Cary SLP 03

Cary Dealer Disclosure---

As stated above by Audiooracle, the SLP03 at it's current price of $1995 is a fantastic deal.

I've had several customers purchase them and swap in Mullards. They thought that there was a fairly good increase in overall sound quality with these over the stock tubes.

How would the sound of the SLP 03 compare to a CJ ET-3?

Has anyone heard both to compare? Both are at similar

price points.

I previously owned the SLP 05 not the 03. The output impedance of the 03 is stated to be 500 ohms. There's the possibility that the output impedance could be higher in the lower frequencies. I'd be considering the output impedance of the 03 and the input impedance of the amp I use to avoid roll-off at the frequency extremes.

Thanks for the responses. Ktamura, you pose an interesting question. I've heard the ET-3 and it sounds great. I have not heard the Cary, however.

At 500 ohms, I dont think the matching should be an issue, but how much higher can the impedance go?

I have this pre in combination with the new Cary SA 200.2 power amp. I have not tried the pre with other amps, but in combo with the Cary it is stellar. I was really not all that interested in it as it had luke warm reviews and was even beat up a litte bit on the forums. I was looking at integrateds or even more expensive seperates but John at Audio Connection said these two compenants work great toghether so I took his advice and gave them a try. I'm glad I did. Put a Kimber XLR between them and I tube rolled the SLP 03. It responded very well with a live dynmaic and airy sound with the VSA Unifield 3 speakers. The new remote is also excellent. At it's current price it is a great deal for a pre, no doubt about it. I highly suggest pairing it with the SA 200.2. The synergy is great.