Is the Cary SLP-05 still relavant?

I have read many negative comments on forums over the years about Cary’s service department. Plus bad customer service. Are they really to be avoided? If so I’m scratching the SPL-05 pre amp off of my list. 

@charliee , I am biased because I remember when I felt that Cary's customer service was so good it was a selling point for me (that was back in the Dennis Had/Kirk Owens days).  In my opinion, their customer service has deteriorated since then, and four or five years ago when I needed help with an amp, I didn't get it from Cary, I got it (help) on another audio forum.  However, I do own a SLP 05 and I love it, but I hope I never need tech support for it.  It kind of reminds me of what i once read about after we switched from Blue Cross/Blue Shield to an HMO about 30 years ago:  "It's great as long as you don't get sick."  (And then it went down hill from there.)

With all that typed, that is just my opinion, and I've actually read a couple of posts by folks who were pleased with the tech support they received from Cary.

So, I am torn between two choices, the Cary SLP 05 with ultimate upgrade, or the Canary C1600 Reference.  Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the two. 

Currently I have a VAC Standard upgraded to a statement, a Cary SLP 98, upgraded with phono section as well, and an ARC SP3. I am leaning towards the Canary, but I haven't heard it.  But the build quality seems far superior. 

@millenniumpower

I have the Cary and have enjoyed it since January of 2021. I use it to drive a McIntosh MC312 power amp. The Class A triode sound is as nice as I could ask for in every respect but most of all dynamics, snap, speed and refinement. I use Sylvania 6SN7GTA and a NOS Mullard GZ34 rectifier. It has plenty of gain and is quite versatile.

I have never heard the Canary but the 10db gain would give me a bit of hesitation because I have had preamps with only 10db of gain and they lacked drive and energy compared to those with at least 15db. Also the Canary has only single ended RCA connections, the Cary lets me connect to my amplifier and two sources with balanced connections- the sources sound so much better using the balanced connections. The Cary does have RCA connections too.

Mine does not have the ultimate upgrades but I have no reason at all to send it in for the work. It sounds beautiful and powerful and much better than the SLP98 which I had for a while.