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I have been using a Cary SLP05 for a month or two now.Really excellent. However intermittently it has developed problems with the XLR inputs tending to distort. On the input boards if I jiggle the connectors it corrects intermittently or at worst the sound of the distortion changes.
Anyway the plan is to send it in and get it repaired.
This is the probably the most expensive bit of gear I have in my setup. Almost all of my equipment so far, whether new or secondhand has performed flawlessly.
Im looking for suggestions for a suitable replacement. Tubed or not doesnt really matter. Just want something that is transparent. Balanced inputs/outputs probably necessary.
navman
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Similar MSRP (though it's crept up slightly over the years), balanced design, dead neutral with superb transparency. Best non-transducer component I've owned. Even the original Hera is excellent, but the II is still better. Note that I kept the original stepped attenuator in mine when I had it upgraded to a II; not sure I like the idea of a pot in such a resolving preamp.
Haven't heard the Perseus Magnum, but as nice as the 99 Magnum is -- the Hera II makes it sound broken by comparison! It's a cut above the rest of their line.
Rogue will service products that are out of warranty (I bought my Hera on audiogon) in a timely manner and for reasonable rates. Also, it's a plus that the Hera uses 6H30, which are superb sounding, reasonably priced, no-fuss high-hour workhorses. By comparison, the 6SN7 can be a real pain to work with...
I'm not sure if it's the 6H30 tube or the preamps that used them but I didn't like any of them much. I had a BAT VK30SE, ARC LS16mkII, and ARC LS25mkII. None of them were very good in my opinion. On the other hand, the Cary SLP-05 which is chock full of 6SN7s was the best sounding preamp I ever owned.
I like Rogue gear but I'm gun shy when it comes to any preamp that uses the 6H30 tube.
If you're just looking for a temporary preamp, probably you don't want to spend too much money.
You can buy a Luminous Axiom Passive Preamp for a little over $120, and they sound very nice, very clean. You just might not go back to the Cary. As with all passives, the Axiom adds no gain, so you must have enough gain in the rest of the system. But, if you do, you'll be surprised at how good it sounds.
Im starting to think a passive might be the way to go as a temporary stopgap for the time being
navman
you can build a surprising good sounding one for about $15 using Radio Shack parts. I did that about ten years ago for an office system. Following a request, I posted the recipe in the Tweaks forum with part numbers and instructions. Eventually I built a better unit using DACT attenuators, JPS Labs wiring, Cardas connectors and a Par-Metal aluminum case.
Due to later changes in the system, I retired the second unit. PM me if you're interested.
I have one, it replaced a CJ and is worlds better in sound and parts quality.
"Lock up when you're done and don't touch the piano."
-Dr. Greg House
I had a Perseus Magnum for about 6 months. Sounded great.
But, I couldn't live with the remote controlled volume. Seemed to be very sensitive. One little push of the volume up button and the volume would go quite a bit higher. Push volume button down, almost too low. Never could adjust volume to level that I wanted using remote.
The same thing occurs with the Cronus line but Rogue will (and did, for me) install a resistor that lowers the sensitivity of the remote. It's still a little high but useable now where it really wasn't before.
Yup, thats a problem with many electro-mechanical volume pots. I had the same problem with the CJ PF-R. It was a decent enough sounding preamp but trying to set the volume level via remote was just as you described!
available today, so you are unlikely to surpass it and I am sure Cary (please arrange for Cary to fix it) will do a first rate job in repair. Do you want something temporary to replace the SLP-05 that will later be used in a second system? Then how about the lesser, but still quite excellent SLP-03? Do you what to try a good solid state preamp that has all the flexibility one could possibly desire? Then how about an Emotiva XSP-1 which, for approx $900.00 new, will knock your socks off for quality and features? Another possibility would be a quality passive preamp and a good one, again with all the feature one could ask for is the W4S ST Preamp which for $1900 new is pretty amazing. Or just camp out on the 'Gon for a deal in a quality used preamp near you that you can see/demo before buying.P.S. If this is for your Emotiva monoblocks, consider a passive because Emotiva amps have very high gain. Also, if the Emotivas are the XPA-1s, don't be afraid of the solid state Emotiva XSP-1. I have this combination driving Maggie 3.6Rs and it is excellent.
Edits: 02/06/13
Get the SLP-05 fixed by the factory and rock on. With good NOS tubes (including the rectifier), the '05 is a superb performer and better value.
"Your liver suffers dearly now for youthful magic moments...so rock on completely with some brand new components"
The SLP-05 was by far the best sounding preamp I ever owned. I'd get it "professionally fix" by the Cary factory rather than some garage shop hack.
Sent of today.
I got a loaner to keep me busy for the time being.
A Pathos ClassicOne. Not enough grunt but sweet sounding integrated.
navman
Ive moved from the Emotiva monoblocks to believe it or not a Crown XLS802 which absolutely sounds stunning. Amazing transients and detail and its a fast amp. Really grabs speakers by the scruff of the neck and wrings the best out of them.
The Cary with the Crown sounded fantastic.
I suppose I could move the old SLP88 from my secondary system and find something for that. Still have an emotiva pre lying around.
Will send in the Cary 05. When I was asked by the techs to trouble shoot it last time I had to open it up and check the output board connectors. That solved the problem temporarily. I rechecked that last night but managed to strip a screw when putting the base back on. Just didnt inspire confidence plus now will not be warrantied I guess. Kind of disgusted with it and would rather get something else. I have to imagine there are equivalent preamps out there. Just not able to audition before I buy so have to figure it out through recommendations of others.
navman
Atma-Sphere, ARC, Aesthetix, Cary, Modwright, BAT
I think all of the above are fully balanced internally. The Atma-Sphere features a direct-coupled output. It also has a balanced phono section available. I think the BAT does too.
There are many uber priced products way out of my reach that probably or should be given their price, are the equivalent or superior to the SLP-05.
I have heard that the tubed Asthetix Calypso is rated very highly and it is balanced. Of, course Audio Research has many high priced and excellent balanced tube preamps, as does BAT, and so many others, but, alas, I will probably never have any of these. The ones I mentioned are the ones I have now. Most likely, if you are going to stick with the Crowns, you would be better off with a tube front end. Good luck!
Edits: 02/06/13
It has XLR output also, but I don't think it is a truly fully balanced design. Nevertheless, the reviews I saw on the internet were impressive.
Looks bloody nice that.
navman
Best to buy a integrated amplifier but avoid Class D
have always used pre/pros
just am not sure with the current crop what would be worth looking at after the 05.
Ive listened to an aesthetix in a friends system and that sounds good.
navman
I had the Aesthetix Calypso and it's a nice sounding preamp, and very versatile like ARC. To my ears, better sounding that ARC.
However, I have yet to own a preamp that sounds as good as the Cary SLP-05. It's not quite as versatile as the Aesthetix or ARC but in terms of audio, it's my top pick.
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