Mark Levinson No. 526 - Preamplifier with Precision Link DAC, Pure Phono and fully balanced construction

Mark Levinson No. 526 is the brand’s top model in preamplifiers. The No. 526 is packed to the brim with impressive technologies such as Pure Path electronic design and the completely unique R-2R stepped volume control, which ensures detail and full dynamics even at low volume. It also has a built-in high-end Class A headphone output as well as an excellent MM/MC RIAA stage. 

The preamplifier is of course fully balanced in typical ML style, and all electronics are neatly assembled without unnecessary cables and with ultra-short signal paths. As something very special, it also has a built-in high-end high-resolution D/A converter, so you can use digital sources such as streamers, TVs and still get ultra-high sound quality.

Every single detail in the Mark Levinson No. 526 has been developed with one goal – to preserve the music’s original character and let the recording speak for itself.

Highlights

• Fully balanced Pure Path construction
• Precision Link 32-bit DAC
• R-2R resistor-based volume control
• Pure Phono MM/MC RIAA amplifier
• Class A headphone amplifier
• Supports PCM up to 32-bit/192 kHz
• Supports DSD up to 5.6 MHz (DSD128)
• 2 balanced XLR inputs
• 3 analog RCA inputs
• USB-B, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital inputs
• Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
• Handbuilt in the USA

An uncompromising analog control center

The No. 526 is built around Mark Levinson’s Pure Path design, where the entire signal path is fully balanced and directly coupled without unnecessary components.

Discrete circuits, short signal paths and a dual-mono design reduce noise and preserve the music’s natural dynamics throughout the entire preamplifier. The result is reproduction with great openness, calm and an impressive level of detail.

Precision Link DAC

The integrated Precision Link DAC is designed for modern digital audio sources and supports PCM signals up to 32-bit/192 kHz as well as DSD up to 5.6 MHz.

The DAC uses several separate power supplies and selectable digital filters, ensuring optimal operating conditions for the digital signal processing and a natural transition to the analog section of the preamplifier.

R-2R volume control

Instead of a traditional volume potentiometer, the Mark Levinson No. 526 uses a discrete R-2R resistor-based volume control.

This solution ensures extreme channel balance and preserves both resolution and dynamics – even at low listening levels, where many traditional volume controls lose detail.

Pure Phono for MM and MC

The integrated Pure Phono RIAA amplifier is developed with separate circuits for Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges.

This provides optimal operating conditions for both cartridge types and makes the Mark Levinson No. 526 a natural centerpiece in both analog and digital high-end music systems.

Class A headphone amplifier

On the front, you will find a dedicated Class A headphone amplifier that uses the same uncompromising construction as the main signal path.

It delivers ample power for quality headphones and provides the opportunity for a personal listening experience with the same high sound quality as the rest of the system.

Created for uncompromising music systems

Mark Levinson No. 526 is handbuilt in the USA and developed for music lovers who want the best possible foundation for a high-end separate system. The combination of Pure Path construction, Precision Link DAC, Pure Phono and the advanced volume control makes the No. 526 one of the market’s most complete and best-performing reference preamplifiers.

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03-08-2026