Mark Levinson ML26s

The ML 26s is a handmade amplifier, assembled by one single engineer who subsequently had to sign the documents for 'your' preamp. ML amplifiers of this generation can be recognized acoustically by their fantastic bass foundation (your neighbour might find it a bit too much of a sensation).

So far the amplifier has never had any problem. The unit is running (basically 24hrs) and running... The ML26s comes without any nonsense. There's no way to remote control her. There is no electronic volume adjustment - they just used a potentiometer, that you would find let's say on a Boeing 747.

The only thing that I don't like so much are the jack for the asymmetric ins n outs. They call them CAMAC and they are of a European design found else only in labs. While it is OK to connect to another ML amp, you won't find any DAT, Tape Recorder or even CD - Player with CAMAC on the market. So you will have to solder your own cables (have fun) or you'll end up using adapters for the necessary asymmetric connections (doesn't quite fit into the no nonsense approach).

However turning the amplifier on and listening to some music will tell you that you boughtt one of the finest preamps ever built.

There are two versions, one comes with a RIAA amplifier (for the turntable). The other one comes with the symmetric inputs (that's the one I have). Amplification can be set on dip switches.

Cheers, Sean.