Cary SLP05 vs. Audio Research LS-26

IMO, The Cary SLP-05 is a great preamp. Thats coming from an ex-owner of 2 different Cary amps that I had issues with,both repaired but still a drag to ship and down time etc.Ive never heard the LS-26 but really like the Ref3.If you like the AR sound and you cant audition the Cary Id stepup and get a ref3.The prices are coming down as well so seek a bargain deal ,you cant go wrong

I had a SLP-05 for almost 2 years I choose it over ARC because ARC sounds too analytical and dry for me. SLP is a great preamp, it has typical Cary house sound - warm, tubish, romantic, not to expense of detail - after replacing stock tubes with some expensive NOS I enjoyed it a lot.Then I realized that it brings some artificial sweetness to the sound. Now I have CAT Renaissance - it is in the same price level, but sonically SLP-05 not even close to it. I think that a lot of audiophiles would agree that CAT is one of the best preamp. It does not have remote control, headphone output, but it gives you true presentation of the music without adding any coloration (BTW for $2000 more you can get version with outstanding phone stage).
Bottom line it is up to your preference: if you really like sound of your LS26 - go for ARC RFF 03 - it is definitely step up, if you want something more sweet and warm go for SLP05.
But I have chosen CAT and very happy with it.

Good luck.

" I want unity gain and I don't believe Joule or Lamm offer that... "

Just for record, Joule does offer unity gain... and everybody agrees that power supplies are extremely important in preamplifiers (VK from BAT believes its about 90% of success).

Your heart telling "Cary" - lsiten to your heart, its excellent preamp, buy it and be happy !

That particular Cary appeals to me. I am also looking at McIntosh, another ARC, and a others. But I haven't heard the Cary and don't want to go thru considerable expense to try one out. I think there is some merit to a two box design. I think the power supply is a major ingredient in sound reproduction. McIntosh does the same in the 500 and 1000 series. I have tried a REF3 and the big difference between the LS26 is power supply. It is another level entirely form the LS26. I want unity gain and I don't believe Joule or Lamm offer that.

"I do own an LS26, and like it but now I am thinking of something new..."

Why Cary, I wonder. Of course, it is the company with well deserved reputation but there is a number of such companies e.g. BAT, LAMM, Joule-Electra etc...?

So in comparison to the REF3(on the want list) what could expect in terms of detail, soundstage, and your opinion of is it over analytical/sterile? Or would you say warm with detail?

The SLP 05 is quite a good preamp - it would be considered the ugly stepsister in few system - it's at least a notch above the LS-26. The fair comparison would be with the Ref 3. The SLP 05 has a very open, transparent, "triode-y" sound - it's built around the 6SN7, which is a great tube.

I think the Cary has a warmer house sound than the ARC. I own a Cary SLP98p, but my next moves are either the SLP 05 or the ARC Ref 3. I love the ARC sound as well, plus how cool does that gear look!