, which enables playback of MQA audio files and streams. A Bluetooth receiver equipped with aptX-HD enables the highest quality Bluetooth playback available.

Control

System integration and communication ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, IR input, and 12V trigger input and output. A newly designed, solid aluminum IR remote is included with the Nº 5805. Finally, an internal webpage allows setup, import and export of configurations, and software updates using a PC and standard web browser. In addition, third party drivers are available.

Bold new industrial design

Robust materials, lavish finishes, and striking geometry are hallmark attributes of Mark Levinson designs. The one-inch thick, bead-blasted, black-anodized, solid aluminum front panels are machined and contoured to flow seamlessly into the sleek glass display, which itself is recessed into a clear-anodized aluminum bezel.

The iconic Mark Levinson hourglass knobs are redefined – machined with a gently curved profile transitioning into a rounded front, with feet to match. With debossed top cover vents, screen-printed logo behind the glass panel, and aluminum buttons, no detail has been overlooked. An elegant 5000 Series custom aluminum IR remote control is included.

Highlights