opinion please...levinson 390s cd player

[sonicbaer]

The kids are grown, work and money is aplenty now...it's my turn
to enjoy...I've just recently been able to realize one of my dreams...
a decent hifi system..

I just recently purchased a Rotel RSX 1067, RCD 1072 and a RB 1090...
and it sounds very nice but I keep goung around listening to other stuff
and already I want mo better stuff ...A friend recommended (to stay within a reasonable budget...as money is not unlimited) a Levinson 390s cd player/pre-amp unit as a reasonable upgrade...I plan on keeping the 1067 for HT..guess I'd have to sell the RC1072. I seem to be listening to stereo 90% + and surround/HT 10%-.

Problem is...I can't find a dealer near me that has a 390s to sample and hold
I would appreciate opinions about the levinson 390s, is it worth 2+ times the price of the 1067 and 1072..

Thanks
Michael

[Andrew M Ward]

The last time i checked the Mark Levinson No.390S was $8,000.oo

as a player:
I am very familiar with it, the thing sounds great, but in that price range you can get a few players that are a bit more up-to-date topology wise and processor wise...
that said, if you buy a No.390S you'll be just fine!

I would seriously compare it to:

A) Some tricked out Musical Fidelity set-ups with The X-DAC v3
B) Moon Equinox CD player or even the Moon CD 5.3
C) Classe' CDP-202

All of the above are less than the No.390S and should give it a serious run for it's money....

[sonicbaer]

thanks..I will look into your suggestions..

I will be able to get the 390s for about $6700.00

does that make much difference..

Michael

[Lex]

unless it's a trick question, it makes about 1300 bucks difference, lol. Nice buy, but as Andrew said, listen listen listen at that price range, the world is at your door.

[Andrew M Ward]

unless it's a trick question, it makes about 1300 bucks difference, lol. Nice buy, but as Andrew said, listen listen listen at that price range, the world is at your door.

Absolutely take some time... That is a powerfull price range you're in.

A) Musical Fidelity X-DAC v3 and transport and seperate power supply = $6000.oo
B) Moon CD 5.3 = Full retail = $5200.oo
C) Classe' CDP-202 = Full Retail = $6500.oo

[sonicbaer]

I'm going to try...to take my time...
the equipment I have now is better than any I had before..so it is keeping me
satisfied for the moment...just trying to get some ideas and things to look at..
listen to.

I'm going to be building a house in the next year ..so looking at room design possibilities...I'm a fine woodworker by avocation, so I'm going to build my own speakers (cabinets) too..I am going to be reading/studying all I can on the subject.

I'll be asking all kinds of questions and traveling, if I must, in order to hear some of the stuff that's out there.

What about Audio Technologies ? ScanSpeak ? Focal ? lots of questions

Thanks again
Michael

I think I found the cd player I want...T+A D10

[NonSense]

If you are looking to drop that much cash, you should also include the Wadia 861.

This unit also provides an excellent volume control scheme for direct amplifier connection. You may also feed the digital decoding engine (SW) from a music server etc. You get a CD Player, Pre-amp and DAC all in one. Nice if it fits your needs.

[NonSense]

P.S.

Don't forget to save some cash to upgrade those 604's.

[sonicbaer]

Bruce....Already got an account buiding up for 802d's...I will get around to making my own someday too...just too much on my plate right now...should be able to get 802's before Christmas...this will give me time to test drive some others too..

MB

[JonMarsh]

In that price range I really suggest you listen to an Ayre C-5xe universal player (stereo, CD, SACD, DVD-A) before making a decision.






Ayre C-5xe

It would be my first choice, price no object, and it's in your range.

[sonicbaer]

Thanks for the input folks...I will be looking at as many as I can before I buy..
still have a couple of months before I have the cash..

JonMarsh...I'm in Sacramento and find the selection of equipment on dealers
shelves rather limited...I'm going to make a trip to the bay area soon..
do you have any suggestions for dealers with good selection of high end stuff
that I can sample and hold..

THanks
Michael

[Alloroc]

In that price range I really suggest you listen to an Ayre C-5xe universal player (stereo, CD, SACD, DVD-A) before making a decision.


It would be my first choice, price no object, and it's in your range.

Hi,

Mine too.... a 2 channel udp with no video circuits. I heard it while connected to a pair of 802d's and Primare pre/power combo and it was sweet.

V.

[JonMarsh]

Thanks for the input folks...I will be looking at as many as I can before I buy..
still have a couple of months before I have the cash..

JonMarsh...I'm in Sacramento and find the selection of equipment on dealers
shelves rather limited...I'm going to make a trip to the bay area soon..
do you have any suggestions for dealers with good selection of high end stuff
that I can sample and hold..

THanks
Michael

Try Music Lovers in Berkeley, and R.B. Audio in Dublin for starters. I don't get around to many dealers because I build most of my own stuff.


Berkeley

Music Lovers - Berkeley
1995 El Dorado Ave.
Berkeley, California 94707
PH: (510) 558-1000
Fax: (510) 558-0253
info@musicloversaudio.com

https://www.musicloversaudio.com

They have Levinson as well as Ayre, so you can make a direct comparison.



Dublin

R.B. Audio
5492 Linden Street
Dublin, California 94568
PH: 925-918-3714
bergner33@yahoo.com


The most recent time I heard the C-5xe was at CES this January, with the new 300W monoblocks and power conditioner. It was a very good combination. The monoblocks are supposed to finally be shipping this month, according to Chas; he was doing a bit more work to get them to sound just so....

If you have a chance, you ought to listen to an Ayre K5xe preamp sometime, too. There are some other units I like the sound of also, like the current ARC, but the ARC's are WAY too fussy about output loading and cables. The Ayre has vacuum state ease and solid state detail and robustness, with a nice remote for volume and input selection. It was money well spent.




~Jon

[sonicbaer]

Thanks...I think I see a trip to the Bay area in the near future..

I see MBL has a basic line now but can't find any specs on the 3650
guess I'll have to work a little harder for the 1621A...LOL..

I'll check out your suggestions..

MB