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CARY SLP 308 & Audio Research SP-16

I recently acquired an AudioResearch VS110 driving B&W Signature 805s. I'm looking for a pre-amp at $2000-3000 new or used. I heard an SLP 308 at upscale audio driving the V12 and Avantgrade speakers delivering wonderfully transparent & delicate sound. Others have suggested the matching SP16. I've talked with folks from AR and highly rec. the SP16. "only give up slight dynamics and bass response comparing to LS 25." Absolute sound had said that the treble of the SP16 had a slight grain in isolation.
I'll listen to it but meanwhile,
Any help is appreciated. THanks.
128x128glai
doc_stereo
31 posts
 
I second Bruce's comments about the SP16, great pre. I have mind paired with a VS55 and it truly is something special.
audiofan12
12 posts
 
I also have a ARC SP-16 and it is very liquid and difficult to fault. I have compared with a number of high end tube and solid state preamps only to prefer the SP-16. The phono is exceptional- very involving. I compared at one point to the ARC LS15 and 22 and preferred the fuller sound of the SP-16. It is really a bargain for the money.
bsmith15
29 posts
 
I have not had the opportunity to audition Cary products (no local dealers) but when I added the ARC SP16 to my Bryston 4B-SST, after a series of SS pre's, the results blew mw away. Warm sounding (but not warm), great soundstage, liquid and all the features I want to fool with in a pre. Great bargin.
glai's avatar
glai OP
446 posts
 
Thanks for responding, guys. I liked the Audio Research just as much but ultimately got the Cary. Both were excellent sonically but I liked the vol. control in the Cary better. Two input tubes also allowed for easy tube rolling. I changed the input tubes to Mullard 12UA7s resulting in a minimally dark, smooth sound which I was happy with. Eventually, I'll probably get the SP 16 too. Currently, I've a pair of Nautilius 805s and Signature 805s, Classe 151,
Philips SACD1000 & Rotel cdp 1070.

I think I'm at a point that the limiting factor is at the front end. I want to get the Ayre CX-7. At the same time, I also want the Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor on the auction.

I know the I should switch components only to achieve a certain goal or aspect in sound. Otherwise, I would be running in circles wasting money.

Any opinions? (The audio-bug got me pretty bad. huh)
smygenf210
1 posts
 
I recently bought a Cary SLP-308 Preamp and I am extremely happy about the purchace! The sound is extremely transparent with a treble that is soft yet very detailed. Bass is a bit bloomy compared to my other preamp but it goes deeper than my Pass Labs X2. I easily choose the Cary over the Pass. It just playes music so magical I have a hard time to explain. Just audition the Cary SLP-308 and you'll hear what I mean...
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