ML No 383 to ML Nos 380S & 335

I wouldn't bother. I very much doubt with your music preferences that the change would improve the sound. It would be better spent on an Audio Research or Conrad Johnson integrated amp (or VAC) as a second amp, with that type of music and those speakers, you would be happy with the sound!

While I'm not familiar with your current gear I do own the 335. I spent years trying to tone down my Wilson 5.1's tendency to shall we say be ruthlessly revealing. I was always happy with the audiophile stuff like dynamics, imaging,etc., but the subtle things my old Quad's excelled at weren't there. The 335 replaced a VT100mk2 and my system took a step in the right direction. The ARC amp simply didn't have the power to make the Wilson's go. Then I replaced my very old SP 11mk2 with a CAT Ultimate. Wow! I now had it all, the dynamics and strings that really sing. I suspect that a tube pre amp will be a better fit with the 335 given your stated priorities. The CAT will get the job done. System synergy is always an issue so try before you buy.

Koen,

A few thoughts. I got caught up in the audio hoop-la and recently sold my 383, I have yet to get replacements, I am in the process; but being w/o it for a few weeks, I really miss it! It is a great piece. Those you enquired about are definately not a step back though.

When I first was testing the 383 I was using a borrowed Van den Hul, long story short, it was either defective or didn't set well with the 383 and 508.24 combo, something to think about.

Also, the day before shipping the 383 off, I moved my speaker placement resulting in quite a change in the soundstage.

Upgrade your 39 to the 390s and I think you will get more of what you're looking for.