During the show, Doug White of The Voice That Is asked me to check in with Levin Design people in the main hall. At my request, Doug sold me one of those gorgeous Levin Design brushes after I saw them at the Munich show a couple of years ago, and I try to include it with every photo I take of a turntable I have in for review. I consider the brush to be an important and meaningful luxury product–every time I use it, I think of my history with analog, and how I deserve a record cleaning brush like this for keeping the analog flame lit. (How’s that for a daily affirmation?)
Words and Photos by Marc Phillips
First of all, Frank and Kim Levin are two of the sweetest people I’ve met in the high-end audio industry. They were incredibly grateful that I use their brush, and that I talk about it as much as I do. I’ve always wanted to do more for them, but the last time I checked their website they had just the record cleaning brush and a matching stylus brush as offerings. At Munich 2024, it’s clear that Levin Design is moving on up in the high-end audio world with new products such as a record cleaning machine, a headphone amplifier and a turntable armboard.
I did get to check out the Levin Design headphone amplifier, which was hooked up to the turntable you see here. At first I was unsure that I could form an opinion one way or another in the busy MOC halls–I’d already failed at listening to several headphone rigs at the show due to noise. After just a few seconds, however, it was obvious that this headphone amp was special–I heard plenty of detail matched to an effortless and relaxing musical presentation.
As I mentioned, Doug White has been my lone connection to Levin Design over the last few years. I was surprised to learn, however, that Michael Vamos of Audio Skies is the new distributor, which means if I ask, I shall receive for review. I did ask, and soon I will get a chance to explore these new products. In the meantime I’ll use my Levin Design brush and I’ll continue to feel like an extra-special member of the Analog Clubhouse.
Got something for this?