Paint Removal?

Lighter Fluid would be a milder version of Goof-Off.
It will haze the finish, & you should be able to restore it's finish with a dab of oil?

It must not sound all that well if you spend considerable time looking at it, instead of enjoying it's sound? Why not just sell it, & find another more visually pleasing unit? Prior to reducing it's physical condition / resale value?
Or see if another finish option Face Plate is available from the manufacturer, & then sell this units Face Plate in a non-marred state? Good Luck!

Thanks guys for the responses. Much appreciated.

Audio,

The unit sounds great (AE-3 DJH) and it's all of a day old! Vast improvement over my previous pre-amp (a Linn Majik) and looking forward to the DJH hitting its stride. Will go into more detail when I update my system page.

Best,

Albert gave you excellent solvents to use. Any of them should only be used in a well ventilated area away from ignition sources as they are all very volatile and highly flammable.

If its a real anodized alum. finish, shouldn't be damaged--anodizing is a physical change to the actual metal to oxidize it in a controlled manner. So, the finish isn't "applied"--its actually the metal itself, only harder. The problem might be that there is some overcoat on top of the anodization, like a clearcoat or something, that might be dulled. Highly second the "test in an unobtrusive area" suggestions...

I suggest that you call Cary (AES) and ask them about their gold silkscreening / painting process. You will certainly lose value should you ever decide to sell the preamp whether you get the gold lettering off cleanly or make a mess of it.

Maybe this pic doesn't do it justice, but it doesn't seem all that bad to me. You might want to wait a bit and see if you get used to it before your "surgery". Or maybe listen in the dark. :-) Bob