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Audio Research Preamp with Cary Amp?

I'm putting together a system from scratch with almost no way of auditioning everything together beforehand due to limited dealers in my area. So far I have a set of Cary 805C amps, which I plan to use with ProAc D38's.

Looking for a preamp to go with these, I've sorta narrowed my search down to the Cary SLP 98 or the Audio Research LS17. Based on reviews, I'm leaning towards the LS17 because I like the idea of matching the warm quality of the 805C's with a slightly more neutral preamp. I believe the SLP 98 has a more "tubey" presentation with slightly rolled off frequency extremes. The LS17 seems like a decent compromise, and there are plenty used ones available.

Has anybody heard the Cary 805's with the LS17 or other similar AR preamp. Is it heresy to use Cary and Audio Research together?
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rhljazz
1,252 posts
 
The pairing you suggest may well work, but the sonic traits of each don't seem like an ideal combination. I would also choose the SLP98 over the LS17.
brf
1,715 posts
 
The F1 is Upscale's proprietary branding, but you can order the same pre-amp modification through any Cary dealer or send you existing pre-amp back to Cary for an update. 6SN7 tubes are not that expensive with a nice pair going for around $65/pr up to the best available at $250/pr.
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mchu168 OP
7 posts
 
Ok then, it's unanimous. I think I'll go for the Cary pre.

Since we're on the subject, what would you guys recommend for 6SN7's? Based on what I've read are shortcomings of the 98, I would be looking for more extended highs and tighter, more extended bass. Is there a tube out there that can do this?

Thanks
brf
1,715 posts
 
Having the SLP-98 directly coupled will give you a faster pre-amp with extended highs and tighter and deeper bass, less tubey sound. Tubes that I know work well in the SLP-98 are as follows: Order of preference.

TungSol black oval (round) plates, blackglass, oval mica (very expensive)
Sylvania 6SN7GT blackplate bottom getter 1950-52 "Badboys" (expensive but can be found for a decent price if patient)
6H8C Russian Military 6SN7GT metal base (well priced excellent performance)
Sylvania Tall Boy 6SN7GT (great value, great tube)
Sylvania VT-231 (for $100/pr, a no brainer)
Ken Rad 6SN7GT - VT-231 JAN (same as above)
azaud
156 posts
 
If you are buying from Upscale, last I checked he still had some of those Popes from Holland 6SN7's. They are phenomenal.
I hate to throw a wrench into the discussion; but I didn't like the SLP-98 with the 805's (the ones I heard it with were the AE's). Too much constriction, IMHO. I heard a Heron Audio VTSP-2 replace it (the 805AE/98L combo was in the reference system at a no-longer-in-business hi fi store here in Phoenix) and it was much better. On a side note, the SLP-05 was better suited to the 120S or 211 (run balanced). It made the 805's magic midrange a bit sterile sounding.
Some linestages I'd consider are the Dehavilland Ultraverve or even the Antique Sound Lab Flora. Both are awesome. Open and neutral; but tube neutral.
The F1 upgrades would make the 98 faster and more neutral; but I doubt they would remove the slight constriction issue.
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