Levinson upgrades vs factory original

Some of the reasons for price differences may be the factory faceplate. If I understood my dealer correctly, you can upgrade the #38 to 380s but the frontplate will not say 380s unless you pay an additional charge for a new one. I could be wrong as I am still way back in the ARC ls-15 range and was merely talking with my guy regarding future upgrade to 38 then to 380s.

I have a 38 for sale and when I talked to levinson they told me that the upgrade included a faceplate I hope this helps good luck

Lev335: The upgrade to 380S includes the faceplate (and it should considering the price). Levinson insists the performance of an upgraded preamp is in every way equal to an original piece, and there is no reasonable argument to be made in refute of this. My own experience has also found this to be true in the case of the 380S. The oft-referred-to "psychological aversion" to upgraded Lev pieces (vs. factory originals) by many buyers is baseless, IMO.

The dealer I spoke with stated that the upgrade is the same as a 380s in every way, no difference at all. Just like Bmolloy says. But he said it can be done for slightly less money, maybe around 500.00 ??? if you don't change the face plate. But at this price point you might as well throw it in.