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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@avanti1960,
I was not aware the Cary SLP-05  has that degree of gain range flexibility.  This allows it to be compatible with practically any power amplifier. I wonder why this feature is not available with more preamplifiers. Total audio system gain is an issue that has to be accounted for. 

Charles 
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
I wonder why this feature is not available with more preamplifiers. Total audio system gain is an issue that has to be accounted for.


i would suspect the answer would be cost, complexity, and potentially, slight sacrifice in sonic purity as a result... but i totally agree that gain and impedance matching is critical in a system of disparate components, so the flexibility afforded by the cary design is a definite plus
avanti1960
1,500 posts
 
I had a Rogue Audio preamp with 3 levels of switchable gain 3, 12 and 16db.  
this proved to be very useful too.  
joey_v
668 posts
 
Taking the gain out of the equation led to a better sound to me, max it out.  Then play with the control got volume.  
kw6
692 posts
 
jjss49,

How big of an upgrade is the Et3se to the ET7 S2?
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