Audio Research Ref 3 VS Mark Levinson 38s

A friend of my purchased the 380s pre-amp and I at the time owned the REF 3.  I can tell you that both are excellent.  Quite open and detailed.  I don't know about the 38s but, I imagine that it would be close to the 380s with the 380s probably being better than the 38s.

However, I also compared the REF 3 (with new tubes) with a REF 5SE and I have to tell you they were very close.  It definitely was not a jaw dropping difference between the two, and my REF 6 is not far away from the REF 5SE.  I had all three in my house at the same time to compare.  That was fun.

The REF 3 with new tubes is very hard to beat and for the money, impossible to beat.

Don't get me wrong, the 380s was excellent and I would take either one. if the 380s is an upgrade to the 38s, then the REF 3 would definitely be better than the 38s.

enjoy

I would definitely think about the 326s.  If the REF 3 and 326s are close in price (relative that is). 

Mark Levinson company (don't know if this was Mark Levinson the person or the new company after he sold it), made/makes excellent equipment.

As Ralph (Atma-Sphere) also said, there are some pre-amps at or better than the REF 3 for the price.

But, you can't go wrong with the REF 3, 380s or 326s.

enjoy