2. amps-preamps
  3. 193170-198816

Cary SLP 98 vs Benchmark LA4

Looking to replace my preamp. I used a Parasound PLD 2000 for 20 years or more and have no complaints. It lost the right channel and the culprit seems to be the balance pot. I have searched high and low and cannot find one. Parasound dealers have been no help. Most won't even answer. I have tried half a dozen different preamps from the used market and not been delighted with any of them. Nakamichi, other Parasound units, Forte, an Audio Valve (which got damaged in shipping and ended up going back). I really wanted to hear that last one.

Anyway, I drive two Parasound HCA 2200 II amps into Teledyne AR9 speakers, biamped. I have a Cary PH 301 phono pre. I listen to vinyl much more than I do CD's probably 80% of the time. I do not stream any music. I know it's all "old school" but I am mostly very pleased with what I hear.  Does anyone have any thoughts on these two preamps? I think the Cary is made to drive more than one amplifier. No idea on the Benchmark or whether one of these suits my needs more than the other. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks,

Bill

billpete

Showing 3 responses by decooney

decooney
2,334 posts
 

To @billpete for the Cary SLP-98 it also depends on how old it is, and which version of factory upgrades it does or does not have.  Some of the older version caps installed are quite different sounding from newer version 98s with totally different coupling caps, different 6SN7s. I can make my system sound more neutral by just swapping in neutral detailed tubes and less rich sounding caps in the 98. Its also super responsive to different type interconnect cables depending how transparent the rest of the system really is.  

decooney
2,334 posts
 

@billpete I believe Cary is going to stop production of the SLP 98, this year. I have been watching used pieces mostly. I had not heard about the audition clause and warranty loss but it may well be. I'd been looking at a used one and a 30 day return policy was in place on it. 

Checking - SLP-98 is not listed under preamplifiers right now on the site.  This happened a few years back where the SLI-80 integrated disappeared for a while. Now it's back again as the HS model.  If you find a nice one used or new, they are enjoyable. Might be worth giving them a call.  

decooney
2,334 posts
 

To @billpete are you looking for Silver or. Black, and the older model with softer and more rounded edges on the knobs or the newer units with the sharp edges on the knobs and volume control?  Look at the images to see what I'm referring to.  Some of us here keep eyes out for gear for fun and can pass it along if someone pops up in different places. 

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