Paint Removal?

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

There are paint remover spray which are absolutely non toxic. I used one by Saratoga to rip paint off a rega arm.

HTH,

Stefano