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Audio Research LS 26 or Cary SLP 05?

I am trying to expand my horizon for tube preamps. I am now deciding whether to go for an Audio Research LS 26, Cary SLP 05, or deHavilland Mercury?... I have no way to hear these preamps together.

I'll be using an Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono SS amp, Cambridge Audio 640v2 CDP, and the speakers are DIY Scanspeak 2.5 way (21W555/18W8545/9800).

Which preamp will produce the following characteristics?...
-Transparent and neutral tonality and timbre for acoustical instruments
-bass: powerful and deep
-mids: harmonically rich, clear, smooth, refined
-highs: extended & airy. WITHOUT glare. NOT rolled off.
-3D, spacious sound stage WITHOUT sacrificing focus
-big tone, lush sound
-high resolution with micro details without etching

Thanks!
88man

Showing 2 responses by jim_swantko

jim_swantko
301 posts
 
I have owned both and the Cary is more extended on both ends. Both are very good, and different.

Listen to both if possible, but based on your criteria I would say the Cary may be more to your liking.
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
I owned the SLP-98 (non-F1) and to compare it to the 05 is really difficult as in my system they were night and day different.

Going from the 98 to the 05 I found much (MUCH) improved extension on both frequency ends as well as transparency. The top end is wide open but not harsh or fatiguing. The 98 was well rolled off in comparison.

Bass performance is another massive step up on the 05 over the 98. The 05 has serious drive and digs deep, the 98 is a bit bloated and flabby in comparison.

You really owe it to yourself to audition them both as what you described in your original post may not be what you really want... but if you were accurate then the 05 is the pre for you. :)

I really enjoyed my time with the 98, but after having the 05 in my system I could not go back.

Good luck,
Jim
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