2. amps-preamps
  3. 193170-198816

Cary SLP 98 vs Benchmark LA4

Looking to replace my preamp. I used a Parasound PLD 2000 for 20 years or more and have no complaints. It lost the right channel and the culprit seems to be the balance pot. I have searched high and low and cannot find one. Parasound dealers have been no help. Most won't even answer. I have tried half a dozen different preamps from the used market and not been delighted with any of them. Nakamichi, other Parasound units, Forte, an Audio Valve (which got damaged in shipping and ended up going back). I really wanted to hear that last one.

Anyway, I drive two Parasound HCA 2200 II amps into Teledyne AR9 speakers, biamped. I have a Cary PH 301 phono pre. I listen to vinyl much more than I do CD's probably 80% of the time. I do not stream any music. I know it's all "old school" but I am mostly very pleased with what I hear.  Does anyone have any thoughts on these two preamps? I think the Cary is made to drive more than one amplifier. No idea on the Benchmark or whether one of these suits my needs more than the other. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks,

Bill

billpete
decooney
2,315 posts
 

@billpete I believe Cary is going to stop production of the SLP 98, this year. I have been watching used pieces mostly. I had not heard about the audition clause and warranty loss but it may well be. I'd been looking at a used one and a 30 day return policy was in place on it. 

Checking - SLP-98 is not listed under preamplifiers right now on the site.  This happened a few years back where the SLI-80 integrated disappeared for a while. Now it's back again as the HS model.  If you find a nice one used or new, they are enjoyable. Might be worth giving them a call.  

immatthewj
2,787 posts
 

A preowned SLP 98 may come up on their site.

decooney
2,315 posts
 

To @billpete are you looking for Silver or. Black, and the older model with softer and more rounded edges on the knobs or the newer units with the sharp edges on the knobs and volume control?  Look at the images to see what I'm referring to.  Some of us here keep eyes out for gear for fun and can pass it along if someone pops up in different places. 

billpete OP
212 posts
 

Black matches my other components and all things being equal, I would choose black. If the best one was silver or red, I'd probably go for it. That said, I do keep my options open and other suggestions pique my curiosity as well.

billpete OP
212 posts
 

To Ozzy62

What was it that you didn't like about the SLP 98 or the Benchmark? Most of the feedback that I am seeing on the LA4, is that it's too clean or sterile. That seems strange to me if it plays back what was recorded accurately but it sounds as though it is taking the life out of the recordings somehow. Not sure, but enough bad is being said that I'd likely steer clear of it.

As to the Cary, there are a lot of differences in vintage, upgrades and even tubes. I have found major differences in various tubes (nearly all of them very old vintage) over the years with my Cary phono stage. Interesting that you tried two very different products as well, one tube and one very modern SS. One of my thoughts is to bring tubes into my cd listening. Something I've never had but am interested to try. Cary and a lot of other preamps would do that for me. 

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