The SLP 05 is an end game piece. Hands down.
Preamp dilemma
Hi there, need a little advice on system changes. I'd planned to replace my ARC ls2b (don't laugh, I've a strong emotional attachment to it) in around 2 years or sooner if it dies (again!), but a friend of mine has thrown a wrench into those plans. Long story short I have a golden opportunity to get a Cary slp-05 on finacialy friendly terms (I have 2 folks in memory care ATM so unfortunatly cash flow rears it's ugly head here).
But here's the problem. His turntable was owned by the same dearly departed friend that once had my current preamp. The tt has been significantly upgraded and personalized, and it's basically irreplaceable so I'm going to get it, changing my upgrade plans. I currently am digital only and would need a phono preamp to use, which leads me to my question: would I hear the differance in my current system between the slp 05 and say a used slp 98 (or equivalent from another manufacturer, feel free to recommend) that has a built in phono stage?
The ARC is currently feeding a primaluna evo 300 powering dhalquist dq-20's.
If I get the slp 05 I'll get the tt without tonearm and tweeks, store it and add the tt in when I'd planned the preamp upgrade, which leaves me without a piece of kit from my friend. :( If I don't get the 05 I'll get the tt ready to go but will need a phono pre to use and don't have room for one (the separate power supply on the 05 I think is manageable), hence the desire for a decent pre with built in phono (and probably new cartridge to match it). If I get the tt ready to go I want to use it and while any pre I'm going to get will be an upgrade it's still a temporary preamp I'd need to sell.
Thanks for any advice.
But here's the problem. His turntable was owned by the same dearly departed friend that once had my current preamp. The tt has been significantly upgraded and personalized, and it's basically irreplaceable so I'm going to get it, changing my upgrade plans. I currently am digital only and would need a phono preamp to use, which leads me to my question: would I hear the differance in my current system between the slp 05 and say a used slp 98 (or equivalent from another manufacturer, feel free to recommend) that has a built in phono stage?
The ARC is currently feeding a primaluna evo 300 powering dhalquist dq-20's.
If I get the slp 05 I'll get the tt without tonearm and tweeks, store it and add the tt in when I'd planned the preamp upgrade, which leaves me without a piece of kit from my friend. :( If I don't get the 05 I'll get the tt ready to go but will need a phono pre to use and don't have room for one (the separate power supply on the 05 I think is manageable), hence the desire for a decent pre with built in phono (and probably new cartridge to match it). If I get the tt ready to go I want to use it and while any pre I'm going to get will be an upgrade it's still a temporary preamp I'd need to sell.
Thanks for any advice.
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The SLP 05 is an end game piece. Hands down. Report Yes, it is, and hence my question about being able to hear the differance with the rest of the system not being end game pieces. If it's going to sound better than a tier or 2 down with my amp and speakers then it's a no brainer. If it won't sound better than, or actually reveals glaring weaknesses in the rest of my system, then it's also a no brainer in the other direction. |