Mark Levinson No. 526 - Preamplifier with Precision Link DAC, Pure Phono, and fully balanced design

Mark Levinson No526 is the brand's top model among preamplifiers. No526 is packed to the brim with impressive technologies such as the Pure Path design of the electronics and the completely unique R-2R stepped volume control, which ensures detail and full dynamics even at low volume. It has a built-in high-end Class A headphone output as well as an excellent MM/MC RIAA stage. 

The preamplifier is, of course, fully balanced in classic ML style, and all electronics are beautifully integrated without unnecessary cables and with ultra-short signal paths. As something truly special, it also has a built-in high-end high-resolution D/A converter, so you can use digital sources such as streamers and TVs and still get ultra-high sound quality.

Every single detail in the Mark Levinson No. 526 has been developed with one goal: to preserve the music's original character and let the recording speak for itself.

Highlights

• Fully balanced Pure Path design
• Precision Link 32-bit DAC
• R-2R resistor-based volume control
• Pure Phono MM/MC RIAA amplifier
• Class A headphone amplifier
• Supports PCM up to 32-bit/192 kHz
• Supports DSD up to 5.6 MHz (DSD128)
• 2 balanced XLR inputs
• 3 analog RCA inputs
• USB-B, AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical digital inputs
• Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
• Handbuilt in the USA

An uncompromising analog control center

No. 526 is built around Mark Levinson's Pure Path design, where the entire signal path is fully balanced and directly coupled without unnecessary components.

Discrete circuitry, short signal paths, and a dual-mono design reduce noise and preserve the music's natural dynamics throughout the entire preamplifier. The result is reproduction with great openness, calm, and an impressive level of detail.

Precision Link DAC

The integrated Precision Link DAC is developed for modern digital audio sources and supports PCM signals up to 32-bit/192 kHz as well as DSD up to 5.6 MHz.

The DAC uses multiple separate power supplies and selectable digital filters, ensuring optimal operating conditions for the digital signal processing and a natural transition to the analog section of the preamplifier.

R-2R volume control

Instead of a traditional volume potentiometer, the Mark Levinson No. 526 uses a discrete R-2R resistor-based volume control.

This solution ensures extremely precise channel balance and preserves both resolution and dynamics—even at low volumes, where many traditional volume controls lose detail.

Pure Phono for MM and MC

The integrated Pure Phono RIAA amplifier is developed with separate circuits for Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges.

This provides optimal operating conditions for both cartridge types and makes the Mark Levinson No. 526 a natural centerpiece in both analog and digital high-end music systems.

Class A headphone amplifier

On the front, you will find a dedicated Class A headphone amplifier that uses the same uncompromising design as the main signal path.

It delivers ample power for quality headphones and allows for a personal listening experience with the same high sound quality as the rest of the system.

Created for uncompromising music systems

Mark Levinson No. 526 is hand-built in the USA and developed for music lovers who want the best possible foundation for a high-end separate system. The combination of Pure Path construction, Precision Link DAC, Pure Phono, and the advanced volume control makes the No. 526 one of the market's most complete and best-performing reference preamplifiers.

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