Mark Levinson Nº 5101 – Network Streaming SACD Player & DAC

Your Disc Collection. Your Digital Library. One Remarkable Source.

Some albums deserve to be taken off the shelf. Others are waiting in your digital music library. The Mark Levinson Nº 5101 brings both worlds together in a single high-performance source component.

Combining a precision SACD/CD player, network music streamer, and Precision Link II digital-to-analog converter, the Nº 5101 offers a versatile solution for listeners who want to enjoy physical media and high-resolution digital music without filling their equipment rack with separate components.

Its ESS Sabre PRO 32-bit DAC, proprietary Pure Path analog output stage, and substantial linear power supply are engineered to preserve the detail, dynamics, and character of your favorite recordings.

With balanced XLR outputs, digital inputs and outputs, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, and app-based control, the Nº 5101 is designed to become the digital centerpiece of a serious two-channel audio system.

 

Key Features

• Three Components in One: SACD/CD player, network streamer, and high-performance DAC.

• Slot-Loading Disc Transport: Plays SACD, standard audio CDs, CD-R, and CD-RW.

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

• High-Resolution Network Streaming: Stream compatible music files over Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

• USB Music Playback: Play supported audio files from a connected USB storage device.

• Pure Path Analog Output Stage: Fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural circuitry.

• Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs: Stereo XLR and RCA connections.

• Digital Inputs: Optical and coaxial inputs for external digital sources.

• Digital Outputs: Optical and coaxial connections for an external DAC.

• Selectable Digital Filters: Seven PCM and four DSD filter options.

• Linear Power Supply: Toroidal transformer with separate voltage regulation for the left and right analog channels.

• Flexible Control: Music Life app, aluminum remote, Ethernet/IP, RS-232, IR, and 12V trigger.

• American Engineering: Designed and engineered in the USA.

   

Three Ways to Enjoy Your Music

The Nº 5101 is designed to simplify a sophisticated digital audio system without sacrificing flexibility.

Whether you're revisiting a favorite SACD, exploring a high-resolution album stored on your network, or connecting an external digital transport, the Nº 5101 provides multiple ways to bring your music into the same reference system.

Rediscover Your SACD and CD Collection

Physical media remains an important part of serious music listening.

The Nº 5101 incorporates a precision slot-loading disc mechanism compatible with Super Audio CD, standard audio CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats.

Its internal DAC and Pure Path analog circuitry handle playback, allowing the player to connect directly to a compatible preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

For collectors with extensive SACD libraries, this provides a dedicated playback solution while retaining the flexibility of a modern digital source.

The Nº 5101 also includes optical and coaxial digital outputs for connecting a compatible external DAC. These outputs should not be assumed to transmit SACD's native DSD signal; confirm the supported output format for your intended configuration.

 

Precision Link II: The Heart of Digital Playback

The Nº 5101 features Mark Levinson's Precision Link II digital-to-analog converter.

At its core is an ESS Sabre PRO 32-bit DAC supported by proprietary jitter-reduction circuitry and five independent, ultra-low-noise voltage regulators.

A fully balanced, discrete current-to-voltage conversion stage completes the digital processing architecture.

This design is intended to preserve fine musical detail while minimizing unwanted noise and timing errors.

For listeners who want to tailor digital playback, the Nº 5101 provides seven selectable PCM filters and four DSD filters.

These settings allow users to explore different digital reconstruction characteristics without introducing another component into the system.

 

High-Resolution Network Streaming

The Nº 5101 isn't limited to the discs in your collection.

Built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity allow it to access compatible music libraries and streaming sources over your home network.

The player supports network playback from NAS storage and compatible DLNA/UPnP devices.

Supported file formats include FLAC, WAV, AIFF, OGG, MP3, AAC, and WMA, with support for DSD files through compatible playback methods.

The Music Life app provides streaming and transport control from a compatible mobile device.

For listeners who maintain a substantial digital music collection, the Nº 5101 offers a convenient way to access that library through the same high-performance DAC and analog output stage used for disc playback.

 

Streaming compatibility: Availability of individual streaming services and app features can change. Confirm support for your preferred service and current firmware before advertising a specific platform in Shopify.

USB Playback for Your Digital Music Library

Prefer keeping your music on a local storage device?

The Nº 5101 includes a USB-A connection for playing supported audio files from compatible USB drives.

It supports high-resolution PCM files up to 24-bit/192kHz in formats such as FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and OGG, along with DSD files up to 5.6MHz through supported playback methods.

This provides another way to enjoy a curated music collection without relying exclusively on online streaming services.

The USB-A port is intended for storage-device playback; it is not an asynchronous USB-B or USB-C audio input for direct computer-DAC operation.

 

Pure Path: From Digital Conversion to Analog Music

Digital conversion is only part of the equation. Once the signal becomes analog, it still needs to reach your preamplifier with minimal interference.

The Nº 5101 incorporates Mark Levinson's proprietary Pure Path analog output circuitry.

Its fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural architecture provides dedicated left- and right-channel signal paths.

A substantial linear power supply with a toroidal transformer and separate voltage regulators for the analog channels supports this circuitry.

The analog signal is delivered through balanced XLR or single-ended RCA outputs, allowing the Nº 5101 to connect with a wide range of premium audio components.

This attention to the analog stage makes the Nº 5101 more than a conventional disc transport with streaming features added. It is designed as a complete digital source component.

 

Connect More Than Just Your Music Collection

The Nº 5101 offers a variety of connections for integrating external digital equipment.

Its coaxial and optical inputs allow compatible digital sources to take advantage of the built-in Precision Link II DAC.

Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs provide analog connectivity to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

Optical and coaxial digital outputs allow the Nº 5101 to serve as a transport for a compatible external DAC.

Ethernet, RS-232, IR, and a 12V trigger input provide additional flexibility for professionally installed systems.

Whether you're building a dedicated two-channel listening room or integrating a premium source into a larger audio installation, the Nº 5101 offers the connections needed for a carefully configured system.

 

Control That Fits Your Listening Style

A premium source component should be enjoyable to use.

The Nº 5101 includes a custom aluminum remote for everyday operation, while the Music Life app provides network streaming and transport control.

Ethernet/IP, RS-232, IR, and trigger connectivity allow the player to be integrated into compatible control systems.

The result is a component equally suited to hands-on listening sessions and professionally installed audio systems.

Distinctive Mark Levinson Design

The Nº 5101 shares the unmistakable industrial design of the Mark Levinson 5000 Series.

Its substantial black-anodized aluminum front panel flows into a recessed glass display framed by clear-anodized aluminum.

Machined controls, carefully executed ventilation, and a restrained visual presentation give the player a sophisticated appearance alongside matching Mark Levinson amplification.

The Nº 5101 is designed, engineered, and precision-crafted in the United States, reflecting the brand's emphasis on construction and attention to detail.

 

Technical Specifications

Specifications sourced from Mark Levinson's official Nº 5101 product page, specification sheet, and owner's manual. Supported resolutions vary by format and playback method.

Experience Mark Levinson at The Grid HiFi

The Mark Levinson Nº 5101 brings together the convenience of network streaming, the enjoyment of physical media, and the performance of a dedicated high-resolution DAC.

At The Grid HiFi, we specialize in high-performance two-channel audio, reference digital sources, premium loudspeaker systems, and professional installation.

Whether you're pairing the Nº 5101 with a Mark Levinson integrated amplifier, adding SACD playback to an existing system, or building a complete reference listening room, our team can help you select and configure the right components.

Contact The Grid HiFi to explore the Mark Levinson Nº 5101 and build a digital music system around your collection.