Mark Levinson No.21 (c. 1990s)
The Mark Levinson No.21 is a top-of-line CD transport from the mid-1990s that shipped without a built-in DAC. It was designed to pair with the companion No.30 reference digital-to-analog converter. Both Digital Audio Review and Analog Audio (Moscow) confirm the layout: a transport-only chassis with separate digital and analog power supplies sharing a single transformer with isolated windings. Digital outputs include ST-glass optical and AES/EBU balanced XLR.
The interesting part is what the No.21 doesn't contain. The quad 20-bit DACs, 8× oversampling, and Burr-Brown PCM63 converters sometimes attributed to this model actually live in the outboard No.30 DAC. The transport itself is only a mechanism and a digital output stage. The idea was to keep things separate: a clean digital readout feeding a separately regulated, heavily filtered conversion stage. Digital Audio Review (c. 1996) praised the No.21/No.30 combination for producing "an exceptionally organic and coherent musical picture," and named timing, pace, and rhythmic accuracy as standout qualities with "no digital edge." Audio (January 1983, p.34) also listed the model in its annual equipment directory. The same review flagged one practical concern: the transport mechanism is complex and expensive to service when it wears out.
Exact production years and original pricing are not documented in available sources. The relationship between the No.21 and the later No.31 transport is also unclear. Some descriptions treat the No.21 as the earlier flagship, others suggest the No.31 superseded it. What is known:
- Dimensions: 432 mm × 89 mm × 305 mm (17" × 3.5" × 12"), 10 kg (22 lb)
- Power consumption: 40 W
- Digital outputs: ST-glass optical, AES/EBU balanced (XLR)
- RS-232 serial port for remote/system integration
- Aluminum front panel, separate chassis sections
- Designed to mate with the Mark Levinson No.30 DAC
Surviving owner commentary describes it as "one of the finest transports ever built," though a replacement laser mechanism is reportedly difficult to source today. Period reviewers considered the No.21 and No.30 pairing reference-grade.
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