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Cary Audio SLP-05 First Impression

Hi,  I just received my Cary Audio SLP-5 tube preamp this weekend.  It’s only been less than 48 hours and I can’t wait to share my experience with my fellow A’goners. If I have to summarize my initial impression of this unit in one word, it would be:  WOW!!!

I don’t consider myself a true audiophile, so I don’t really have a strong audiophile vocabulary to describe the sound quality, but a few clichés come to mind:

  • sounds like the musicians are right there in my room
  • holographic 3D sound
  • dead quiet
  • sweet & non-fatiguing top end
  • deep bass

Couple of things I hope will continue to improve is a tiny bit more punchiness in the mid bass, and smoothing out some occasional graininess at the top end.

My strongest impression so far is the overall imaging of the sound, and the sense that I’m listening to live music.  Last night I had my system casually playing in the background when I was doing stuff around my apartment, and Eva Cassidy’s Live at Blues Alley album came on.   I was suddenly drawn to the music, and for the first time ever, I finally understand what the description ’sounds like the musicians are right there in my room’ means.   It was surreal.   It brought a big smile to my face.  It was simply beautiful.   Need I say more?

This is the first line level tube preamp I’ve ever owned.  I do own the Herron VTPH-2A tube phono preamp.   Now I know what all that fuss and craze of tube pre/power amps are about.   I guess you simply have to experience it to appreciate it.   I still feel my Parasound JC2 and JC5 combo sounds great, and I am not planning to get rid of them anytime soon.   It’s just that the Cary SLP-05 completely opens up a new music dimension that I’ve never experienced before, and so far it’s been very pleasant.

I will consider doing the ‘Ultimate Upgrade’ offered by Cary at $1600 at some point.   Please feel free to share your experience If you are a SLP-05 owner and have done this upgrade.

I have purchased so many components in the last couple of years based on suggestions and comments that I received, and stuff I read in this forum.  So thanks to those who continue to contribute and share their experiences to fellow members. 

Finally, a big shout-out to @ghdprentice for your suggestion of tube preamps and brought up the Cary brand name in one of my other discussions.  This preamp is certainly a keeper.

PS:  there are a couple of changes Cary had made to the latest production of SLP-05.  It now comes with a universal remote control.  The same one that they sell for $190 on their website, instead of a basic 3 buttons remote that I read from some older reviews.   Also they no longer recommend stacking the control unit on top of the power unit, and therefore those indentations on the top of the power unit are gone.  It is simply a flat surface now.   Actually to my surprise, the power unit runs much hotter than the control unit.  I always thought the control unit would run hotter because that is where the vacuum tubes sit.

PPS: My unit was shipped with the blue power LED missing.  After contacting Cary Audio support, they told me it was most likely dislodged due to rough handling by Fedex.  So the unit is now going back and i would have to wait for a replacement.   That sucks, but kudos to the customer support folks at both Cary Audio and Music Direct for their great service!

Thanks for reading.

128x128xcool
rodman99999
6,105 posts
 

@xcool -

      You mentioned everything sounding, "louder" and, I'm guessing: edgier (maybe)?

       If the amps and speakers you're using were addressed already, sorry, but- if, when you, "crank it up", your presentation/soundstage doesn't get bigger (as opposed to louder)  while remaining clean/distinct and tuneful: you may be running out of power, before your SPL thirst is sated.

                                         Just something to consider.

       Far as tube rolling: here's some 6SN7 tube info, many have found helpful:

                                http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/6sn7_vt.htm 

 

          https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-reference-6sn7-thread.117677/

 

                                    http://www.audiotubes.com/6sn7.htm

rodman99999
6,105 posts
 

       OH, and if you do start buying tubes to roll: be certain whatever you get are tested and certified (if not guaranteed) to be VERY low-noise.

                                             Enjoy your jams!

xcool's avatar
xcool OP
273 posts
 

Thanks @decooney ​​​​@rodman99999 for the tube rolling suggestions.   I guess I will stick with the stock tubes for now, but I'm sure eventually I will be looking for some new tubes.  That should be an adventure of its own.  😀

As with "everything sounds louder",  all I'm saying is that when the volume increases,  the top end, mid range, and bass all naturally sound louder, and the brightness becomes more noticeable and less tolerable.   

Anyway, my listening area is pretty small, and I sit fairly close to my speakers.  My average listening level is around 60's in decibels.  I rarely crank it up pass the 70's. My power amp is a Parasound JC5, and given my listening level,  I don't think it's a power issue.

immatthewj
1,803 posts
 

That was a well written update.

blkwrxwgn
240 posts
 

@xcool did you ever try different tubes?

I just got an SLP-05 (used older one) and it came with newer stock EH tubes and I really liked the sound BUT it was a tad bit bright and harsh sounding so I tried some JJ's I had and the whole unit changed!  And I HATE the JJ 6SN7 tubes usually!

I then put in a pair of Sylvania 6SN7 VT231 tubes in the 3 and 6 spots and got even better sound.  I'm now waiting on some Sylvania tubes for the 1,2,4,5 spots.  Also swapped out the JJ rectifier that was in mine and put in a NOS Mullard and that was probably the best upgrade of them all.

You HAVE to roll the tubes in this unit, it's beyond worth it.

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