Rationalizing the Mark Levinson ML-40


I have read a little about the first Mark Levinson home theater processor, which, if nothing else, is certainly the most expensive unit [to be] available.

As one tries to move toward "the best there is", diminishing retuns set in--ergo, the need for rationalization.

I am interested in the thoughts of others about this product. Is it incomparable? How close is "next best"?

Thank you.
128x128jmeyers
Thanks for the input Sdrconsultant, where were you able to demo the No40 ? The CII is better and superior in which way ?
Please, the Theta Casablanca 2 is nowhere near the product of the ML-40. In fact, meridian and lexicon better it and by a wide margin. The ML 40 was set out to be a reference piece. 2 seperate boxes with the best technology available today. Levinson took all of the knowledge from their high end preamp (15k) and seperated the video from the audio. Harmon Kardon owns lexicon and the new Levinson will also have logic 7 making it the king of the hill in audio, video and digital processing. Is it overpriced, absolutely. Is it the best available, no question about it.
I dont think anyone can justify this product, you just have to love this hobby to the point of obsession. I myself have over 250 thou in my system and would not even consider the 40. just too expensive for me at this time, also when you get the latest and hopefully best its not long for it to be bettered by something else usually for less money. striveing for excellence is very enjoyable but difficult to ever completely achieve since were always trying to do better, Now if money were not an object and in my situation would want at least 5mil in the bank, i would buy it in a heartbeat,but not there yet so i myself have to look on the side lines and dream. although my system as a package just like many others systems could even sound better than with the 40 in it. it would sure be nice to play with mega dollar pieces,thats my rational ,like you said lot of money for that extra tenth or even less just like my drag car.
regards mike..
Wait a sec hotrod, you have $250K of gear in your system and you are calling a reference video processor that costs $30K overkill that includes both state of the art audio and some pretty great video processing capabilities? You are calling the 40 diminished returns? And your 250K system didn't meet the law of diminishing returns already? Your comments make little sense...
A well equipped Muse MAP does all the ML 40 does for half the price...

MAP = Modular Audio/Video Platform.

http://www.museelectronics.com/map_home.html

Coming to a theater, and AND/OR a two channel store near you soon.

Brian@Hello.lt