In a similar situation, I own the superb Mark Levinson 380S pre ( original, not upgraded ), but recently picked up a used Placette RVC for the hell of it.
I have been listening back and forth for the last couple of months, listening to one for a week or so, then the other.
Regardless of cost, if I had to pick one, I am picking the Placette and selling my 380S.
Neither is perfect though, at least in my opinion wit hm ysystem, room, & ears. The Placette is easily more tranparent, offers better detail, and more fluidity ... but a slight lack of drive. The 380S really controls the music, keeping all instruments in a well deifing & controlled space, has great drive, and great user features. If the 380S was a tad more transparent, then I would keep it. Maybe that is what the mighty ML #32 offers ?
FYI: My system is here
http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1132.html
I have been listening back and forth for the last couple of months, listening to one for a week or so, then the other.
Regardless of cost, if I had to pick one, I am picking the Placette and selling my 380S.
Neither is perfect though, at least in my opinion wit hm ysystem, room, & ears. The Placette is easily more tranparent, offers better detail, and more fluidity ... but a slight lack of drive. The 380S really controls the music, keeping all instruments in a well deifing & controlled space, has great drive, and great user features. If the 380S was a tad more transparent, then I would keep it. Maybe that is what the mighty ML #32 offers ?
FYI: My system is here
http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1132.html