Mark Levinson 380S vs BAT 50SE???

The BAT would actually be the better of the two for my tastes. I have owned both and like the BAT due to the harmonic texture and it is as quiet as the Levinson. It is truly one of the best preamps made.

I believe that Mark Levinson equipment is, in general, some of the most overated products in the high-end sector. The price/performance is exorbitant. If you at all care about air, lack of grain and especially the 'easy on the ears' harmonic rightness of tubes then by all means go for the BAT 50 SE. For good measure also throw in a higher-end ARC unit for evaluation as well. Good luck!

NOT EVEN A CONTEST, THE 50SE SMOKES THE LEVINSON ON ALL THAT MUSIC IS ABOUT