Levinson 23.5 - I think I need a new toy.

I respectfully disagree. The class-A Krells of the 80s-early 90s run rings around the Levinson.

Another respectful disagreement, I always found the Levinson's better than the Krell's, past and present.
As far as the 20.6's that Microstrip mentioned, there probably one of the best amps ever made regardless of technology, but are only a 100 watts and run hotter than any tube amp I've owned.

Well I never found any of the ML amps to sound dark. I find them neutral or true to the source. I have owned the 27, 27.5 (step up from 27 and sounds more extended), 334.5, and ML-29 (sweet 50 wpc amp). There are a lot of ML haters here so take advice with a grain of salt. Also it depends on your speakers. Are they dark, neutral or cool sounding? I also in the past find that the 23.5 if priced fair will sell very quickly.

Thanks to all for your comments. I have gone through a succession of tube amps (currently Manley) for the last twenty years, and I have no intention of replacing the current Manley mono's; just thought it might be kinda fun to try a "serious" ss amp again. The last two (twenty yrs ago) were a Rowland, and a BEL.

What would be a "fly off the shelf" price for a sample in very good shape, in the event that I decide to not keep it. I hate to say it, but to me the average BB price strikes me as high for an amp of this age.

The Mark Levinson 23.5 is one of the best amps ever built period. It is significantly better (major upgrades) over the 23, 27, etc. The Krell KSA 250 is also very good. There is a reason why ML upgraded the 23 to 23.5 status and the 20 to 20.5 and 20.6 status. You will find that the 23.5 is an amazing amp and will beat the pants off most high end amps made today. The internal politics in Mark Levinson company caused the company to go in a different direction. I have to tell you, that if you have a chance to get your hands on a good condition 23.5, grab it. The mid bass to upper end definition and extension is amazing and the low bass is incredible. I am hard pressed to find a amp (tube or solid state) that is its better and believe me I have looked (listened) to many. In addition, this amp can drive any speaker very well. If your friend has the amp, the best thing you can do is take it home and audition it in your system and listen for yourself. You will be pleased. Now, I'm not knocking tube amps. what I am saying is that this amp and the 20.6 are the Jewels of Mark Levinson's product line and not much out there even today can beat them. If I can find a 23.5 or 20.6 in decent condition for a good price, I would buy them without a second thought. The same holds true for some very good tubed amps I admire.

enjoy