Mark Levinson Nº 519 – Reference Digital Streaming Audio Player

Every Digital Source. One Reference-Level Music System.

Your favorite music lives in more places than ever. Some of it is on CDs. Some is stored on a computer or network drive. The rest is waiting in a streaming library.

The Mark Levinson Nº 519 brings it all together.

Combining a high-performance CD player, network streamer, Precision Link DAC, digital preamplifier, and Class A headphone amplifier, the Nº 519 is designed to serve as the digital centerpiece of a serious two-channel audio system.

Its proprietary Pure Path circuitry, fully balanced dual-monaural analog architecture, and extensive connectivity make it equally at home in a traditional separates system or a streamlined setup connected directly to power amplifiers.

This is more than a CD player with streaming added. It is a complete digital music source designed around the way enthusiasts actually listen.

 

Key Features

• All-in-One Digital Source: CD player, network streamer, DAC, digital preamplifier, and headphone amplifier.

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

• Pure Path Circuit Design: Discrete, direct-coupled, fully balanced, dual-monaural analog signal path.

• High-Resolution Audio: Supports PCM up to 32-bit/192kHz and DSD64/DSD128.

• Roon Ready: Integrates with compatible Roon music systems.

• Network Streaming: Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity for compatible music libraries and streaming services.

• Slot-Loading CD Player: Plays standard audio CDs and supported data CDs.

• Asynchronous USB DAC: USB-B input for compatible computers.

• USB Storage Playback: Two USB-A connections for compatible music drives.

• Bluetooth with aptX: Convenient wireless playback from compatible devices.

• Class A Main Drive Headphone Amplifier: Dedicated front-panel ¼-inch headphone output.

• Fixed or Variable Analog Outputs: Connect to a preamplifier or directly to compatible power amplifiers.

• Comprehensive Digital Connectivity: AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical inputs and outputs.

• Five-Inch Color Display: Large TFT screen with multiple control options.

   

Stream. Spin. Connect.

The Nº 519 gives your entire digital music collection a single home.

Play a favorite CD, browse albums stored on a NAS, connect a computer through asynchronous USB, or stream music over your home network. Its integrated architecture routes these sources through Mark Levinson's Precision Link DAC and Pure Path analog circuitry.

The result is a flexible source component that can simplify an equipment rack without limiting how you enjoy music.

Rediscover Your CD Collection

The integrated slot-loading transport plays standard Red Book audio CDs and supported data CDs, allowing you to enjoy physical media without adding a separate disc player.

For collectors who have invested years in building a CD library, the Nº 519 combines familiar disc playback with modern digital convenience.

Disc-format clarification: The Nº 519 is a CD player, not an SACD player. It supports DSD files through compatible digital playback methods, but it should not be advertised as playing SACD discs.

 

Network Streaming and Roon Ready Playback

Connect the Nº 519 through Ethernet or Wi-Fi to access compatible network music libraries and streaming services.

Its embedded Precision Stream platform was designed to support services including Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, internet radio, and podcasts.

The Nº 519 is also Roon Ready, allowing it to function as a network playback endpoint in a compatible Roon system.

Because streaming platforms and their integrations change over time, confirm the unit's firmware and current service compatibility before promising access to a particular service.

 

Precision Link DAC: The Heart of the Nº 519

At the center of the Nº 519 is Mark Levinson's Precision Link digital-to-analog converter.

Built around an ESS Sabre 32-bit processor, the DAC incorporates proprietary jitter-reduction circuitry and a fully balanced, discrete current-to-voltage conversion stage.

Nine individual power supplies support the digital conversion architecture, while three selectable digital filters allow listeners to tailor the conversion characteristics.

The Nº 519 supports PCM resolutions up to 32-bit/192kHz and native or DoP playback of DSD64 and DSD128 through compatible inputs.

Whether you're playing a CD, accessing high-resolution files, or connecting an external digital transport, the Precision Link DAC provides a common conversion platform for your music.

 

Pure Path: Designed Around the Analog Signal

A great DAC needs an equally capable analog output stage.

The Nº 519 employs Mark Levinson's proprietary Pure Path circuit design, featuring a discrete, direct-coupled, fully balanced, dual-monaural signal path.

This architecture maintains dedicated left- and right-channel analog circuitry and is designed to preserve signal integrity after digital conversion.

Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs allow the player to integrate with a wide range of premium preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers.

For listeners assembling a complete Mark Levinson system, the Nº 519 provides a natural source component for matching amplification.

 

A Digital Preamplifier Built In

One of the Nº 519's most useful capabilities is its selectable fixed or variable analog output.

Use fixed output when connecting the player to a conventional preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

Switch to variable output when building a simplified system around a compatible power amplifier or active loudspeakers.

With digital volume control built in, the Nº 519 can manage digital source selection and listening level without requiring a separate preamplifier.

This flexibility makes it suitable for both elaborate reference systems and carefully curated minimalist setups.

Installation note: When connecting directly to a power amplifier, configure and verify volume-control operation before playback to avoid unexpectedly high output levels.

 

Serious Headphone Listening, No Separate Amplifier Required

The Nº 519 includes Mark Levinson's Class A Main Drive headphone output.

Rather than relying on a basic convenience headphone circuit, Main Drive uses the player's main analog circuitry to power headphones directly.

A front-panel ¼-inch connection provides easy access, while selectable output impedance settings allow the amplifier to accommodate different headphone requirements.

For listeners who enjoy private sessions with premium headphones, the Nº 519 delivers a dedicated listening option without adding another component.

 

Digital Connectivity Without Compromise

The Nº 519 is designed to accommodate a substantial collection of digital sources.

Its six digital audio inputs include balanced AES/EBU, coaxial, optical, and asynchronous USB-B connections.

Two additional USB-A ports support compatible external storage devices, while Bluetooth with aptX provides convenient wireless playback.

Digital outputs allow the Nº 519 to connect to an external DAC or other compatible digital equipment.

For custom installations, Ethernet/IP control, RS-232, infrared, and 12V trigger connections provide additional system integration options.

 

Clari-Fi Music Restoration

Not every recording in a digital music library is available in lossless or high-resolution quality.

HARMAN Clari-Fi technology analyzes compressed audio and applies processing intended to restore some of the information and bandwidth affected by lossy compression.

This feature provides an additional playback option for listeners with extensive libraries of compressed music.

Clari-Fi cannot recreate the original master recording or turn a lossy file into a genuinely lossless source, but it offers a selectable approach to processing lower-quality material.

 

Designed and Handcrafted in the USA

The Nº 519 makes a visual statement with its substantial aluminum-and-steel chassis, precision-machined controls, and large five-inch color display.

Its industrial design reflects the same attention to detail found throughout Mark Levinson's reference components.

Control is available through the front panel, included aluminum remote, compatible mobile apps, or a web browser.

Designed and handcrafted in the United States, the Nº 519 combines sophisticated digital functionality with the physical construction expected of a premium audio component.

Technical Specifications

Specifications verified against Mark Levinson's official product information, brochure, and owner's manual.

Experience the Mark Levinson Nº 519 at The Grid HiFi

The Nº 519 is built for the music enthusiast who wants a serious digital source without choosing between a CD collection, high-resolution files, and network streaming.

At The Grid HiFi, we specialize in reference two-channel audio, premium digital sources, amplification, loudspeaker matching, and professional system integration.

Whether you're pairing the Nº 519 with an existing preamplifier or building a streamlined system around its variable outputs, our team can help you configure the right components.

Contact The Grid HiFi to explore the Mark Levinson Nº 519 and bring your entire digital music collection together.