Mark Levinson No. 5105 Delivers Sublime Analog: Precision-Engineered, American-Made Turntable Features 14-Pound Aluminum Platter and 10-Inch Carbon-Fiber Tonearm

Just how well-conceived is the Mark Levinson No. 5105 turntable? The company's distinctive hourglass knob even appears in the form of a record weight — a gently curved, bead-blasted, machined aluminum design mass-loaded with solid brass. It's these kind of small details that help set No. 5105 apart as a Levinson product through and through. Ditto its luxurious looks, created to blend in with other Levinson 5000 Series components via a one-inch-thick, black-anodized, solid aluminum front panel that seamlessly pours into an elegant glass display. To top all it off, a recessed clear-anodized aluminum bezel with aluminum control buttons ensure timeless aesthetics and tactile feel.

Of course, the 75-pound No. 5105 proves far more than a visually striking, head-turning, American-made piece of audio gear. True to the Mark Levinson legacy, the 6.1 x 17.2 x 15.6-inch (HWD) 'table arrives overbuilt to deliver sublime music experiences punctuated by engrossing dynamics, lively detail, and remarkable body. To achieve such goals, it comes loaded with audiophile-grade analog parts and premium engineering. Consider: A 14-pound solid aluminum platter suspended on a ground, hardened steel axle rotates on ultra-precise bearings; an oil-free bearing bottom comprised of composite material with integrated lubrication and a maintenance-free sintered brass bushing; and a nearly two-inch-thick solid aluminum plinth machined from a single billet and suspended on three adjustable aluminum feet, each with a mixed-material internal suspension system. An optional Ortofon Quintet Black S cartridge can also come pre-mounted if you so desire (select from the drop-down menu above).

For superb drive ability, No. 5105 leans on an isolated 12V synchronous motor. Fully digitally controlled, it exhibits no temperature drift, resulting in stunning speed stability and ultra-low wow/flutter. Adding to the arsenal is a custom-devised 10-inch high-gloss black carbon-fiber tonearm tube, itself fused to a solid aluminum headshell with an integrated finger lift. An integrated bubble level, platter mat, and four AC cables help round out a turntable that exudes luxurious craftsmanship and functionality. 100% Music Direct Guaranteed.

"[T]he No.5105 produced ... sound that was rich, relaxed, generous, and typical of higher mass, damped-style turntables.... If my experience is typical, even inexperienced buyers can set it up with ease and hear what vinyl alone does so well."
—Michael Fremer, Stereophile

"This Mark Levinson sounds big-boned and composed no matter what we throw at it.... The No.5105 is thoughtfully made and a pleasure to use...."
—What Hi-Fi?