We had to make a decision as to a reference quality solid state pre-amplifier for our test system. So please join us to get the inside lane on the race...to the finish line. www.marklevins...
This review never tapped into the sound quality of this superb preamp. If you were using 0 gain. The key for the sound of the 326S is what gain setting did you use, 0-18db, I own this preamp, and the Mark Levinson 532H the matching amp, on 0db gain lifeless, 6db, very clean and a bit more dynamics, 12db I used for years now dynamics and more weight, kills the other settings. The last one I tried just a few days ago for the fun of it was the 12db settingl. I could not believe this was the same system on the 12db setting, so depending on where you had the 326S gain setting set or the 380S yes, one could sound much leaner than the other. I could live with the 6db gain setting but the 12db gain is the one where this preamp shines and brings music to life. )db gain is lifeless with detail only much like a passive preamp.
Thank for sharing your insights and experiences. If not mistaken the gain was in the 0dB setting, basically due to my balanced DAC having a good (high) analog output level already. If I have another opportunity to have the 326S in my system, I will try the other gain settings.
I have just bought the no380S to pair with my no 331 power amp. They are a match made in heaven, and the preamp made a huge impact. The music now sounds fuller, more rich and detailed and more relaxed. I was wondering what kind of cables did you use when you auditioned the 380s? Were you using the stock angled power cable? I'm really having a hard timw finding an angled power cord. Best regards!
Hi AMC thank you for your inquiry. Yeah this is the standard challenge related to the 380s, finding the correct angled power connector. Luckily for me our local electronic store had the correct cable and connector....and I used it...for a while. Wish you successful hunting for the correct connector. Apologies for the late reply...
Glad you enjoyed it Morne ! Indeed you are also a torch bearer for these reference quality state of the art pre-amplifiers - Olympic standard for sure !
Hi again guys! I own a ml 331 power amp and a hugo2 dac with built in volume control. Do you think that it would be a good ideea to buy a no 380s preamp? Will it sound better with or without the preamp? Thank you very much!
Hi thank you for your interest and inquiry. I just sold it yesterday - but perhaps you are in luck. I sold it to a company HFX systems which advertised it on their pre-owned site. Thus it is still for sale. You can access their site here. hfxsystems.co.za/pre-owned/. I am sure they will assist to help you ship the unit. Enjoy the music.
H David thank you for your inquiry. Yes I do especially the H versions - they retain all the ML qualities but are more fleet footed in comparison to previous generation of ML power amplifiers...
Crap jnk rubbish. Not detailed, more dead dull soft warm dark side. Much better of with Yamaha pure neutral sounded than paying overpriced Overhyped rubbish
