2. amps-preamps
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Cary Audio SLP-05 or Conrad Johnson ET7 S2

I’m not in a hurry to add a preamplifier to my existing system which consist of a Brinkmann Nyquist DAC and a Decware 341.5 tube amp.  But…I do have the itch.  I’ve searched all over the net for reviews and comparisons but did not find anything persuasive.  I will purchase used and on Audiogon, each is available at around $6500.  Any guidance would be appreciated.
langla4
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,549 posts
 
CJ
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
Cary
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Both, :-)
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
in general i feel cj > cary

but the slp-05 is widely well regarded, and it has been viewed as cary’s very best effort (i have had other cary preamps but i have never had the slp05 in my own system)

my guess, and it is only an educated guess, is that cary’s voicing would be slightly more tubey at the frequency extremes than the cj et7-2 (which i do have in house) - the new cj et7 is very transparent and extended at both frequency extremes, has terrific transient response and impact, while dealing out a good dose of tube magic to voices and acoustic instruments

hard to go wrong with either choice - and perhaps ergonomics might influence choice... the cary is a two chassis unit needing more than normal real estate on a rack, whereas the cj et7 is notably ’slimline’ in form factor
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