2. amps-preamps
  3. 1154092665

Levinson 20.5 monos - Time for a Refurb?

I bought my Mark Levinson 20.5 pure class A mono blocks new in 1990. I loved them for their sound and still do. They have been 100% reliable and I have never had them back to the Levinson or my dealer for anything.

However, they are 16 years old now and except for my Magnum Dynalab tuner, they are the only thing I have not replaced in my system.

Being pure class A amps they run pretty hot.

Question is, is it time I should consider having them checked out, refurbished, capacitors and the like replaced, etc?

If so, who should I consider for this work? Levinson? They are not what they used to be when they designed and made these amps, and I'm not sure they are up to the same quality work they did back then or whether I should trust that their parts will be as good as the original. Someone else? But who?

Has anyone been through this or does anyone have any thoughts about this they can share with me?
Ag insider logo xs@2xcipherjuris
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,517 posts
 
Ed, I believe that would be 'tube' (singular), no? Do you know if there's somewhere Mr. Lamm explains the technical reasons for this particular design decision? I've always been curious about that.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cipherjuris OP
145 posts
 
Good question, Nsgarch. I have not read all of his interviews, but it is not answered in FAQ on his website. An Audiogoner wrote somewhere in the discussions section that he bought the M1.2 hybrids and then had thoughts about selling them and buying one of the all tube Lamm mono block sets. He said he called Vladimir to discuss the matter with him and then said he could not repeat what Vladimir had told him but he did want to say that after the conversation he decided to keep the M1.2 hybrids.

singular or plural regarding the tubes is a matter of definition. If you are talking about just one mono block, it is singular as each mono block has one tube for the second stage.

My own thoughts about hybrids have been to try to get the best of both worlds: SS for the attack and tubes for the extension and decay of the note.

I certainly like the sound of the Lamms in my system and they are going to keep getting better for awhile during the break-in of the PAD Aqueous Anniversary speaker cable.

But if I have not said it already, I'll say it now -- and if I have, then I'll say it again, the difference the SRA Craz racks made is an even bigger difference than the Lamms have made. Who would have thought that isolation racks would make an even bigger difference than a major component upgrade!

Best,

Ed
herman
1,974 posts
 
Sorry, just playing the devil's advocate. I envy the fact you even have a dealer.

I would hold on to the Levinsons for a while and do a long term comparison. What is initially intoxicating can become less so over time.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cipherjuris OP
145 posts
 
Nothing to apologize for, Herman. But I must tell you I have a lot of confidence in Lamm's products.

Ed
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Ed: I agree with Herman you have to wait a little more time.

I can't see any technical or design advantage between the Lamm and the 20.5, as a fact the 20.5 has some advantages over the Lamm.

I own 20.5 and 20.6 that I modifyed and compare with the best today amps ( almost ).

Btw, which speakers do you have?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
More to discover