Cary SLP-98 vs. other high end preamps--C-J, etc.


Has anyone compared the SLP-98 to any other preamps like the C-J 17LS (or any other C-J), Joule Electra, or any of the VTL preamps? I guess I'm basically trying to get an idea of how good it really is compared to others I might purchase in the $2 to $3K range, new or used. I've owned a VTL 2.5TL, would the Cary be an upgrade to that? Right now I'm using a CJ PRF (SS), so I realize the Cary is probably opposite in many ways to that. Asking because I don't see the SLP-98 discussed as often. Rest of my system: C-J MF2500A amp, Cary 303-200 CDP, Fanfare tuner, B&W M802 SIII speakers. A C-J preamp is probably an obvious choice for me, but I've gotten intrigued by the Cary. Thanks in advance for any info!

Steve
steveaudio

Showing 1 response by rpnz

I brought a used SLP98L and loved it. After a couple of years of happy listening I  sent it back to Cary for a full upgrade (all possible factory upgrades including the Lundahl MC phono transformers.)
It took a hundred hoursor so to break in after the upgrades and for a while during the break in period I really questioned my decision to spend $2k on upgrades.But now the amp sounds truly amazing and is greatly improved in everyway. I think this amp is a forever amp and like others in this thread, this amplifier has survived many system upgrades and is the heart of my system. Current power amps are Pass Aleph 2 Mono's and my speakers are Vienna Acoustics "The Kiss" with Townshend super tweeters. After the Pass Apelph 2 upgrade (Pass Factory update refurbish) I retired the X2 REL T9 subs as they were no longer needed.