Audio Research Reference 6 or Mark Levinson Reference n32

Today I am comparing the ML with its internal phono stage and the Audio Research Reference 6 with the Aesthetix Rhea phono stage. My cartridge is the Soundsmith PAUA MKII and the turntable is a Brinkmann Balance with its 12.1" tonearm.The power amp is a Dan D’agostino Classic Stereo.
My first impressions compared to the two setups:
I find the ML32 quieter, “educated", calm and linear and more transparent.The ML32 has more detail and has a slightly highlighted mid-high compared to Ref6. ML 32 has a larger extension at the bottom, ensuring greater control.
The Ref6 + Aesthetix Rhea combo returns a bigger soundstage both in height and in width, sometimes it seems to magnify/enlarges the instruments. It has more "physicality" and the sound seems to be less "trapped" in the speakers.

I hope I have explained well..

"Educated" is an excellent way of describing the ML sound.  I've owned tubed pre's and do not miss them after getting my ML 326S.

Have you made a decision yet?

Thank you for your opinion. Which tube pre amp did you have before the ML?

I will take some more time before making a decision ;-)

I tried the ARC LS27, Cary SLP-98 and Cary SLP-05.  The SLP-05 was by far the best of the bunch, but I still preferred the 326S.

I had a 326s and compared it to the Ref6 and would have probably gone for the Ref6 until I heard the No52 Ref. That ended the debate and now have the 52 driving a new pair of 536s. Magic!

George