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Mark Levinson Sound that Speaks for Itself

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  #21  
Old 04-16-2020, 05:44 PM
TWInsall TWInsall is offline
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My 515b arrived on Monday and after a 2 hour set up I have been listening to it at least 8 hours a day. They have changed the the finish on the platin to a satin textured finish and the motor pulley now is black. I like the three belts with the motor with increased torque even if they are a pain to install. Like the push button speed selection. They include a VPI alignment jig to mount your cartridge properly. The owners manual is not detailed at all. They don't bother to explain the anti skating due dad at all. They send the unit with feet in the locked position so you need to unscrew them a few turns before leveling the TT. Like the stylus tracking pressure gauge they included. Made my own dust cover yesterday. The 20 X 2 Dynavector sounds great with cleaner detailed mid and lower bass than my 20 X . The staging has more depth but that could be difference in arms. The 20 X feeds my MP100 then to a c-34. The 20 X 2 feeds the phono section of my MX 151. Both are high output. I don't like the phono section of the C-34 unless I use the graphic tone controls very judiciously. Also take the digital coax out of the MP 100 to feed the MX 151. Its interesting to compare the two TT's side by side playing duplicates of Sheffield records. The ML is sensitive to touching the platin or mounting surface. Where the Thorens is not. The 20 X tracks slightly better than the 20X 2. I contribute that to the linear arm on the Thorens vs the gimbled arm on the ML. I prefer the Gimbled arm on the ML as compared to the unipivot arms on the VPI. Its a shame the B&O 8000 was a night mare to maintain. So easy to use. push a go button and a return button. It would track warped records like no other. I spoke to VPI the other day, they have no connections with ML anymore. But I measured the platter and it remains 12 inches so I am going to order a hold down ring to correct warped records from my VPI/ML dealer. Its fun to re-discover your lp collection. No I didn't purchase the version with the Ortofon cart. preferring Dynavector. Surprised at the phono section of the 151 its at least the equal of the MP100.

Last edited by TWInsall; 04-16-2020 at 05:51 PM.
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  #22  
Old 04-17-2020, 10:12 PM
TWInsall TWInsall is offline
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Audio Classics is selling the 515b for $5999. Music direct for $6500. With the cartridge included Music Direct was around $7000. They show a list price of $12500.00 with cartridge. I bought mine with a Dynavector rather than with the ortofon from Audio Classics.
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  #23  
Old 04-24-2020, 07:18 PM
TWInsall TWInsall is offline
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So right now a 515 is cheaper than. a VPI prime signature, making it a real steal.
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  #24  
Old 05-05-2020, 01:26 AM
TWInsall TWInsall is offline
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I found out something today. I took the bottom off the motor drive power supply for a look see. There are two very small trim pots to adjust the speed. But you can't access them being mounted facing down, Wonder what idiot came up with that idea. The glass circuit board has both Mark Levinson and VPI name painted clearly on the circuit board.

Another thing is if you adjust the TT to be level there are no adjustments for the motor control box to maintain the proper level so you have to put spacers under neath to get the correct leveled height so the belts will be spaced properly and not want either leave the grooves of the motor pulliey or run off the bottom of the platter. But I guess for almost $5000.00 off list introductory price you can make a few exceptions. I wonder what VPI owners do, when the height of the motor pulley and the height of the grooves on the turn table platter don't line up?

Last edited by TWInsall; 05-05-2020 at 09:18 AM.
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Old 05-05-2020, 05:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TWInsall View Post
I wonder what VPI owners do, when the height of the motor pulley and the height of the grooves on the turn table platter don't line up?
If like my VPI, the pulley is held in position with set-screws. You loosen same and adjust to match the height of the platter. Also, my VPI platter did not have grooves machined into it, which I think might be a better design as it removes the need to match so closely. My motor matched the TT angle when leveled, so did not have to shim the feet. I found running two (2) belts slightly superior to running one (1). Could tell no difference between running two or three.
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  #26  
Old 11-07-2020, 05:38 PM
TWInsall TWInsall is offline
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You can now find the 515B for $4999 at Audio Classics. Levinson will be introducing a new replacement made in Germany soon.
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