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Cary SLP98 Tube Question

I picked up a Cary slp98 a month or so ago.. Its my first experience with tubes, and overall I'm quite pleased with how it sounds.

It does seem to have a tendency toward sibilance though. If its present in a recording to any degree, the 98 really lets you know about it. In all the reviews etc that I've read on the slp98, I dont recall anyone mentioning this.

I had hoped that this would improve with use, but it does not seem to be the case. Its got well over a hundred hours on it now with no real change.

I'm wondering if this sibilance might be related to the stock China 6sn7 tubes. Before I invest in a set of nos tubes, I'd like to get comments from others with more tube knowledge than myself. Would replacing the tubes likely make an improvement in this area?

I'd appreciate any comments from slp98 owners past or present.

Regards,
Greg
slowdive_1
pawlowski6132
592 posts
 
I can't answer your question directly but, remember you don't need to invest in NOS tubes to find out. You can buy many reasonably cost used tubes. Most input/driver tubes that Cary designs around are readily available. If that fixes the problem. You can begin to invest in NOS tubes if you really need (want) 'em.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
FWIW, I was interested in this unit at one time and read a lot of user reports as well as reviews - it seems that your experience may not have been all that unusual. I noted a lot of comments about tube selection and the need for NOS (relatively expensive tubes) to get low noise and better tone than new production tubes. You might consider expanding your research and asking owners for specific tube recommendations. I recall some of the recomendations for for NOS RCA clear tops. BTW, I'm using some EH's in my Cary CAD 50II amp (with 6550 power tubes) and do not feel that they are overly bright.

Also (and I'm sure you are aware) you might compensate this brightness band by something as simple as speaker toe in, i.e. moving them so that your hearing thim a bit more off axis.
sc53
720 posts
 
What is the rest of your system? I also have the Cary SLP-98 and do not hear the sibilance you speak of. I use Quad II Classic monoblocks, Ayre CX-7e CD player, and ProAc D15 or 1SC monitors. I've also used a restored Dyna 70 with this system and the Cary and again, no sibilance. For the heck of it, though, I did buy some NOS Sylvania Chrome Domes for the preamp, and the sound seems sweeter but not night and day different at least to me.
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