2. amps-preamps
  3. 126817-1644

Cary SLP-03 pre-amp: Does it need better tubes than stock to sound its best??/

Need some feedback about the Cary SLP-03 pre-amp  How good is it "new right out of the box"?? 

Does it need  tube rolling to sound its "very best" or considered audiophile grade sound?

I have read one review of the pre-amp claiming  that RCA NOS 5814A tubes, or Mullards  tubes bring it to higher level off performance, or a  mix of two each. 

Supposedly , the pre-amp is.... "extremely tube sensitive"  I am not sure what the significance of that phrase means 

It would be hooked to a BAT VK-200 amp,.... and like the amp, it has both XLR and RCA connectors  

Thank you


  



sunnyjim

Showing 3 responses by audioconnection

audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
(((You would be much better off looking at a Cary SLP-98)))
 Strongly disagree

Sunnyjim is trying to connect 3 balanced components together
the 98 is an RCA design not at its best here.

 I would suggest the least expensive pre owned ARC with balanced
in /out you can find.
 Best JohnnyR
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
The ARC SP 16 is RCA
If you want to run the CX7 XLR you need a balanced pre amp ARC LS 16
  LS 17 LS 5 Ayre K 5 etc that would allow you to run all balanced.
   Best JohnnyR

audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-ls16-tube-preamplifier-8504-2016-10-12-preampl...

Here ya go
 Best JohnnyR
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