Cary Audio SLP 05 PreampWhat tubes are you using?

Don't laugh, but actually I like the Electro Harmonix 6SN7 better than most other tubes in the SLP 05.

Too bad. I really like my SLP-05. With my X-250 I used a X-1 pre and thought it was great. Personally, I really like the Tube pre with SS Class A amp combo though.

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.

Tvad-

who's selling the SLP-05?

Ozzy
as to the range ...I know what you mean. I tried the slp-05 with my x250.5 and same problem...it's due to excessive gain in the system (pass ~30 dB gain, slp-05 ~8 dB gain) with typical ~5vrms balanced digital sources. The 8dB from the Cary is actually less than the normal >10 dB gain active preamps. Unless you install signal robbing attenuators you are screwed and have to live with it...or sell it! Pass X10 and X20 now have closer to unity gain --user selectable.

Dave

Yes, the Popes have gooten almost impossible to get...as for sound I still like them better then the RCA/Sylvainia GTB's. I would like to try some Tung Sol RP and some Russian 1578's. The cost has just gotten out of control on these though. I'm so happy with the Popes (and have many of them) that I'm inclined to stick with them unless I find some NOS Russian/RP's on my frequent search.

Tvad-
my amps imput impedance is 100K and the SLP-05 and Clayton match is great IMO.

Congratulations on owning a great preamp. The Sylvania short bottle 6SN7W are great tubes. I would also try the 1578 Russian 6SN7 tubes to add more air and space between instruments...an amazing sounding tube.

Disclaimer: I do sell tubes on Audiogon.

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.

I don't own an SLP-05 but would love to.
I understand that the N7s on the extreme right when facing the pre are for the headphone amp. I would roll tubes to my hearts content. I have tons of N7s and use good "cans". I might use that section to characterize some of the tubes I had. (If I tried that it would be a quite a long while)
If you don't have headphones or even care about that circuit then use "place holder" 6SN7s, perhaps the stock tubes, which are likely the Sino brand and aren't very good. Or if possible leave them out altogether.
The NOS/OS tubes you have are highly desirable. As such I might move the pairs around to find the best order for them. I would inlude the Ken Rad in a gain stage, if quiet enough ,for added bass energy or in a driver stage. If you are afraid of that, then call Dennis Had, to ask what he would do.
If you know what each pair is good at, knowing the sonics of the tubes you have, then you can make, at least, semi-intelligent choices.
Good Luck,
Sounds like fun.

I'm currently using the Pope Hollands. I've tried a bunch of them though. It's all a matter of what is most important to you. The rectifier that you've chosen is the best one IMO.

Good Luck with it.