Dog_lover, I haven't heard a 38 in many years (and wasn't all that crazy about them when I did, the sound being somewhat hard and foward as I remember it), but I recently got a 380S, and whatever else one may say about it (and I like mine quite a lot), "very colored" would not be on the menu...In fact, I would as far as to suggest that most folks who wouldn't agree with the sound of this preamp are probably looking for some sort of coloration that it doesn't have.
Manley reference preamp vs levinson 38 for s/state
I am considering both these pre amps to drive my active ATC 100asl monitors (solid state amps).Any opinions would be appreciated especially regarding the discontinued Manley as I cannot locate any reviews on this piece which is available to me.Any other recommendations in the $2000 used range welcomed.