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Mark Levinson No.526 Preamplifier with Phonostage and DAC - As Traded
Condition: Used. Very good, scratch on chassis rear, some pitting on remote plastic front (See photos)
Includes: Original Packaging and Accessories
SN: 1148
Includes 3 month (90 day) warranty
Overview
Based on Mark Levinson's proprietary Pure Path discrete design, the 526 model is direct-coupled, fully balanced dual-monaural signal path device that provides outstanding clarity and realism.
Within a discrete, balanced R-2R Ladder volume control, a string of resistors, all with identical resistance (R), form the side of the ladder, with another set of resistors forming the rungs, all identically with double the resistance (2R). This unique circuit takes whatever current appears at its input and successively divides it in half at each “rung” of the ladder. Different combinations of “rung” currents can then be selected and added together, precisely delivering nearly any output current, and thereby, volume setting. Analog switches “steer” the currents.
The Class-A "Pure Phono" stage is discrete design, free of op-amps. The Pure Phono stage operates exclusively in class A throughout, employing tantalum nitride thin-film resistors polypropylene capacitors. The Pure Phono stage also contains physically separated channels and balanced inputs for purity. The Pure Phono stage offers a fixed-gain MM section with five capacitive cartridge-loading settings and an MC section with three gain settings and 10 resistive cartridge-loading settings. An infrasonic filter is included to manage rumble and warping.
Housed in a 6000-series aluminum chassis, made from aircraft-grade 6063-T5 extruded aluminum, the 526 is designed and handcrafted in the USA.
The converter chip in the Mark Levinson Precision Link DAC comes from ESS Technologies, with five independent power supplies operating the converter chip alone, and individual linear power supplies for the left and right channels that power the discrete I/V and antialiasing filter circuits.
526 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 accessible via the front panel. The Main Drive Headphone amplifier circuit drives up to 32-ohm headphones in class A.
• Pure Path discrete, direct coupled, fully balanced, dual-monaural signal path
• Discrete, balanced R-2R Ladder volume control for precision and performance
• Class-A Pure Phono stage with physically separated channels for MC and MM
• 32-bit Precision Link DAC with three selectable filters and seven power supplies
• Class-A Main Drive Headphone output for up to 32-ohm headphones using main circuit
• 12 analog, digital, and phono inputs; balanced, single-ended, and headphone outputs
• Supports high-resolution PCM (up to 32-bit, 192kHz) and DSD (up to 5.6MHz)
• Selectable fourth-order, 80 Hz high-pass filter allows seamless integration of subwoofers
• Designed and precision-crafted in the USA
Specification
Inputs: Analog: 3 pairs single-ended (RCA), 2 pairs balanced (XLR), 1 pair single-ended (RCA) phono with grounding post.
Digital: 1 AES/EBU (XLR), 4 S/PDIF (2 RCA, 2 TosLink), 1 USB (Type B).
Analog outputs: 1 pair balanced (XLR), 1 pair single-ended (RCA), 1 ¼" (6.3mm) headphone.
Input Impedance: >45k ohms, single-ended (RCA); >45k ohms, balanced (XLR), 47k ohms (MM phono stage), 20, 33, 50, 66, 100, 200, 330, 500, 1000, or 47k ohms (MC phono stage).
Input overload: >10V RMS (normal gain setting), 7V RMS (high gain setting) for single-ended inputs (RCA); >15V RMS (normal gain setting) or >7.5V RMS (high gain setting) for balanced (XLR) inputs.
Output impedances: 80 ohms (RCA), 160 ohms (XLR), selectable to 3 ohms or 75 ohms (headphone). Maximum output level: >11V RMS single-ended, >22V RMS balanced.
Maximum voltage gain (line stage): 7.5dB/13.5dB or 13.5dB/19.5dB, single-ended/balanced.
Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.02dB; 0.4Hz–370kHz, +0.1/–3dB (line stage); 20Hz–20kHz: ±0.03dB (phono stage).
THD+N at 1kHz (2V RMS single-ended or 4V RMS balanced): 0.003% at 1kHz, 0.005% at 20kHz.
Signal/noise: (wideband, unweighted); >97dB; A-weighted: >100dB; reference to 2V RMS single-ended or 4V RMS balanced, max volume): >115dB at 1kHz.
Channel separation: >115dB at 1kHz. Power consumption: 0.4W in Green Standby mode (default), 5W in Power Save mode, 72W in Normal Standby, 75W On, Idle.
Dimensions: 438mm W by 101mm H with feet, (88mm H without feet), 485mm D.
Weight: 18.6kg
AUDIO CONNECTION QUALITY GUARANTEE
✔️Comprehensive three month warranty on Trade In's*
✔️Passed our checks for functionality
✔️A full inspection noting for any defects
✔️A full completeness check for all included parts and accessories
The Mark Levinson No. 526 stands out for its premium balanced DAC with exceptional resolution and build quality, a benchmark in high-end digital playback that punches above many contemporaries. At AUD 16,800 for an unknown-condition unit, this listing undercuts the recent AUD market median of AUD 17,723 (with a tight range of AUD 17,261–18,184 from comparable sales), marking it a solid bargain if the gear checks out—potentially 5-6% below norm for a tidy example.
Buyers, verify the internals first: inspect for common Levinson power supply cap failures, which can cause hum or dropout after 5-8 years, and confirm the original remote, balanced XLR outputs, and USB/Firewire boards are intact. Age the unit via serial number and test digital inputs thoroughly—skimp here, and that deal turns sour fast.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Mark Levinson Audio Systems originated in 1972 in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, founded by musician and audio innovator Mark Levinson. A professional multi-instrumentalist with a keen ear for sound reproduction, he launched the brand to bridge the gap between studio fidelity and home listening, debuting with the groundbreaking LNP-2 preamplifier—the world's first high-end audio product. Though Levinson later pursued ventures like Cello and Red Rose Music after parting ways with the company in 1980, the Mark Levinson name endures as a cornerstone of American hi-fi heritage.
The brand specializes in premium solid-state electronics, renowned for meticulously engineered amplifiers, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, and digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Its Pure Path circuit design and innovations like the R-2R ladder volume control define a lineup that prioritizes uncolored, reference-level performance. While early offerings included power amps like the ML-2 monoblocks, today's portfolio under Harman International ownership extends to high-end streaming components and turntable-compatible gear, all crafted for audiophiles seeking precision over compromise.
Positioned firmly in the ultra-high-end market, Mark Levinson commands reference status among discerning buyers, synonymous with no-compromise build quality, natural timbre, and benchmark transparency. Over five decades, it has set industry standards, attracting collectors and enthusiasts who value its legacy of pushing sonic boundaries through superior materials and engineering excellence.
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