Hi Littleleo, I realize this reply may come as too late but I'd thought I'd pen it anyway. I own the Cary SLP-05 pre-amp and I think the world of it. I have owned the CAD 120S and thought the pairing was just so-so. More recently I have tried a number of solid state power amplifiers and I found particular success with the Sanders Magtech which I wrote about here Hope this helps and you find what you are looking for. |
I love tube components and the 6SN7 family. My concern with this premap is the output impedance of 400. I question the ability of any preamp with an output impedance that high being capable of delivering the bass correctly (tight with speed and timbre delineation) when compared with a preamp with say a 100 or less output impedance. I have been on a bit of a preamp merry go round recently and have heard the following in my system: CAT SL Ultimate MK2 (output impedance 100), Symphonic Line tubed (output impedance 100), Symphonic Line SS preamp (output impedance 1!), NAT Audio Utopia tubed (current king of the heap, output impedance 50) and a Ming DA 2A3 with I believe about a 600 ohm output impedance. I am betting the Ming DA sounds most like the Cary SL-05. It is a fantasic sounding preamp with incredible presence and transparency but (only) when compared directly to the others do you realize that the bass is sloppy. The difference between the SL tubed (100) and SL SS (1) is audible in the bass. I still like the tubed pres presentation better than the SS but once you start getting above 100 ohm output impedance the bass suffers noticeably. I am still tempted to try the Cary SL-05. I would love to hear a reply to this regarding bass performance from someone that has actually compared it to a preamp with a low output impedance.
Bart |
I think thehousesound said it best. Get your speakers first, given them time to break in, and then decide what your amp needs are. |
I use an SLP-05 with a CAD 120s, typically with Nola Viper II's. I love the combination, and the ability to switch between triode and ultralinear for different music types is almost like having two systems in one. I have all stock tubes in both at this point, so I'm looking forward to doing some tube upgrades. I can recommend the CAD 120s as a good pairing with the SLP-05. |
I have a Cary SLP-05 paired with Sanders Sound Systems Magtech amplifier.
Sounds wonderful, lush highs and deep bass. Excellent combination.
I highly recommend the Magtech amp.
They are powering a pair of Mark & Daniel Apollo II with ease. |
Shouldn't I listen first and then order? |
Everything is available in your area. There is not much on this earth that can't be delivered to your front door. |
Unfortunately Mark Levinson is not available in my area. Any Bryston experiences with CAD SLP 05? |
CAD 120S is fine, I couldn't find any pro reviews of it, can anyone help? Since SLP 05 is the top pre of CAD shouldn't it be matched with same category amps like CAD 211(which is way out of my budget!) or CAD 805? If I want to go CAD route then I have to import it which is very hard for me(maybe i do it if anyone thinks that's the best choice).
"Thesoundhouse"; as mentioned i already have Vienna accoustics Grand Haydn stand mounts and they really sound well but what I meant was that I think it's better to invest on a more powerful amp so that I could use it with stronger speakers as well in case of upgrading.
Has anyone ever tried SLP 05 with Bryston amps? |
First, make sure you match your amp to the new speakers.
I run my SLP-05 with a Mark Levinson 432, driving Sonus Faber Cremona. I added the SLP-05 to my existing 432/Cremona system, so did not try a lot of combinations. The new combo just worked. You might want to look at how the 432 fits with the 1028. I find that my combination gives plenty of the great tube sound of the SLP-05 while maintaining the ease of a SS amp. I am particularly pleased with the combination of the tube lushness with the detail and the punch of the system - much better than my previous Classe CP-65 pre. |
A Cary amp? Just guessing. |
Cary likes it with the CAD 500MB monos, if you need a lot of power. I looked hard at a pair of CAD 211 AE Anniversary monos if you like tubes, and I believe there is now a CAD 211 Founder's Edition of those amps available. |
I have excellent results pairing my SLP-05 with a pair of Manley Snapper monoblocks (100 w/ch). Works very well with my Vandy 3A Sigs. |
My suggestion the best match is with the slp-05 is the cad 120 and the impedance is match,with both units..get some 5932 for the output tube's for the cad 120..i have these in one of my many systems,with the 6048g's altec's.. |
Dont use a Pass Amp with it, I did, and the bass and treble was weak. Impedance mismatch.
My suggestion is Match the Preamp from the same Company same vintage. In your case, get a Cary Amp. It was probably voiced with the Cary Preamp. |
Buy your speakers first then match the appropriately. |
I'm running a CAD 120's with an SLP98P. Match made in heaven. At least try to audition one. Best of luck. |
