2. amps-preamps
  3. 986937488

Levinson upgrades vs factory original

I've recently seen some ads for Mark Levinson 380S advertising that the units were factory original, not upgrades, apparently to command a premium price. Any thoughts on whether it's worth paying extra to get a "factory original" vs a "factory upgrade" for the 380S or other components (e.g., the 360S digital processor).
1439bhr
lev335
220 posts
 
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
bmolloy
10 posts
 
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.
no_money
638 posts
 
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.
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