Mark Levinson Nº 5206 – Precision Preamplifier with DAC & Phono Stage

Every Source. One Extraordinary Listening Experience.

The Mark Levinson Nº 5206 brings analog precision and modern digital versatility together in one sophisticated preamplifier. Designed for listeners who want to enjoy vinyl, high-resolution digital music, and premium headphone listening without compromising their two-channel system, it combines several essential audio components in a single chassis.

At its heart is Mark Levinson's patented Pure Path architecture, featuring fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural Class A line-level circuitry. A built-in Precision Link II DAC supports high-resolution PCM and DSD playback, while a dedicated MM/MC phono stage provides extensive cartridge-matching flexibility.

Add Bluetooth with aptX HD, Main Drive Class A headphone amplification, balanced connectivity, and comprehensive system control, and the Nº 5206 becomes a versatile centerpiece for a reference music system.

Designed and handcrafted in the United States, the Nº 5206 delivers the engineering philosophy of Mark Levinson's 500 Series in a streamlined, modern component.

 

Key Features

• Pure Path Class A Circuitry: Fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural analog signal architecture.

• Precision Link II DAC: ESS Sabre Pro 32-bit digital-to-analog conversion.

• High-Resolution Digital Audio: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz.

• Six Digital Inputs: USB-B, AES/EBU, two coaxial, and two optical connections.

• Dedicated MM & MC Phono Inputs: Separate connections for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.

• Adjustable Phono Loading: Configurable gain, capacitance, resistance, and infrasonic filtering.

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

• Main Drive Headphone Output: Dedicated Class A headphone amplification.

• Balanced & Unbalanced Connectivity: XLR and RCA inputs and outputs.

• Subwoofer Integration: Selectable 80Hz high-pass filter.

• Home Theater Bypass: Processor pass-through mode for compatible surround systems.

• Professional Integration: Ethernet, RS-232, IR, and 12V trigger connectivity.

• American Craftsmanship: Designed, engineered, and handcrafted in the USA.

   

Pure Path: Where the Music Begins

A preamplifier handles some of the most delicate signals in your audio system. Every stage of its circuitry matters.

The Nº 5206 uses Mark Levinson's proprietary Pure Path design, featuring fully discrete, direct-coupled, dual-monaural Class A line-level circuitry.

Its patented architecture combines a single gain stage with a digitally controlled resistor network for volume adjustment, reducing unnecessary complexity in the analog signal path.

Each of the four stereo line-level inputs has its own high-reliability switching relays, helping maintain signal integrity as you move between sources.

The design emphasizes low distortion, wide bandwidth, and accurate reproduction of the musical signal, allowing the character of your source components and recordings to come through.

 

Precision Link II: High-Resolution Digital Audio

The Nº 5206 includes Mark Levinson's Precision Link II digital-to-analog converter, making it a complete digital control center for your music system.

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

The asynchronous USB input supports PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz.

Six digital inputs provide extensive connectivity for compatible CD transports, network streamers, computers, and other digital sources.

The DAC also offers seven selectable PCM filters and four DSD low-pass filters, allowing you to adjust digital reconstruction characteristics according to your preferences.

The Nº 5206 includes MQA decoding capability for compatible files and streams.

 

Pure Phono: Rediscover Your Vinyl Collection

The Nº 5206 includes a sophisticated phono stage designed for both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.

Its hybrid gain architecture combines discrete components derived from Mark Levinson's Pure Phono design with low-noise integrated circuitry.

A hybrid active/passive RIAA equalization network uses precision resistors and polypropylene capacitors to provide accurate frequency correction.

Dedicated MM and MC inputs simplify connectivity, while selectable gain and loading settings allow you to optimize the phono stage for your cartridge.

An optional infrasonic filter helps reduce unwanted low-frequency energy caused by record warps and turntable rumble.

Whether you're using a moving-magnet cartridge or a low-output moving-coil design, the Nº 5206 provides the adjustment capabilities needed for serious analog playback.

 

Main Drive: Class A Headphone Listening

Your reference audio system should be just as enjoyable when you want to listen privately.

The Nº 5206 incorporates Mark Levinson's Main Drive headphone output, which uses a preamplifier output stage specifically designed with the current and power capacity to drive headphones directly.

Rather than relying on a separate, unrelated headphone amplifier circuit, Main Drive draws on the preamplifier's Class A analog architecture.

The result is a dedicated headphone listening solution integrated into the same component that controls your loudspeaker system.

Connect compatible headphones to the front-panel output and enjoy your music without powering up your main amplifiers.

 

Bluetooth with aptX HD

Convenience has its place in a high-performance audio system.

The Nº 5206 includes a Bluetooth receiver with aptX HD support, allowing compatible smartphones, tablets, and other devices to stream music wirelessly.

This makes it easy to share a new album, explore a playlist, or enjoy casual listening without connecting an additional source component.

For critical listening, the dedicated analog and digital inputs provide additional connectivity for your preferred source equipment.

Connect Your Entire Music Collection

The Nº 5206 is designed to accommodate a wide range of source components.

Four stereo line-level inputs include two balanced XLR connections and two unbalanced RCA connections.

Separate MM and MC phono inputs provide direct turntable connectivity.

Six digital inputs include asynchronous USB-B, AES/EBU, two coaxial connections, and two optical connections.

Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs allow the Nº 5206 to connect to compatible stereo power amplifiers, while variable RCA outputs provide additional system flexibility.

 

Subwoofer Integration for Two-Channel Audio

A properly integrated subwoofer can extend the low-frequency performance of a stereo system while reducing the bass demands placed on the main loudspeakers.

The Nº 5206 includes a selectable second-order, 80Hz high-pass filter.

This provides a useful tool for integrating compatible subwoofer systems, particularly when the main speakers benefit from reduced low-frequency demands.

With appropriate crossover configuration, speaker placement, and calibration, the Nº 5206 can serve as the foundation for a sophisticated full-range two-channel system.

 

Reference Stereo Meets Home Theater

A dedicated music system and a home theater don't have to be completely separate.

The Nº 5206 includes a home theater processor pass-through mode, allowing a compatible surround processor to control volume during multichannel playback.

For dedicated music listening, the Nº 5206 resumes its normal role as the primary stereo preamplifier.

This allows your front loudspeakers and stereo power amplifier to serve both music and movie playback without compromising the system's intended configuration.

Designed for Professional Integration

The Nº 5206 includes Ethernet, RS-232, infrared input, and 12V trigger connections for integration into professionally installed systems.

Mark Levinson's 5Kontrol app provides additional control functionality, while an internal web interface allows configuration management and software updates.

A custom aluminum remote is included for everyday operation.

The chassis features a substantial machined-aluminum front panel, recessed glass display, and Mark Levinson's distinctive hourglass control knobs.

Designed, engineered, and handcrafted in the United States, the Nº 5206 combines precise construction with the understated appearance expected of a premium audio component.

 

Technical Specifications

Specifications are based on Mark Levinson's official Nº 5206 product page, specification sheet, and owner's manual. Maximum digital resolution depends on the input and file format.

Experience Mark Levinson at The Grid HiFi

The Mark Levinson Nº 5206 brings together the essential elements of a reference music system: precision analog control, high-resolution digital conversion, serious vinyl playback, and dedicated headphone amplification.

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

Whether you're pairing the Nº 5206 with Mark Levinson power amplification, integrating a high-end turntable, or building a complete digital and analog listening system, our team can help you select and configure the right components.

Contact The Grid HiFi to explore the Mark Levinson Nº 5206 and discuss your next reference audio system.