Is the Cary SLP-05 still relavant?

The stock SLP-05 sounds much better incrementally with an upgrade to a NOS GZ34 tube rectifier as well as the 6SN7 tubes.  Each move resulted in a much better sound than with the stock tubes. 

I landed on a Mullard or Mullard made f32 rectifier along with Sylvania 1950s 6SN7GTA tubes.  

If you like the way it looks take a photo because it probably won’t last. My V/U lights were constantly burning out. Customer service was rude, arrogant, stupid & expensive. I’ll never buy another Cary.

My comment from 2018:

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/848038

@thegoldengoose you wrote in 2018

My experience with Cary’s service was so bad I never unboxed my unit. I could never recommend this brand.

Did you have trouble opening the box???  Your comment does not make sense.  

@testpilot After getting my unit back from the Ultimate Upgrade I listened to it for about a week before one V/U light burned out. I specifically told them to put in new bulbs at the time of the upgrade. Sent it back and then never re-opened the box. 

I have read many negative comments on forums over the years about Cary’s service department. Plus bad customer service. Are they really to be avoided? If so I’m scratching the SPL-05 pre amp off of my list.