Someone here I would think has an opinion on the 27.5 I would hope. I know its one of their best amps ever but worth it overall? They didn't have the cap issues like the 300 series. |
Pyramid Audio in Austin Texas serveres ML, you might try and contact them and ask, 512-458-8292
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Thanks tecknik I will check into it. |
Mark Levinson 27.5 is by far the best amp I have ever owned.
I have owned (not just tried)......
- BAT VK-55 all tube
- Levinson 331
- Audio Research VT-100 II
- Pass Labs X250 (worst)
- Bel Canto EVO 4 gen II
- Gamut D200
- Many others
The 27.5, although an older design (Circa 1992), beats them all by a large margin. It allows the listener to view into the performance better than any other with no grain or hardness to the sound. All other amps seem to contribute some type of coloration to the sound of the music. The 27.5 seems to remove all barriers that may restrict the pleasure of listening.
This one is a keeper and I will have it until I die.
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Thanks for the reply Ernie. You and I obviously have great tastes in amps lol. I bought your VK-55 and purchased a gently used 27.5 couple of weeks ago and totally agree. There is no grain or edginess to the sound. Just pure music. I have had a smile on my face every time I listen to it. I have had several amps over the years and the 27.5 has been my favorite. Funny you think the Pass X250 is the worst because again I agree. Had one on loan and couldn't stand the midrange. The bass was great but maybe my speakers which I consider neutral were NOT a good match. The Pass needs a very warmish speaker IMO. |
Hey Sam. I did not realize this was your thread. Congratulations on your purchase of the 27.5! A very smart move! Isn't it strange that such an old amp like the 27.5 beats out most of the current high end stuff? Are you keeping the VK-55? The VK-55 is better than all amps that I've listed but I believe the 27.5 is better than the VK-55 overall. However, I think the VK-55 has more bloom in the lower midrange...great for female voices. Yes, you are right about the Pass. It is initially impressive but does not hold up in the long run due to it's brightness and hardness.
Hopefully you will keep both amps, they are both great amps. |
I'm glad I finally saw a thread where someone mentions the Pass Labs amp in the way you two have.
A long-time and consistent sacred cow. Had one once. Tried to juggle things around it. Ultimately could not for the life of me understand where all the adoration comes from. A solid state amplifier for people who think they know what a tube amplifier sounds like, except they don't. One of the easiest pieces to unload, and I couldn't have felt happier about that. Not the worst amplifier I've tried, but a COMPLETELY overrated product
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Same with Pass Class A amps ? |
Ernie I am keeping the VK-55. It’s like the best of both worlds. Tube magic which the 55 is very romantic and the 27.5 "just sounds right". Sorry Conrad Johnson haha :) Everything about it puts a smile on my face. I feel very fortunate to have both and plan on keeping them around for quite awhile. If anything were to change it would be upgrading the VK31SE. BAT preamps seem to be a fantastic match for ML amps so I would think further up the chain could only get better but for the near future I am content. Power cords at the moment are what I am working on to achieve the tone and overall sound I am looking for. The Synergistic Black 10 gauge on both amps for not a lot of money is a great match. Thank Joe at the Cable Company for his recommendation.
As far as Pass amps the only two I have heard are the 150 and 250 and not impressed at all. So trelja I do understand the frustration. Well built and beautiful to look at but ear bleed for me also. The older Threshold Class A amps I have not had the pleasure of listening to one in my system.
It seems the new wave of amps are going digital along with built in dacs and room correction. Personally I think technology is great but there is nothing like looking at a nice beefy ass amp whether it is tube or solid state driving your speakers with authority. I’ll take a 85lb solid state or 60 lb tube amp any day of the year :) No disrespect trust me however, I am old school evidently :)
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@inna, yes, I had the Pass Class A amplifier. And, supposedly, the best sounding of the lineup
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That's very sad. I think, American solid state amplification can no longer compete with European and maybe even Australian. Some might say it never could. I don't know this but even if they are right the gap appears to be widening. |
That's very sad. I think, American solid state amplification can no
longer compete with European and maybe even Australian. Some might say
it never could. I don't know this but even if they are right the gap
appears to be widening.
If you go to Europe or Australia they are all lusting for American muscle SS amps. You always think your neighour's grass is greener. |
Had the 27.5 and yes it was a very good amp. Not the world's best or hidden treasure of high end but still very respectable. AB against a Soulution poweramp and while it lost out it was not too far behind. Moved on since long time ago and not look back.
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That is a very respectful comment for the 27.5. Which Soulution amp did you compare it against?
Testpilot I think the US market has gravitated to smaller one box solutions in recent years as real estate has skyrocketed resulting in audiophiles in crowded or expensive locations to downsize. They do not want to have larger and heavy components taking up space. Class D has come a long way but I still don't think it has reached transistor based SS sound quality. Just my opinion :) |
The US still has the largest average living space compared to the rest of the world (perhaps Australia is larger, but the point is the same)
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That may be true but I am referring to crowded high priced areas such as San Francisco, New York, etc...Smaller living spaces that people don't want bigger gear stuffed in tight spaces. My main point of reference is someone who lives in the Bay area and has been an audiophile for years with tons of friends who have downsized. Hey more muscle amps on the market for us haha :) |
Any user comments on 331 vs 27.5? |
