2. amps-preamps
  3. 152848-8473

Power Amp To Go With Cary SLP98P Preamp

I just got a Cary SLP98P Preamp and right now I am using a Primaluna Dialogue 5 Power Amp. Thinking about getting a Cary power amp to match the preamp. Right now I am looking at either the solid state 200.2 ES power amp at 200 watts per channel or the Cary CAD 120s mkII tube power amp at 110 watts or 60 watts in triode. Cary has a sale right now and wanted to take advantage. I have Ryan 630 floorstander speakers I am using right now. Also have a pair of Harbeth 3PSRs and Triangle ESW floorstanders I sometimes use. Small room(9 feet by 12 feet)  right now but will be moving to a bigger room later. I am partial to tubes but like the simplicity of the solid state option unless the sound isn't there. Any opinions? Thanks for any help.

dylanfan

Showing 11 responses by dylanfan

dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 

Thanks. Kind of feedback I was after.

dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
Avanti1960 thanks for the feedback. So far my experience with it has been great. I am using the Primaluna Dialog 5 Power amp and I might just be used to that. Not a solid state fan as of yet so the quickness is nothing I am used to. I do like the great mids and air I am hearing right now however.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
I am surprised that the 2 power amps Cary referred to me will not work with my Preamp since they are both made by the same company and should work together. Confusing stuff. Maybe I should just get an integrated and be done with all this confusing matching.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
Wow almarg! Thanks for the info. I had no idea. Heard lots of good things about this Preamp. Should I trade it in or look for a different power amp. Any suggestions?
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
I thanks for all the info guys! I like my Dialog 5 Power amp with the Cary Preamp. To me it sounds great. I have just heard the synergy of a Cary Preamp with a Cary amplifier would be a logical move. Cary has a 30% off 30th anniversary sale so I thought it would be a good time to give it a try. I had the moving coil phono option added along with every upgrade and better tubes. Trying to simplify and getting ready to retire in a year or so so I thought I would put together a good system before I have to cut back. I really like the tube sound. Heard nothing but great things about Pass Labs and even though not tubes it might be a great option. I can live with any of the equipment I have but always looking for a little better.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
Thanks for taking all the time Al to help me. That was my concern with the Cary tube amp and the Pass Labs amp and why are was considering the solid state Cary amp. The room is small and in the summer it gets pretty hot in Oklahoma. The smaller Pass amp is a good call. Thank you!
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
I talked to Mark at Reno Hi Fi this afternoon and he recommended the 150.8 Power amp so I am researching a little about it. Class AB so it won’t get so hot in my small room and gives me more watts for my more inefficient speakers. A really nice conversation and very informative. It should mate well with my Cary Preamp.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
I like the Dialogue 5 fine. Have some Gold Lion KT77s I have not tried yet. I like the Primaluna KT88s pretty well actually. Just got an itch to get a matching power amp to my new Cary Preamp. 
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
I have heard the Ryan speakers with my Primaluna Dialogue 5 Power amp. A Rogue Atlas Magnum II Power amp. McIntosh 2200 Power amp. Peachtree Nova 220Se. I just got the Cary SLP98 preamp and thought I would get in if their power amps either solid state or tubes. I like tubes best but I have a grandson and thought maybe solid state would be safer with him around. The tubes get hot. Especially the Rogue.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
Yes. The Dialog 5 does. I prefer it with KT88 tubes over the kt120 tubes. I like the el34s but like a little more power with the Ryan speakers. I have some kt77s I might try as well. The new EVO400 Primaluna has more power and el34 tubes so I might be looking at that too. I som’t Need to change just thought the Cary might work a little better with my Cary SLP98.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
The sa200.2 is appealing the me. Solid state high powered and cooler running. I am afraid I will miss my tube power amp even with the SLP98 preamp. You obviously missed the tube sound. Was there a big difference? The subtly and the air of tubes is hard for me to get rid of. Had a McIntosh 7900 Integrated and could not get rid of it quick enough. This stuff is confusing. I am happy with what I have just thought a Cary thrown into the mix would be great synergy.
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