2. amps-preamps
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Mac C220 vs. Cary Audio SLP 98P

I am thinking of selling my Mac C220 to purchase a Cary Audio SLP 98P. I have read and heard nothing but good things about the Cary and what a difference the addition of it has made in some systems. I must stay in the $4000.00 range and wonder if anyone has had the opportunity to hear these wonderful tube preamps, side by side? I have nothing bad to say about my Mac, I am just another obsessive compulsive hi-fi wacko and an looking for a change after about 4 years. Any observations will be welcome.
Jerry
birdmanpa

Showing 3 responses by macdadtexas

macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I had a C2200 before I bought the Cary SLP98p F-1 version, and I have never been sorry that I switched. I liked the Mac quite a bit, and in some ways it's easier to use, but I like the sound of the Cary more. It is definitely more "tube"-like. Warmer, fuller, not better actually, just different. If you are looking for more warmth in your system, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
The Cary's phono stage is better than the Mac's, at least on the C2200 that I had. But I have a seperate phono pre now also, since I have a LO cartridge as well.

The VTL is a sweet preamp, but much more expensive. In that price range I would move to the higher end Cary SLP-05 or the ARC Ref3 (sorry, I don't like the new Ref5 as well).
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I thought the phono section of the C2200 sounded very bright, and lacked depth, comparatively. I don't remember the C2200 be much more expensive than a loaded out SLP98 F-1 either.

I did really like the C2200, I just like the Cary better, and still do. I would buy the C2200 again, but I would keep my current phono stage and not use the one on the
Mac again.
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