Rationalizing the Mark Levinson ML-40

HOTROD come on man! Your saying you have a quater of a million dollars invested in your audio system? Then whats another 30,000 to you? I wont say anymore because I will get in trouble here. Hellosimplymusic: Your way off the map about the muse and it doesnt take a rocket sceintist to figure that one out. If that where true then companys Like Levinson would not be making audio equipment anymore. You people in general are quick to knock the big companys like krell levinson classe audio research just to name a few but everytime they want to brag about an amplifier that they bought new from some new little audio company that manufactures out of their garage the first thing they say is "it sounds better than the Levinson" At half the price. Yes there are things that sound great for a reasonable amount of money but they cant always compete with big companys such as Levinson because if their stuff was that good then their prices would also be that of the other highend companys out there.

Before buying the new ML, you may want to wait for the new Viola piece. Tom Colangelo, the head designer for (the former) Cello, has just showed his new multi channel preamp at CES. From what I understand, the unit will retail for about $20K. It will be totally modular and upgradeable, like the old Cello Audio Suite, but updated and cabable of more channels than you will ever need. If it is like the old Cello stuff, IT will be the new standard...
Ken G.

I've got the Media -40 and it is truly amazing. The sound quality is phenominal. The flexibility and multitude of inputs makes this piece a pure joy. Look at the website and check out the owners manual before believing someone else will be releasing a more robust or flexible product anytime soon with the audio video quality of the 40.

I am sure the theta piece is a fine product, but nothing is more upgradeable or customizeable the Media 40. I looked at all of them and frankly the 40 is technology way ahead of the anyone else. Whether that translates into something clearly better for everyone for the money is a matter of taste and choice.
Ken

Hotrod has a point you have to stop somewhere. I think the 40 is great but certainly the sound and video of other systems are more than acceptable. I was just in a position where I was redoing my entire system in a dedicated space and had the proceed pav combo piece to trade in which ML gave quite a bit of credit on. I paid a lot but made a good deal. Otherwise the price is steep.
Ken