2. amps-preamps
  3. 169516-164593

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
langla4 OP
44 posts
 
Charles 1 Dad:  Thank you SO Much for pointing out the gain issue.  It’s exactly why I asked for help from this forum.  I’ll expand my search to stay at or below 10db of gain.  BTW, I have extremely sensitive Lii Audio Silver 10 speakers-I seem to remember the rating at about 96db.
avanti1960
1,500 posts
 
@langla   
your decware amp appears to be an intrgrated amp and does not have high level preamp inputs.  
if it did the gain issue would not be a problem with the cary because it has adjustable gain. 
you could consult with decware, i bet they could easily modify the amp to accept preamp inputs.  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@langla4,
You are welcome. I was in that very situation years ago and learned from it😊. I am very confident that you will find the right solution to make this audio system work quite splendidly. You’ve already made some very good decisions based on what you currently have.

@avanti1960, what are the selectable gain settings for the Cary SLP-05 ?
Charles

avanti1960
1,500 posts
 
charles,
gain is continuously variable- 0 to max on the dual front controls.  
right now i have them set to half 
langla4 OP
44 posts
 
My Decware 341.5 has a maximum input sensitivity of 10v or about 9db.  Full “power” is achieved at 2 volts or about 12db. So with the Cary, and correct me if I am wrong,  I could use their gain setting to stay below the maximum. I will be using the unbalanced output which, according to general thought, is about 50% of a balanced output.
Once again, thanks to all of you.  You made this mid 70 year old do the math!  It is a shame that the Luxman, Audio Research and Vinnie Rossi are way out of the price range for me.  Their specs fit nicely.
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