Preamp purchase: Thoughts on buying TRL Dude OR Cary SLP-05

I can't comment on the Dude as I've never heard it, but the SLP-05 is a very special preamp in my opinion.  I wish it was easier to live with in terms of remote control functions which were too sparse for me, but the music it made was really magical while I owned it.

Really a killer preamp.  Give it a listen if you can.

The TRL DUDE is essentially a custom made to order component, so there are numerous variations out there. I had a borrowed one for a few days in my system to compare with my Line Stage. I thought the version I heard was quite good. I have no listening experience with the Cary SLP-05 but it has a very good reputation. 
Charles, 

I had the Dude for a good while and just loved it, despite the lack of a remote control or a phono stage. It just makes beautiful music. In fact, it may be my favorite of the preamps I have owned over the years. Unfortunately, the designer, Paul Weitzel, passed away some time back, so you would have to find a used model. They are not exactly eye candy, but they are built like tanks. I used it with a couple of different solid state amps with outstanding results. I hope to get another one at some point, should the opportunity present itself.

Like Charles, I have never heard the Cary, though I've heard good things about it.

Best of luck in your search!