Is the Cary SLP-05 still relavant?

The stock SLP-05 sounds much better incrementally with an upgrade to a NOS GZ34 tube rectifier as well as the 6SN7 tubes.  Each move resulted in a much better sound than with the stock tubes. 

I landed on a Mullard or Mullard made f32 rectifier along with Sylvania 1950s 6SN7GTA tubes.  

If you like the way it looks take a photo because it probably won’t last. My V/U lights were constantly burning out. Customer service was rude, arrogant, stupid & expensive. I’ll never buy another Cary.

My comment from 2018:

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/848038

@thegoldengoose you wrote in 2018

My experience with Cary’s service was so bad I never unboxed my unit. I could never recommend this brand.

Did you have trouble opening the box???  Your comment does not make sense.  

@testpilot After getting my unit back from the Ultimate Upgrade I listened to it for about a week before one V/U light burned out. I specifically told them to put in new bulbs at the time of the upgrade. Sent it back and then never re-opened the box. 

I have read many negative comments on forums over the years about Cary’s service department. Plus bad customer service. Are they really to be avoided? If so I’m scratching the SPL-05 pre amp off of my list. 

I have read many negative comments on forums over the years about Cary’s service department. Plus bad customer service. Are they really to be avoided? If so I’m scratching the SPL-05 pre amp off of my list. 

@charliee , I am biased because I remember when I felt that Cary's customer service was so good it was a selling point for me (that was back in the Dennis Had/Kirk Owens days).  In my opinion, their customer service has deteriorated since then, and four or five years ago when I needed help with an amp, I didn't get it from Cary, I got it (help) on another audio forum.  However, I do own a SLP 05 and I love it, but I hope I never need tech support for it.  It kind of reminds me of what i once read about after we switched from Blue Cross/Blue Shield to an HMO about 30 years ago:  "It's great as long as you don't get sick."  (And then it went down hill from there.)

With all that typed, that is just my opinion, and I've actually read a couple of posts by folks who were pleased with the tech support they received from Cary.