WOULD IT BE DUMB TO BUY A MARK LEVINSON NO 23.5

The perfect ML preamp to match your 23.5 would be either the 26 or better yet, the 26S.  

Hi.  Jeffvegas
Look into a Mark Levinson no.32 Reference Preamp to match with your ML23.5 and I promise you that you will stay in heaven forever.

Thanks
Mac

The shutdown of business in Nevada with the HORRIBLE governor not providing unemployment benefits caused me to liquidate all my electronics. I quick sold the 23.5 for 2 grand.  I was in tears selling it. 

sorry to hear this. wishing you all the best Sir

Jeffvegas:  I'm sorry to hear about your situation.  This is a very bad condition for quite a lot of people and unfortunately many won't recover.
Jobs are being lost at an alarming rate.  I'm sorry you had to liquidate your equipment.  Sigh!  on top of losing income, to lose a favorite hobby of listening to great music hurts also.

Hopefully, you will recover.