Overview
The No.38S is the much improved version over the No.38 which is quite good in its own right and at its $4,000 MSRP, was the leading preamp to get in the sub $4,000 price range. With the $2,500 increase in price however, the No.38S is the new champ in the under $7,000 category. Improved transparency and smoothness, more balanced tonality and just gratifyingly more musical stands it apart from the competition. Built and finish is first class as most of their models are from that generation. This preamp was so loved that it has only one owner from NEW. It was paired to a No.331 (also for sale in another listing) for a $13,000 MSRP combo that quite frankly, is still one of the best sounding pairing in hifidom.
Cosmetically, the unit looks really good. Minor scuff marks from use but nothing major. Rubber disc feet has been replaced (original rubber disc footers became gooey after sitting in the shelf, unmoved for more than 10 years). Unit has also been recapped and serviced back to its original specs (at nearly $2,600) by the Levinson authorized service center in NYC. So it will solider on for another 15-20 years! Original remote included and unit will be securely packed for safe shipping.
