Price Paid:  $22000.00 from Audio Ark

Summary:
For me the most valuable consideration in evaluating a piece of audio gear is that it be uncolored. In other words, I do not want the component to impart any characteristic into the source material that wasn't in the source originally. On this front the 32 shines brighter than any preamp I've heard. Silent passages are pitch black while the sound is simply glorious. Excellent dynamics! I love the way in which the 32 can be configured. There are endless ways you can do it but the menus are easy to use. I've added the ML Phono Amp to the 32 and have found it to be equal to the rest of the 32. This is probably the least appreciated accessory component I have ever come across. If you love vinyl you've got to hear this thing perform! Also, the way in which you can adapt the phono amp to your cartridge is amazing!

Strengths:
Too numerous to mention. It just does everything right!

Weaknesses:
Let's face it, although glorious, this is no small ticket! Although solid state, the controller box does run a bit hot, even in standby.

Similar Products Used:
Sonic Frontiers Line 3

Price Paid:  $14500.00 from Aero Plus - Local De

Summary:
Why do I need a preamp when I am using Elgar +, where I can do a direct connection to the power amps. Simply put the No.32 lights up the harmonics in the system. I have tried endless combination, I mean it is more detailed and balanced and it "does" sound more musical using the No.32. I am also using a Turntable, Tape Recorders, and Turner which I enjoy and need. Dead quite is correct, yet it is so vivid that every note on the music is so real, detailed and dynamic that your jaws just drop. The top end is detailed yet never harsh, middle is just like a dense fluid flowing yet not heavy, there is just so much more information flowing through. This is the only preamp that I have used that brings the detail in bass for my great power amps. The functionality is so thoughtful, that after all the gain settings are done it is ready to go for all my sources. Absolute silence on my speaker twiters during silent passages. This is my favorite componet among all my audio gear, I must say.

Strengths:
There are so many, ML I think is master of creating Pre Amps, My second favorite was the No.26S yet there is no comparison to No.32. Detailed Sound. Sound stage, S/N ratio, Bass detail and control, functionality, design, I think I am going to keep this one for a long time.

Weaknesses:
None that I have experienced so far.

Similar Products Used:
Jeff Rowland :Coherence 2 Audio Research :Ref2 Cello: Encore1M ML:380S , No.26S Current System: B&W Nautilus 800 Signeture DCS Elgar Plus, Purcell Krell FPB 650M Monoblocks Estoteric POs

Price Paid:  $12000.00 from used

Summary:
I''ve always found the preamp to be the weakest link. Not any more. The No. 32 is tonally neutral and conveys the wide dynamic range of music like a reference tube preamp but with the speed quiet and slam or solid state. Dead silent. Has a wide deep soundstage and a more recessed presentation but that''s a choice, not a coloration. Reference grade all the way.

Strengths:
As if it''s not there- allows music to rush forth limitlessly. Pure, silent.

Weaknesses:
has a deep soundstage and a more recessed image; I prefer this to forward presentations although others may differ.

Similar Products Used:
CJ, CAT, Rowland, Sonic Frontiers, BAT, Pass, Wavac, Ayre, Goldmund, Krell, other Levinson, VTL, Accuphase, Meridian, Wadia, Burmester you name it.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
There is a lot said (mostly negative) about expensive high-end products. And, for the most part, I''m also somewhat critical. That is until you consider the ML 32 Reference preamp. This isn''t just another well-made prestigious hi fi product. The ML32 offers some truly extraordinary innovations. This includes AC power regeneration (far more advance than the PS Audio stuff) that allows the internal components to operate at technically ideal conditions. It also separates all noise potential components into one chassis, with the critical signal-handling components in another. Finally, you have an extrodinary amount of connection capability, as well as optimizing features for each input. For example, you can tell it to add an addition 6DB of gain for your DAC input only. You can also add phono modules (balanced or single-ended) and receive an amazing amount of unique adjustments that can be carried out from your remote - an analog person''s dream. For you "spec" maniacs, I believe the ML 32 currently provides the best "technical" performance that Stereophile magazine has every measured. The product is well build and software upgradable as well. The sound quality is truly incredible. It is crystal clear and non-fatiguing. I I upgraded from an ML38S (reference preamp for Stereophile) and noticed small but important improvements. And, as a Preamp, it will drive any amplifier flawlessly.

Strengths:
Upgradable, awesome sound quality, technically innovative, specs well (!), and well built.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
ML 38S, Krell KCT, Sonic Frontiers Line 3

Price Paid:  $14500.00 from Syncrotape, Brazil

Summary:
Listen and dream. I have no word to describe dreams.

Strengths:
I changed my 380S by the Mark Levinson Reference 32 few months ago. It is incredible how much music I was losing to hear in the past. The 380S is the best preamp of this world, but the 32 is out of this world.
Clear, correct, transparent it is pure music. A High Definition soundstage.
It has much more value than his price (a high price).
It is the equipment closest to reality I have heard.
The Mark Levinson 32 is associated with the wonderfull 33H and the terrific REVEL SALON. Digital source is the Wadia 7 transport and Mark Levinson 360S D/A processor, also the Wadia 9 D/A processor as an alternative. It is my dream system.

Weaknesses:
None