Mark Levinson Nº 585.5 – Integrated Amplifier with Pure Phono Stage

200 Watts. A Reference Phono Stage. One Remarkable Amplifier.

The Mark Levinson Nº 585.5 brings together three essential components of a high-performance music system: a powerful integrated amplifier, a sophisticated digital-to-analog converter, and a dedicated Class A phono stage.

Delivering 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the Nº 585.5 is built around fully discrete, dual-monaural analog circuitry and Mark Levinson’s proprietary Pure Path design. Its substantial power supply and fully differential Class AB output stage provide the foundation for driving demanding loudspeakers.

What distinguishes the Nº 585.5 from the original Nº 585 is its integrated Pure Phono stage. Derived from the circuitry used in Mark Levinson’s Nº 523 and Nº 526 preamplifiers, it supports both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges with adjustable loading and gain.

Add a Precision Link DAC, comprehensive analog and digital connectivity, and flexible subwoofer integration, and the Nº 585.5 becomes a complete centerpiece for a serious two-channel listening system.

 

Key Features

• 200 Watts per Channel: Rated continuous output into 8 ohms.

• Pure Path Circuit Design: Fully discrete, mirror-imaged, dual-monaural analog architecture.

• Class AB Amplification: Fully differential output stage with substantial current capability.

• Class A Pure Phono Stage: Dedicated MM/MC circuitry derived from Mark Levinson’s reference preamplifiers.

• Adjustable Cartridge Loading: Five capacitance settings for MM and ten resistance settings for MC cartridges.

• Selectable MC Gain: 50, 60, or 70dB to accommodate different moving-coil cartridges.

• Precision Link DAC: ESS Sabre 32-bit conversion with proprietary jitter-reduction circuitry.

• High-Resolution Digital Audio: PCM up to 32-bit/192kHz and DSD64/DSD128 through compatible inputs.

• R-2R Volume Control: Discrete resistor-ladder architecture with low-noise analog switches.

• Subwoofer Integration: Stereo preamplifier outputs with selectable 80Hz high-pass filtering.

• Home Theater Bypass: SSP mode allows a compatible surround processor to control listening volume.

• Custom Installation Connectivity: Ethernet, RS-232, IR, and 12V triggers.

Pure Path: The Foundation of the Nº 585.5

The Nº 585.5 uses Mark Levinson’s proprietary Pure Path circuit design, built around fully discrete, mirror-imaged, dual-monaural analog circuitry.

Dedicated signal-switching relays serve its analog inputs, while discrete R-2R resistor ladders and low-noise analog switches handle volume adjustment.

The architecture is designed to preserve signal integrity throughout the preamplifier section, maintaining separate left- and right-channel circuitry before the signal reaches the power amplifier.

This attention to the entire analog signal path is central to the Nº 585.5’s design. Whether the source is a turntable, an external DAC, or a digital component connected to its internal converter, the amplifier is engineered to reproduce the recording with clarity and control.

 

200 Watts per Channel of Class AB Power

A great integrated amplifier needs the power to handle demanding music without sacrificing detail.

The Nº 585.5 delivers a manufacturer-rated 200 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms across the full 20Hz–20kHz frequency range.

Its fully differential Class AB amplifier stage is supported by an oversized 900VA toroidal transformer with separate secondary windings for the left and right channels.

Each amplifier channel incorporates twelve output transistors. Multiple smaller local capacitors are positioned close to the amplifier circuitry to support rapid current delivery during demanding musical passages.

With a specified damping factor greater than 400, the Nº 585.5 is engineered to maintain electrical control over compatible loudspeakers.

From delicate acoustic recordings to large-scale orchestral performances, its substantial amplifier architecture provides the headroom required for dynamic playback.

 

Pure Phono: Built for the Vinyl Enthusiast

The defining upgrade in the Nº 585.5 is its dedicated Pure Phono stage.

Rather than adding a basic phono input for convenience, Mark Levinson incorporates a fully discrete circuit derived from the phono architecture of its Nº 523 and Nº 526 preamplifiers.

