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Cary Audio SLP 05 PreampWhat tubes are you using?

I recently purchased a used Cary Audio SLP 05 Preamp from a fellow Audiogonmer. It did not come with the original tubes.Instead supplied were some NOS Raytheon 231, and Sylvania 231.

I have also bought a pair of NOS Ken Rad VT-231 tubes, and a few of the Sylvania short bottle.

I have changed the rectifier tube to the Phillps GZ 34 metal base mini watt made in Holland.I have also installed the HiFi fuses.

Any other suggestions as to tubes for this Preamp, there seems to be so many ?
ozzy

Showing 2 responses by ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,582 posts
 
In general is it ok to have many different combos in place at the same time.
They would all be 6sn7 or 231 ?
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Thanks for the responses so far.

Tvad, the tonal quality seems to be ok , but each tube seems to change something a little bit. What should be the weaknest with the Cary/Pass Combo ?
My complaint so far is that I can only use about the first third of the Cary's Volumne control.

Jtwrace, I have heard about the Pope tubes but it seems they are only available thru Upscale Audio and he will only sell to his clinets of his equipment. But, I am curious, how does the Pope compare to the other tubes ?

Mechans, I have also ordered a pair of Tung Sol Round Plates to try with the Cary.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,582 posts
 
Yes, its true. I am selling my Cary unit. As beautiful as it is there is a impedance mismatch with my Pass Labs X 350.5. Couldn't quite put my finger on it, thought trying different tubes might be the answer.

After reading Tvads comments I started to do more digging. Sure enough, I found several reviewers who commented that the Pass Labs X 350.5 does not work well with tube preamps.

So, I have a choice, to sell the Cary I just bought or sell the Pass Amp.
The Pass Amp has been good , and weighs 150+ lbs to ship. The Cary, I really dont know its potential, so I am selling the Cary.
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