Mark Levinson ML-3 (1977–1982)
The ML-3 was Mark Levinson's first solid-state power amplifier. Tom Colangelo designed it, and it launched in 1977 at $4,990. It was meant as a statement piece, the amp that would establish the young company's credibility in high-end solid-state amplification. It stayed in production through 1982.
It's a dual-mono Class AB amplifier with a separate power supply for each channel, a fully complementary differential input stage, and four output transistors per channel. It's DC-coupled throughout, with no capacitors in the signal path and no protection relays, and it uses a massive toroidal transformer. Each channel is rated at 100 watts RMS into 8 ohms and 200 watts into 4 ohms. Peak current capability is 35 amperes per channel, which is why it became known for driving difficult loudspeaker loads with ease. Bridged mono operation gives 400 watts into 8 ohms. Distortion is specified at under 0.05% at full power, signal-to-noise above 90 dB below full output, and damping factor greater than 400. It weighs 80 lbs and measures 19" x 7" x 15".
The amp uses proprietary Levinson input and output connectors, and each channel has a three-position toggle switch to adjust the damping factor. The internal construction was striking enough that Mark Levinson offered a clear Lexan top plate ($97.50) for owners who wanted to show it off. HiFI-Stereo (June 1984, p.48) described the ML-3 as a no-compromise design with "gold-plated" sound, and Julian Hirsch noted that testing it was unlike testing any other amplifier he'd encountered. The amp runs hot because the Class AB bias is set high.
Surviving examples sell used for roughly $3,000 to $6,000 depending on condition. Restoration is frequently needed. The original output transistors are no longer manufactured and replacements require matching, and aging electrolytic capacitors should be replaced. Many units are also missing their original wooden sleeve/cabinet. No exact production numbers have been found.
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