Audio Research LS 26 or Cary SLP 05?


I am trying to expand my horizon for tube preamps. I am now deciding whether to go for an Audio Research LS 26, Cary SLP 05, or deHavilland Mercury?... I have no way to hear these preamps together.

I'll be using an Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono SS amp, Cambridge Audio 640v2 CDP, and the speakers are DIY Scanspeak 2.5 way (21W555/18W8545/9800).

Which preamp will produce the following characteristics?...
-Transparent and neutral tonality and timbre for acoustical instruments
-bass: powerful and deep
-mids: harmonically rich, clear, smooth, refined
-highs: extended & airy. WITHOUT glare. NOT rolled off.
-3D, spacious sound stage WITHOUT sacrificing focus
-big tone, lush sound
-high resolution with micro details without etching

Thanks!
88man

Showing 3 responses by baggs1

IMHO: the Cary Slp-05 is second to none!!!! Audio Research has the name....... Cary has the sound!!!! Audio Research, & Cary both have their own 'House Sound'. Everything, of course is system dependent. If you're system already is too warm, then the Audio Research. However if you're system is etched, or on the analytical side, then Cary. However, I find myself to be able to listen to the Cary 'flavor' for longer stretches than the sometimes 'whitish, analytical' AR, house sound! The final arbiter is what sound You like, and are trying, and can live with!!!....J.C. A better comparison is with the Ref.III
Once Again, without being redundant. To make a recommendation of a single component without having a working knowledge of other components that will augment it, is both foolish, and ludicrous! Regardless of what anyone will review, or comment.....There is not a Single component, that does not have a Flavor, "House Sound', and; or Sonic Signature!! Palm that off with those beginning this hobby yesterday!!! Audio Research's happens to be more whitish, and analytical, in comparison with Cary, and Others. Again the final arbiter is KNOWING what sound is to You're preference, and how the individual components interact to formulate that particular sound You are endeavoring to achieve, in You're System. That, Turntables, Tonearms, Cartridges, Wires, CDP's, And Speakers, Tweaks Etc; ALL should come together in a wholistic way to take You to that point. All the other information in regards to this IMHO is pointless.
Homosapien: Agree......Slp-98P-Fl not in same league,and, for that manner, not too many others IMHO!!!.....J.C.