Technology

Mark Levinson unveils anniversary ML-50 monaural Hi-Fi amplifier set, debuts first wireless headphones

Mark Levinson ML50 monaural amps

Luxury Audio brand Mark Levinson has kicked its 50-year anniversary celebrations with a limited-edition ML-50 amplifier package, and its first pair of high-end wireless headphones, the No 5909.

Matching pairs of monaural ML-50 amplifiers are to only 100 globally, and will be available from select retailers in Q4, priced at $50,000 per system pair.

The design echoes iconic models of the brand’s history and has been designed to partner virtually any loudspeaker system, regardless of cost.

Mark Levinson audio products have cultivated an audiophile following since the brand launched in 1972, and for its ML-50 monaural power amplifier, the Mark Levinson design team have looked to reference monaural amplifiers that have preceded it. The ML-50 model name calls back to the first Mark Levinson power amplifier, the ML-2, produced from 1977 to 1986. The No 20 power amplifier and its updated models the No 20.5 and No 20.6 produced between 1986 and 1995 inspired the large front panel handles found on the ML-50. 

The No 33 (1994-2003) and No 33H (1997-2007) reference amplifiers sparked the idea of the outrigger feet that provide the solid foundation for the ML-50 chassis. Finally, the concept of the glass front panel and red backlit Mark Levinson logo on the ML-5 has been taken from the No 53 reference amplifier built between 2008 to 2019. As for the sonic performance – that’s derived from the No 536 amplifier (2015-present).

A clear glass top offers unfettered views of the circuit design. Elevating the spectacle of the glass top cover, LED lighting is used to cast a glow over the interior; it’s switchable between red, white, and off. The central glass panel is flanked by a pair of silver machined aluminum handles.

The dynamic solid aluminum front panel design also features a large black glass panel insert with a red backlit LED Mark Levinson logo, and a machined aluminum standby power button encircled with a red LED ring. 

Elevating the spectacle of the glass top cover, LED lighting is used to cast a glow over the interior…

Mark levinson MKL50 mono amps side by side
Mark Levinson ML50 amplifiers echo designs from the past 50 years

Audio performance is hailed as leading edge, with overall Class AB power rated at 425W into 8 Ohms. 

New vibration-damping, mechanically isolated feet can be found at all four corners. These boots reflect the curved shape of the front panel, and elevate the chassis further above the surface for increased convection cooling. The amplifier design also employs twin-channel top panel venting and external heat sinks.

Connectivity includes balanced XLR and single-ended RCA audio jack inputs and two sets of Mark Levinson Hurricane binding post speaker terminals. There’s also Ethernet, serial, and 12V trigger connections for external system control.

Each ML-50 amplifier package includes two monaural amplifiers and an accessory kit that includes matching 3m power cords and white gloves.

Mark Levinson 5909 headphones in red
Mark Levinson debuts first wireless headpohones

Mark Levinson launches No.5909 Bluetooth headphones

Mark Levinson has also introduced a new high-resolution wireless Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation headphones, the first from the brand. 

Already the recipient for a Red Dot product design award, the Mark Levinson No 5909 are designed both for discerning travellers and audiophiles. 

They boast 34 hours of playback time, 30 hours with Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation turned on. A 14 minute power top-up will give 6 hours of playback. 

The headphone is constructed aluminum components, a leather headband and replaceable leather ear cushions. 

Inside the No.5909 cans

The No 5909 features high-end 40mm Beryllium coated drivers. In addition to Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, AAC, and aptXTM support, they use a four-microphone array with Smart Wind Adaption, Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation with three modes for premium sound isolation, plus Ambient Awareness mode.

The Mark Levinson No 5909 headphones are available in Pearl Black, Ice Pewter and Radiant Red this month, priced at £1,000. More here.

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