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Picked up my Cary SLP-05 preamp today. Driving the NuForce Ref 9s, the setup sounds wonderful. It adds a bit of midrange body to the NuForce while retaining the big dynamics and bass impact that I like.
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Congratulations!!
I have also SLP-05 preamp, and I love it.
One question, do you find one or two tube light intensity is dimmer than the others? Once I posted a message regarding this matter, and got no reply from anybody. I do not know whether this affects the quality of sound. In my case one tube (tube #7) light is much dimmer than the rest, although it still sounds wonderful.
By the way that tube #7 is associated with headphone, I understand.
Enjoy the nice preamp!!
I didn't notice any difference in the brightness of the tube filaments between the 8 tubes in my SLP-05.
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Abe,Any idea how the sound of the SLP-05 compares to the SLP-98? I've got the SLP98 and am thinking about upgrading.
Gary,
If audio memory serves me, I believe the SLP-05 is more transparent and dynamic. I didn't have the opportunity to compare side by side and it was a while ago that I listened to the SLP-98.I believe inmate Sherlock owned the SLP-98, if I'm not mistaken. He recently bought the SLP-05. ...Abe
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The SLP-05 is more transparent, dynamic and super clean, even at high volume. Bigger and deeper soundstage. The bass drops through the floor, and the overall sound is linear. The SLP-98(P) is a terrific preamp at that pricepoint, and I really enjoyed my time owning one. The SLP-05 is def a step up however. I cant find anything about it I would change, and I imagine this will be the last preamp I own.
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Congrats Abe !! it must be really delicious sounding..:) Btw, you should listen to the Cary 805 monoblocks..Mesmerizing SET amps, to say the least !Happy Listening !
AP
# The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men # Samuel L. Jackson (Ezekiel 25:17)> Pulp Fiction < Current Set-Up..Plinius CD101-> M8-> SA-REF-> Genesis IM-8300 <-
The 805AE/SLP-05 combo is breathtaking. Plenty of reserve power to boot.
nt
Mine is called the "Triple 20" in cherry finish. Three sections wide, 20" high. They make a whole line of flexible adjustable racks with many options to choose from. I also own the S20 rack and S40 rack which are more traditional in that they are "vertical" rather than horizontal like the AV rack.Visit http://audioadvisor.com then click the pull-down menu to Select Manufacturer. Choose Salamander Designs. Also visit the Salamander website below.
The racks are very flexible but require a little patience in assembly. The upside is that they are fully adjustable to meet your needs as your equipment changes. Various doors, side panels, casters, and feet are available. They recently added a "riser" option and mounts for flat panel LCD and Plasma screens. These can be added later should your system grow into a home theater setup.
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Abe - That pre looks fantastic in black. I'm sure you will post a full review when time allows but I am curious, did you compared it against any other preamps? I am looking for a high quality tube preamp that is fully balanced and I would love to know what led you to the SLP-05.
I've had prior experience with the less expensive BAT VK30se, Conrad-Johnson PV14L and PV12, and the Audio Research LS16. The BAT was rich and robust but a little "dark" sounding to me. The CJs were a bit polite and not very tight or impactful in the bass... but very nice midrange. The ARC LS16 didn't have much over some of the SS preamps I've owned. It was very neutral yes, but to my ears, didn't have much tube character. It was also a little bit softer in the bass department than the SS preamps I've tried.I auditioned the Cary SLP-98L and liked what I heard and based on what others have said about the SLP-05, I took a chance and ordered it.
The Cary SLP-05 offers a beautiful tube midrange sound with a bit of warmth but doesn't seem to give up in the areas of big dynamics, bass impact, and great treble extension and clarity w/o being "bright". So far even with the stock EH tubes, I'm liking it more than any other preamp I've owned. It also has a smoothness to it without sacraficing detail and it's transparent throughout.
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I have a set of Sylvania 6SN7 that I am currently using in this preamp and love it. Love to hear more about the NuForce. I use the balanced outs on the SLP-05 to drive a pair of 211 AEs. Wonderful sound. You are really going to love this baby.
The audio setup is not ideal with the flat screen tv between the speakers but if I separate the speakers and pull them into the room it still sounds very nice. I'm trying to come up with a way to have my HT separate from the main audio. I don't think that's going to happen any time soon in the home I'm presently in. I may put it up on the market and get another place that's more "audiophile friendly" but that would be a little too crazy, huh?I picked up the AV rack used from a local guy (40 miles away). I hauled it home myself in one piece. It came with doors for the left and right side and looks really good with them on but I decided they were just getting in my way so I removed them.
The Cary SLP-05 preamp is presently driving the ARC VT50 amp.
You know what would look good here is the Salamander plasma mount!
Great picture. I've admired the quality of all the photos you have posted here. Mind sharing information on your camera...lens...and settings?
Hi Randy,
I use the Olympus C-8080 "Wide Zoom" 8 megapixel digital camera but you can get excellent results with a decent 3 or 4 megapixel point and shoot camera. I just use the camera in program auto mode but make sure that there's sufficient light so the shutter speed is at least 1/30th of a second or faster. I hand hold the camera and brace it against the sofa to minimize camera shake. A tripod would work a lot better though!I'm no expert but I have found that equipment photos turn out better without harsh direct lighting (no flash!!). A lot of diffuse ambient lighting is ideal. ...Abe
Olympus C-8080 at: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusc8080wz/
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Hi Abe, thank you for posting some more of you fantastic pictures. I wish I could take some photos as well as you do!! I wish you the best of luck with your new pre amp as it looks like it is a real beauty.
Greg
... what's with those sand amps! You need a pair of Cary CAD-211 AE's (which will be taking residence in my listening room in a few weeks) :-)
BTW, what does the rotary knob on the power supply module do?
Thanks and CONGRATS on your new toy!
Mark
The big knob on the PS allows you to turn the volume up to 11. ;-) Just kidding. The big knob on the PS is the main power switch. You can leave it on all the time as there is another power switch on the preamp itself. This allows you to remotely locate the PS if you wish (but why hide those pretty blue meters?). I think Cary chose the big knob for PS because it matches the volume knob on the pre.I know, I really do need to try a nice SET setup one of these days. I have the SS NuForce monoblocks and I love the way they sound with this preamp but what you don't see in the picture is my ARC VT50 tube amp. I should sell it all off and make the plunge into SET land.
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...they are said to be Dennis Had's favorite amps in his line-up. I will be moving from SET (ASL Explorer's which I have had a very pleasant 5.5 years with) to the 211's. Someday, I would love to add a Cary SLP-05.
Mark
If you have access to top-tier headphones, do try the headphone jack and let us know. I hope the headphone jack is powered by the main tube circuit and not some silly after-thought op-amp circuit...
There are two dedicated 6SN7's for the headphone amp. I'm not into headphones, yet. I have a pair of cheapie Sennheiser HD 280 Pro phones.
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...all are Electro-Harmonix. Will try some NOS later.
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Congrats Abe.....you are going to fall in love with that baby.
...as I have only about 1.5 to 2 inches of space above the unit. The tubes are just warm to the touch which is nice.
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