Question about Cary Audio SLP-05 Preamp

What did you end up doing / finding out?

If it is indeed true that the SLP-05 can be powered off for the Cinema bypass, then my problem becomes what is the best way to turn on my stereo power amp that will be connected to the SLP-05.

If the power amp equipped with audio signal sensing turn on, use it.

Or custom make a Y cable with diodes to provide 12V trigger from either SLP-05 or HT pre/pro.

Hi @imhififan, do you know if the Y cable that you mentioned available for sale anywhere?  I was looking for such a solution.  BTW.  my power amp does have a audio sensor to power on/off, but it doesn't work that well, especially when I listen to music at low volume.  It powers off when the volume gets too low.

@cinqcepages, here’s what I ended up doing. I purchased a trigger module from emotiva. Since this doesn’t have a infrared sensor to power on/off. I purchased an IR controllable AC Socket and plug the emotive module to it. I can now use my universal remote control to turn on my power amp. Hope this helps.

Cheers.

@xcool interesting solution and good job.

I have had my SLP-05 for 10 years and have never had a problem. Haven't even swapped out the tubes. Good investment. I have Cary Audio 805AE mono block tube amps paired.

Thanks @cinqcepages, I’m glad to hear that your SLP-05 never had a problem for 10 years.

Somehow, I have a very different experience. I’ve had 3 separate issues within 6 months of ownership of this unit. I had posted my experience with the SLP-05 in this thread. When I first got the unit, I was so impressed by the sound that I could hardly contain my excitement. I don’t know if it’s my bad luck or there are workmanship or quality issues with Cary. I had to send back the unit twice as mentioned in my thread.

Just a few weeks ago, I had yet another problem with the unit. One of the meters in the power unit started flickering. I contacted Cary, and luckily I didn’t have to send the unit back. Instead they sent me a replacement of the defective light box, and I swapped out the defective light box with the new one they sent. Somehow the new light box was much brighter than the existing one. It looked so uneven and ugly. I then asked them to send me a second light box and they did. The 2 meters now have similar brightness. The new meters actually look better now than my 2 original ones. Somehow the original ones were much dimmer in brightness.

Anyway, 3 defects within the 6 months of ownership. I was so angry when this last issue happened. I was going to make a big deal and post the experience in a new thread. Then I decided to just let it go. I’m only mentioning it now as a contrast between yours and my ownership experience.

Overall, I’m very happy with the sound quality of the SLP-05, especially after doing some tube rolling and changing out the stock EH tubes. I hope it’ll be issue free from now on 😀

Hi @xcool, I don’t know any one manufacturing such Y cable, it’s quite simple to make one. I attached the schematic for your reference, the function of the diode is to block backfeed voltage from the inputs. Any power diode like the 1N4001 - 1N4007 will do. I have made a spare one still in my accessories drawer, please message me if you want it.

Hi @imhififan,  thanks for sending the diagram and your generous offer.

I'm pretty much hopeless when it comes to electrical work.   I once tried to solder a detached cartridge connector on my turntable, and it was a disaster.  I ended up taking it to a repair shop to get it done.   So making my own cable will be out of the question.

I'm ok for now with my current solution, but thanks again for your offer.

@xcool I would be upset as well.

Sad. That has been a long term production unit. You shouldn't have had to go through that.