Mark Levinson Audio Systems and Cello, Ltd.

Mark Levinson demonstrated an early interest in highest quality analog audio recording. Along with his uncompromising LNP-2 pre-amplifier, his effort to improve on the audio signal circuitry found in Studer's popular A80 RC recorder-reproducer brought international recognition. Mark continued pursuing the state of the art in analog audio at his later company, Cello, Ltd., offering specialized circuitry for professional analog tape recording and playback on Studer’s A820 platform.

Studer’s A80 RC - the lowest-cost A80 model was an A80 transport fitted with the lower-cost (yet proven and still remarkable) Studer B 62 audio circuitry. Squeezed into a highly compact package, the RC was a natural for audio signal path upgrading. One of the best-known upgrades was Mark Levinson’s ML-5, which entirely replaced the audio circuitry, excepting the record bias amplifier. This was in the late 1970s, an era when the square-wave response of analog recorder-reproducers was only first becoming appreciated.

Levinson’s focus on uncompromised audio quality was further apparent by his selection of the DIN stereo quarter-inch track format (with Schmetterling or butterfly) heads and 30 in/s operation fitted as standard in the ML-5.

ML-5 audio circuitry cards replaced the Studer supplied plug-in cards found in the RC’s audio card frame. Also included was the ML-5’s own regulated audio power supply (not pictured).

ML-5 audio signal path circuitry was single-ended from input to output, using Lemo connectors.

Cello Audio Suite professional analog tape playback electronics with BASF master tape reel used for high-fidelity archival audio reproduction.
Cello Audio Suite professional analog tape playback electronics with BASF master tape reel used for high-fidelity archival audio reproduction.

Following on from the earlier ML-5, Mark Levinson’s Cello professional analog tape electronics dating from about ten years later were a new attempt at state-of-the-art. These classic Cello analog tape products are still favored by some notable recording industry professionals today.

Pictured on the right is a Cello Audio Suite fitted with a Cello P 603 tape playback pre-amplifier, a Cello P 301 stereo balanced output module and an ATAE Cello Audio Suite VU meter panel accessory. The front panel BNC connector allows for quick VU meter calibration from an external reference.