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Mark Levinson Audio Systems

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Mark Levinson Audio Systems Ltd.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryHigh-end audio
Founded1972
FounderMark Levinson
Headquarters
Stamford, Connecticut
ProductsAudio equipment
OwnerSamsung Electronics
ParentHarman International Industries
Websitewww.marklevinson.com

Mark Levinson is a distinguished American manufacturer of high-end audio gear, founded in 1972 by its namesake, Mark Levinson, and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. The brand is currently owned by Harman International Industries, itself a subsidiary under the umbrella of Samsung Electronics.

History

In 1972, Mark Levinson Audio Systems Ltd. (MLAS) was established in Woodbridge, Connecticut, near New Haven, by audio innovator Mark Levinson. The early MLAS products were developed under the guidance of Mark Levinson and designed by John Curl—whose initials “JC” appear on many initial models—working alongside a dedicated team. Dick Burwen, an early electronics mentor to Levinson and a pioneer in audio technology, was instrumental in launching the company with the renowned LNP-2 Preamplifier.[1] The company’s visionary chief engineer Tom Colangelo, who contributed significantly to its advanced circuitry designs, tragically passed away in 2007 due to a car accident.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

By the year 1980, MLAS faced severe financial difficulties. At this juncture, Sandy Berlin, a retired executive from the audio sector, was approached by Levinson to invest and assist with company management. Berlin personally infused $480,000 into MLAS and convinced other investors to provide an additional $300,000. Under Berlin’s direction, Levinson agreed to an Employment Agreement starting December 1980, granting MLAS permanent and exclusive rights to the "Mark Levinson" trade name. Additionally, he consented that if he departed MLAS employment, he would refrain from participating in the global audio business.[2]

In October 1984, due to creditor pressure, MLAS was declared bankrupt and ceased operations. Subsequently, Madrigal Audio Laboratories acquired all assets of MLAS including equipment, inventory, parts, office furnishings, blueprints, as well as trademark and trade name rights—encompassing those obtained through the agreement between Mark Levinson and MLAS.[2]

File:Mark Levinson Lexus.jpg
ML system for Lexus LS460 (2006)

Since 1990, ownership of the Mark Levinson brand and trade name has belonged to Harman International Industries. The brand continues producing audio amplifiers and digital processors recognized by their signature black anodized chassis—a hallmark design element since inception. Harman also integrates Mark Levinson audio systems as premium options in Lexus luxury vehicles. These automotive sound systems are developed collaboratively by sound engineers, electrical specialists, and designers dedicated to maintaining Mark Levinson’s high-quality standards.[3]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Since 2001, select Lexus models have offered Mark Levinson sound systems as optional upgrades,[3][4] with pricing varying depending on model and components—approximately US$2,500 for the LS 460 package, around US$1,600 for the ES 350 system, and about US$1,440 for the IS 350 setup. The first Mark Levinson automotive 5.1 surround sound system debuted on the Toyota Crown Majesta in 2004.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Presently available US Lexus vehicles equipped with Mark Levinson Audio Systems include: CT200h, IS 250/300h, GS 300h/450h, RC & RC F, NX 300h, RX450h, and LS460/600h.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Equipment history

Source:[1]

File:Ml3 front.jpg
Mark Levinson ML-3 amplifier
(1979 - 1987)[5]
File:Mark Levinson Noc26s Dual Monaural PreAmplifier.jpg
Mark Levinson No. 26S preamplifier

Amplifiers

  • ML-2: A Class A monaural amplifier delivering 25 watts into 8 ohms, featuring a regulated power supply dedicated to the output stage and a modular design.
  • ML-3: A dual mono Class AB power amplifier providing 2 x 200 watts at 8 ohms.
  • ML-9: Class AB power amplifier with an output of 2 x 100 watts at 8 ohms.
  • ML-11: Class AB power amplifier rated at 2 x 50 watts into 8 ohms.

Preamplifiers

  • LNP-1: Prototype preamplifier model.
  • LNP-2: Professional-grade preamplifier.
  • JC-1: Preamplifier designed for moving coil cartridges.
  • JC-1AC: Battery-powered version of the JC-1 moving coil cartridge preamplifier.
  • JC-2: Straightline preamplifier design.
  • ML-1: Standard preamplifier model.
  • ML-6, ML-6A, ML-6B: Series of preamplifiers with incremental updates.
  • ML-7, ML-7A: Variants of the ML-7 preamplifier.
  • ML-8: Dedicated microphone preamplifier.
  • ML-10, ML-10A: Preamplifiers in the ML-10 series.
  • ML-12, ML-12A: Latest versions in the ML preamplifier lineup.

Design creditsTemplate:Fix/category[citation needed]

  • LNP-1 and LNP-2 were developed by Dick Burwen and Mark Levinson.
  • John Curl was responsible for the JC-1 and JC-2 designs.
  • John Curl and Thomas Colangelo collaborated on the ML-1 and ML-2 models.
  • Thomas Colangelo led the design for models from ML-3 through ML-12A.

Power Supplies

  • PLS-150: Compatible with LNP-2, JC-2, ML-1, and LNC-2 units.
  • PLS-151: Powers LNP-2, ML-1, ML-6, and LNC-2 devices.
  • PLS-153L: Japanese market version of the PLS-151 power supply.
  • PLS-154: Designed for use with ML-6A, ML-6B, ML-7, and ML-7A models.
  • PLS-124: Intended for the ML-12A; notably, the original ML-12 drew power via two umbilical cables from the ML-11 amplifier.

Crossovers

  • LNC-2: An electronic crossover unit.

Tape Machines

  • ML-5: Customized Studer A-80 professional tape recorder enhanced with proprietary electronics.

System

  • Mark Levinson HQD System

This tri-amplified active playback configuration featured two channels each equipped with a 24-inch Hartley woofer, a pair of stacked Quad electrostatic speakers handling midrange frequencies, and a centrally positioned Decca (Kelly) ribbon tweeter modified by removing its horn for treble reproduction. Each speaker was powered individually by an ML-2 amplifier connected to an LNC-2 crossover, which received input from an ML-1 preamplifier.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Music-man
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named United States Court of Appeals
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named caud
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).

External links

Template:Commonscat

Template:Harman International Industries Template:Samsung Electronics

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