Cary SLP98 Tube Question


I picked up a Cary slp98 a month or so ago.. Its my first experience with tubes, and overall I'm quite pleased with how it sounds.

It does seem to have a tendency toward sibilance though. If its present in a recording to any degree, the 98 really lets you know about it. In all the reviews etc that I've read on the slp98, I dont recall anyone mentioning this.

I had hoped that this would improve with use, but it does not seem to be the case. Its got well over a hundred hours on it now with no real change.

I'm wondering if this sibilance might be related to the stock China 6sn7 tubes. Before I invest in a set of nos tubes, I'd like to get comments from others with more tube knowledge than myself. Would replacing the tubes likely make an improvement in this area?

I'd appreciate any comments from slp98 owners past or present.

Regards,
Greg
slowdive_1

Showing 2 responses by slowdive_1

Thank you for the thoughtful replies -- I do appreciate them.

The rest of my system includes: B&W n802, Bryston 14bsst, and a Myryad mc100 cd player. My listening room is treated with a number of realtraps & rpg skylines. I have addressed the first reflection points as well.

I know that many feel the B&Ws to be bright, however to my ear the system leans toward warmth. They are definitely revealing speakers though.

I have played with the toe-in a bit and it helped some. I've also tried different interconnects with some success.

I hope I'm not giving the impression that I think the Cary is unlistenable. On well recorded material, it sounds quite wonderful. I had hoped that it would be more forgiving of poorly recorded cds.

I would like to try another source before I decide the fate of the Cary. Perhaps its just revealing the shortcomings of an aging cd player.

Regards,
Greg
Thanks for all the useful tube info! I'm going to try some older tubes in the slp98. Hopefully this will make some improvement.