ource: AVGuide
Mark Levinson No. 532H stereo power amplifier
Mark Levinson No. 535H five-channel amplifier
Elkhart, IN-based Mark Levinson announced a series of four new No. 500H-series amplifiers, which debuted at CEDIA Expo last week. The amplifiers, which collectively represent Levinsons next-generation entry-level range, all share what a Levinson press release terms a new balanced current feedback amplifier (CFA) circuitry design.
Expanding on this point, the Levinson press release credits CFA with unparalleled sensitivity and sound, adding that, CFA design uses a circuit topology that emphasizes current-mode operation, which is inherently much faster than more conventional voltage-mode operation. Levinson further explains that, with CFAs, amplifier gain may be controlled independently of bandwidth, a major advantage over conventional VFA topologies.
Four new 500H amplifiers have been announced: the No. 531H (a 300-watt monoblock priced at $6500), the No. 532H (a 2 x 300-watt stereo power amplifier priced at $8000), the No. 533H (a 3 x 300-watt three-channel amplifier priced at $10,000), and the No. 535H (a 5 x 200-watt five-channel amplifier priced at $12,000).
The appearance of the No. 500H-series amplifiers is distinctive, with all models sporting thick, brushed, black anodized aluminum faceplates with recessed, bead-blasted, black anodized center sections. Chassis casework is also given a matching, brushed/black anodized finish. The overall look and feel of the amplifiers is pleasingly reminiscent of the appearance of some of the classic Levinson products of the late 1970s.