The phono stage operates exclusively in Class A and uses no operational amplifiers in its signal path. Precision tantalum-nitride thin-film resistors and polypropylene capacitors are selected for tight tolerances.

Separate moving-magnet and moving-coil configurations allow the phono stage to accommodate a broad range of cartridges.

A defeatable 15Hz infrasonic filter helps address very-low-frequency energy associated with record warps and turntable rumble.

For listeners building a premium vinyl system, the Nº 585.5 provides cartridge-matching flexibility without requiring a separate phono preamplifier.

 

Precision Link DAC: High-Resolution Digital Playback

Vinyl may be a major attraction, but the Nº 585.5 is equally prepared for digital music.

Its Precision Link DAC incorporates an ESS Sabre 32-bit converter, proprietary jitter-reduction circuitry, and a fully balanced, discrete current-to-voltage conversion stage.

Six digital inputs accommodate a variety of external sources, including a CD transport, digital streamer, television with a compatible digital output, or computer.

The asynchronous USB-B input supports compatible PCM audio up to 32-bit/192kHz, along with single- and double-speed DSD playback.

Mark Levinson also includes Clari-Fi processing, which can be used with compressed audio formats.

Important: The Nº 585.5 contains a DAC but is not a built-in network music streamer. Connect a compatible streaming transport or computer to enjoy streaming services.

 

Connect Your Entire Music System

The Nº 585.5 provides a versatile collection of analog and digital inputs.

Its analog connections include one balanced XLR stereo input, three line-level RCA stereo inputs, and a dedicated MM/MC phono input.

The digital section includes one AES/EBU input, two coaxial inputs, two optical inputs, and an asynchronous USB-B connection.

This makes it possible to build a system around a turntable, CD transport, music streamer, and additional digital or analog components without requiring a separate preamplifier.

Add a Subwoofer Without Rebuilding Your System

A premium stereo system doesn't have to stop at two loudspeakers.

The Nº 585.5 includes stereo RCA preamplifier outputs that can operate full-range or use a selectable second-order, 80Hz high-pass filter.

This feature provides additional flexibility when integrating a powered subwoofer into a 2.1-channel system.

Proper crossover configuration depends on the loudspeakers, subwoofer, and room. The Grid HiFi can help determine the appropriate connections and settings for a cohesive result.

 

Seamless Home Theater Integration

For listeners who want reference-quality stereo music and a surround-sound system in the same room, the Nº 585.5 includes SSP mode.

This feature allows a compatible surround processor to control the volume of the front left and right channels while the Nº 585.5 supplies their amplification.

It offers a practical way to share premium stereo loudspeakers between a dedicated music system and a home theater.

The amplifier also includes Ethernet, RS-232, infrared, and 12V trigger connectivity for compatible control systems and professionally installed applications.

Iconic Mark Levinson Construction

The Nº 585.5 combines steel and aluminum construction with a card-cage internal architecture that separates sensitive low-level circuitry from the power supply and amplifier modules.

Its black-and-silver anodized aluminum front panel features Mark Levinson’s signature dual-knob control layout and red display.

A three-piece brushed-aluminum top cover and internal amplifier heatsinks complete the substantial enclosure.

Designed and handcrafted in the United States, the Nº 585.5 brings together reference-oriented engineering and the unmistakable appearance of Mark Levinson’s classic components.

Technical Specifications

Specifications are based on Mark Levinson’s official product information and owner’s manual.

Experience the Mark Levinson Nº 585.5 at The Grid HiFi

The Nº 585.5 offers an elegant approach to building a serious two-channel system: powerful amplification, high-resolution digital conversion, and a reference-derived phono stage in one beautifully engineered component.

At The Grid HiFi, we specialize in premium two-channel audio, turntables, cartridge matching, reference amplification, loudspeaker selection, and professional installation.

Whether you're assembling a vinyl-focused listening room or looking for a single amplifier to handle both analog and digital sources, our team can help you build a system around the Nº 585.5.

Contact The Grid HiFi to discuss the Mark Levinson Nº 585.5 and find the right loudspeakers and source components for your system.