Coach:
I wasn't recommending Bottlehead (have not listened to any of their later gear), just suggesting units that do not bottleneck tube rolling.
The Cary should be fun (especially if you already have good 6SN7's on hand).
The few slightly negative SLP-98 reviews I've read involved the reviewer using stock/factory tubes (which I assume, @ the time, were inexpensive Russian 6SN7's).
My Bottlehead kit Foreplay preamp retailed for around $100+ @ the time (mine have dual Sweet Whispers volume pots) of its release and I generally prefer late 60's Mullard Blackburn 12au7's in it (often branded as Amperex World/Globe).
These tubes are not the cream of the crop (per reviews), but their synergy in my setup does make the the cream of the crop - per my taste.
However, when I run Ken-Rad dual flat plate 2A3's in my Paramour mono blocks I switch to a leaner sounding 12au7 in order to compensate for the FAT sounding Ken-Rad's.
Figured out what tubes sounds best with what tubes over the years and am still using the same 47 Labs OTA cables I started with approx. 20 years ago.
Love tube gear (tube rolling) to dial things in, though now good old production tubes have become a bit expensive, and I have little experience with new production tubes.
Once again, numerous tube rolling options have allowed me to keep/enjoy the same gear for the past (almost)20 years.
This said, I have been searching for a SS integrated to replace my tube gear for convenience, but it will have to have the 3D harmonically saturated sound that my current gear has.
I have a few inexpensive CD based mini systems that I listen to/enjoy often, but they cannot compete with laying on the couch and enjoying my DH/SET setup.
Another advantage of going SS for the main living room system is that I could use more traditional speakers, due to the additional wattage and get rid of my large/vintage Acousticraft cabs.
Years ago I ran Reynaud Twins MKII with an Audion 300B amp (great system) and would like to get back to something like that, but with SS.
I still have the heavy duty 29" Target stands I used with the Reynaud's (even though my wife has asked me to get rid of them numerous times over the years;-).
Had a nasty accident once (spiked my foot) when moving them, which may be the cause of her dislike.
Anyway, too much info and have fun with the new (old) cary.
PS:
My initial interest in the inexpensive LTA preamp/amp came from wondering if the amp section could properly power my vintage single driver speakers, but I've not read about anyone using it with vintage 16 ohm single drivers.
What I did discover is that (per reviews) it's a hell of a preamp for $1300 and it's easy on tubes.
DeKay