So I'm late to the party of the PVL. But I am at a better place to know what works and doesn't for me. I actually had a sama export at my house for a few weeks while I was fixing it replacing seals for Chef Glenn. I didn't like that and I had fears that the PVL was going to be a similar experience.
Week one with the PVL things I like:
1. Quiet, no pumps. simple is good
2. Not a lot that can go wrong
3. Pulls a nice shot, temp is stable has a temp switch that works.
4. big enough boiler
5. steam wand works well is a 3 hole but they are small holes so it works.
6. water tap works well enough
7. the spring loaded piston- I like this.
Things that make me scratch my head:
1. Sheet metal is goofy on this- it kinda wobbles and doesn't look secure.
2. drip tray is useless the holes are too small and any liquid does not make it effectively in the tray.
3. the cup warmer is not secure and can go flying if you aren't careful
Technique I use:
1. I like to overfill the basket, knock them down, and then tamp.
2. Pull lever down hold for 5 sec. then do the 5 small pump to remove air until pre-infuse shows.
3. let go or control release depending on how it looks, then wait until slightly above 90 deg and do slow 2nd pull with 2 second hold at the bottom. I will say that John is most likely correct when he says I need to just get used to one pull and a smaller shot, but I am not there yet
So the Pasquini is up for sale if anyone here wants one. The noise factor alone is better for my house. But I will not go "shamefully" back to the Pasquini if my mind changes, it's an honor to have a Pasquini, still my favorite machine I have owned.