Mark Levinson No. 1 (1980–1986)
The Mark Levinson No. 1 is a big loudspeaker - a 4-way bass-reflex design weighing 148 kg (326 lb) per cabinet. It was produced from 1980 to 1986, and appears on the company's master products list covering the 1972-1988 era. Each side has two woofers, a midrange and a tweeter, with crossover points at 160, 650, and 2400 Hz.
The performance figures differ from source to source. One spec sheet gives frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz ± 3 dB, sensitivity of 85 dB/W/m and a 4-ohm nominal impedance, and recommends amplifiers from 50 to 200 watts. Another source tightens that to 42 Hz - 20.5 kHz ± 2 dB, or 40 Hz - 22 kHz ± 3 dB. The model ran six years and was probably measured differently along the way. What stays consistent: it's a 4-ohm load, it's not very efficient at 85 dB, and it wants real amplifier current rather than raw wattage.
An active crossover was optionally available directly from Mark Levinson. That points to the No. 1 being designed with bi-amplification in mind, for those who could afford the extra electronics. The cabinet finish was matched to wood. Beyond that, the record is thin: no original price survives in our sources, no dimensions are documented, and while user reviews exist on Japanese and American audio sites, we don't have their content. Audio (October 1993, p.151) listed the No. 1 among preamplifiers in a survey issue, so the name was still showing up in period directories well after production ended. No full contemporary review of the loudspeaker itself has surfaced in our archive.
If you're shopping for a pair, bring friends and a truck rated for the job.
Known Specifications
- Type: 4-way bass-reflex loudspeaker, 4 drivers (2 woofers, 1 midrange, 1 tweeter)
- Frequency response: 30 Hz–20 kHz ± 3 dB (alternate published figures: 42 Hz–20.5 kHz ± 2 dB; 40 Hz–22 kHz ± 3 dB)
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Sensitivity: 85 dB/W/m
- Recommended amplifier power: 50 W–200 W
- Crossover frequencies: 160, 650, 2400 Hz
- Weight: 148 kg (326 lb)
- Optional active crossover available from Mark Levinson
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