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Rogue Magnum 99 vs Cary SLP-94 Preamp

Hello there,
I'm considering above 2 preamp to buy, "used" at same price. I like warm, musicial, liquid (tubey) but detailed sound. Which one to buy?

I saw alot of good reviews for Rogue 99 (25/25 five-star in audioreview) with remote..., but I feel Cary SLP94 (made since 1994) is maybe nearer my taste and what I'm looking for.

Hope to receive your suggession.

Thanks.
Tony
128x128tony2704
markmendenhall
225 posts
 
The Cary is a great product and a great value. Notice, it has been changed very little throughout its existence which would suggest that they got it 'right' the first time. Nothing worse than an 'improvement' every year or two which leaves you thirsting to send it back to the factory every once in a while to get the latest upgrades. Cary 94 and 98 are reliable, beautiful sounding and relatively inexpensive. Very nice units.
kek23
48 posts
 
Tony, I recently had a Rogue Magnum 99. I was also looking for a warm, musicial, liquid (tubey) but detailed sound and I tried to achieve this from the Rogue. The Rogue had great detail but lacked that extra warmth and liquid character that you mentioned liking.I should mention that the Rogue was bought brand new and had yet to burn in and settle down.
I then bought a Cary SLP98 and this sounds much better in my system than the Rogue. It has all the things that your asking for. I dont know what the difference in sound between the 98-94 are, you might be able to find that out here on Audiogon
This Cary is a keeper.
tony2704's avatar
tony2704 OP
6 posts
 
Thanks Folks,
So what I feel is right. I loved SPL-94 from first look.
Some one sold it at $1400 (including phono, NOS tubes).
May be that not good but fair price.

Thanks
Tony
tony2704's avatar
tony2704 OP
6 posts
 
Hello there,
So anyone ever heard SLP-88 and SLP 2002 (new models come from Cary)?
What do you think to compare these with 94?

Tks,
Tony
markmendenhall
225 posts
 
Having spoken with the local dealer and having owned several Cary products, if you are buying used, go for the 94 or 98, don't stop to save a few bucks and buy the lesser model. Don't think major improvements have been made to the 2002 model, check the specs. If you buy new, expect to pay 2x or 3x what you can get a perfectly good used pre-amp for. You can also probably find a 94 or 98 with phono! Not a bad phono section either! A reason there may not be a bunch out there on 94 and 98 units is people tend to keep them. They are very musical units. Get yourself a set of good NOS stock tubes from Andy at Vintage Tubes and you are in great shape with a 94 or 98.
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