Traded Off my SLP-05

@lwin 

I believe I read your other post about this and that was part of my decision to make the switch. Curious, which Tele's you went with, 12v or 6v which series? I was thinking SR Pink or Beeswax M2 fuse as well. I'm sure the SR Master is a game changer but want to take steps.

Ok got it! Ty

I must confess that I’ve had 3 Cary SLP-05 and I’ve tried many tubes and the ultimate upgrade version and I always felt it was lacking something. Tube list that I tried listed below.

Melz 1578

Sylvania VT-231 & 6SN7W

Sophia Blue Glass 6SNGT

PSvane CV-181II

CBS/Hytron 5692

LianLa Elite 6SN7

KenRad VT-231

Pope 6SN7GT

EH -6SN7

Ok maybe a few more but they never hit the nerve!

@lwin 

Agree, The SLP-05 is a very good preamp and will always have a place in my heart. But it just always needed a little more. Love the build and looks quality way more than many other preamp's. I just need (want) a little more openness and faster details that it can put out at the moment. I've tried cables, tubes, tweaks and it's just a little slower than I want at this time. I'm open to comments and idea's however.

Yeah I can’t wait to get it installed! I’m pacing the floors as we speak...

I read on the PSA forums that I can run the 6SN7 variant with the correct adapter. That might get interesting with the stock I have on hand plus what I want to buy from Andy at VTS.

@decooney 

Ok, so the previous 2 SLP05's where with my old speakers before the Andra II, which were the Nautilus 801. With that said, the 801 was bolder and brighter sounding on the top end, which I "feel" that the SLP05 was a great match. Now, the Andra II is a little warmer and heavier in the mid/mid-bass but softer in the top end. Therefor this is why I'm trying to get a little less warmth in the preamp.  I really like these SA-103's amps and not sure I can let them go right now vs finding a better preamp to match up.

Yes, looking for just a little more open "airy" sound with a little less full mid/band since the speakers are already thick in that area.

Ha, funny that you ask about the cables. I do feel that is my next step. Been running inexpensive Supra tinned XLR cables for years but used to have Kimber Hero a few years back as well. I’m curious where my next cable should be. I’d like to jump into some Nordost but $$ slows that down unless it’s the entry cables. I’m open to suggestions! Oh and using Kimber 12TC speaker cable and that’s not half bad sounding. Just need 1m & 2m for my setup.

@ozzy Exactly! With Nautilus 801 the Cary helped tame that just perfect.

Agree! Cable change and or xover parts change was next on the list.

@ozzy 

What was the best pre/amp combo that you heard with your Andra II's? I'm curious to hear the possibilities.

I'm about 2 weeks in with the BHK and yeah it's different. More open and detailed but also not as liquid as the SLP. It's definitely a "hybrid" sound. I want to tube roll some other NOS tubes other than the E88 Tele. I hear a little Tele dryness that few folks speak of and I'm wondering if I can get a little more liquid but keep the top end open and airy. Before I had the Plinius amp I had an ARC Ref75 w/KT150 tubes and it was a bit more airy and punchy. Kinda miss that but I know it can be achieved again.

@ozzy What pre/power are you using with the Clarisys?

I'm getting more accustom to the BHK and it's not bad but still have some tweaking to-do. I did hit up Danny at GR Research and he wants me to send out 1 speaker so that he can redesign the xover in the speakers. I'm thinking that might be a good idea. I also have a short tube list that I want to try as well in the BHK as well as maybe trying an aftermarket fuse. I'm also seeking some cable ideas that will match with my gear as well.

@ozzy Oh sweet! I love my T3 and hope to upgrade to the X1 eventually. I tried the T3 directly to the Plinius and it was a no go. I felt it didn't have enough drive for the amp. Which mono's do you have?