Mark Levinson Audio Systems

Mark Levinson Audio Systems Ltd.
Industry High-end audio
Founded 1972
Founder Mark Levinson
Products Audio equipment
Parent Harman International Industries
Website www.marklevinson.com

Mark Levinson is an American high-end audio equipment brand established in 1972 by eponymous founder Mark Levinson.

History

Mark Levinson Audio Systems Ltd. (MLAS) was founded 1972 in Woodbridge, CT (a suburb of New Haven) by Mark Levinson. Original MLAS products were designed by Mark Levinson with a gifted team of associates. Legendary audio pioneer Dick Burwen, Levinson’s first electronics mentor, helped Levinson start the company with the iconic LNP-2 Preamplifier.[1] Chief engineer Tom Colangelo, who brought visionary audio circuitry to the company, died in a tragic car accident in 2007.[2]

In 1980, an investor acquired control of the company, allegedly without paying Levinson, and allegedly put MLAS through a planned bankruptcy to eliminate Levinson’s 43% interest in the company. Mark Levinson Audio Systems, Ltd. ceased to exist in 1984, with Madrigal Audio Labs acquiring its assets.[3] Madrigal Audio Labs took Levinson to court and asked the United States government to forbid him from working in audio for the rest of his life. In August 1986, Levinson won the case but lost the right to use his given name as a trade name (such as is put on a product).[4]

Since 1990, the Mark Levinson brand and trade name have been property of Harman International Industries. Mark Levinson produces audio amplifiers and digital audio processors that have a characteristic black anodized chassis, a design associated with the brand since the beginning. Harman also makes Mark Levinson audio systems as an optional upgrade for Lexus luxury automobiles. Mark Levinson invented the concept of high-end car sound in 1979. Mark Levinson automotive audio systems are designed in collaboration with sound, electrical, and design engineers who produce Mark Levinson audio electronics.[5][6]

Certain Lexus models have featured Mark Levinson sound systems as an option since 2001,[5][7] with prices varying based on the vehicle and its specific components (~US$2,500 for the LS 460, ~US$1,600 for the ES 350, ~US$1,440 for the IS 350, etc.). The first Mark Levinson car 5.1 surround sound system appeared on the Toyota Crown Majesta in 2004.[8] Current UK Lexus models available with the Mark Levinson Audio System include: CT 200h Premier, IS 250/300h Premier, GS 300h/450h Premier, RC F Carbon, NX 300h Premier, RX 450h Advance and Premier, LS 460 Luxury and F Sport and LS 600h L Premier.[9]

Equipment history

Mark Levinson ML-3 amplifier
Mark Levinson No. 26S preamplifier

Amplifiers

Preamplifiers

Power Supplies

Crossovers

Tape Machines

References

  1. ↑ Willis, Barry. "Music Man: A Brief Biography of Mark Levinson" (PDF). Daniel Hertz SA. Retrieved 2015-02-05.
  2. ↑ Phillips, Wes (2007). "Tom Colangelo:1949–2007". Stereophile. Retrieved 2015-02-05.
  3. ↑ Isak, Matej. "Interview with Mark Levinson (Daniel Hertz)". Mono and Stereo. Retrieved 2015-02-05.
  4. ↑ Willis, Barry. "The Gospel According to Mark Levinson". Stereophile. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
  5. 1 2 Madrigal announces the introduction of a Mark Levinson Premium Sound System as standard equipment in Lexus' first Sport Convertible, the SC430 Archived 2006-10-14 at the Wayback Machine.
  6. ↑ Luxury Audio at Home with Lexus
  7. ↑ Nakano, Roy (2004). "Surveying The Best New Car Sound Systems". LA Car. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
  8. ↑ 2006 Lexus GS Sedan Debuts Mark Levinson Surround Sound System
  9. ↑ "Lexus and Mark Levinson: A sounds partnership". Lexus UK Blog. Lexus UK. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
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