Manfrotto 055XPRO Question

[bbg404]

Hello ..... Silly little question really

I've got the Manfrotto 055XPRO with a Manfrotto 496 Ball head at the minuet and I fancy fitting a Manfrotto 555b centre column

BUT .......

I really fancy upgrading to the new Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 with 498rc2 ball head or the 054 Mag ball head

questions:

Does the centre column come out of the MT055XPRO3 and does the 555b fit????

Also which head is the better of the 2 054 mag or 498rc2
From what I've read so far in terms on the heads the only difference is the material and the 054 has built in levels

Thanks