2. amps-preamps
  3. 127518-7588

Cary Audio: Tube preamp (SLP-98) paired with (SA-200.2) solid state amplifier?

high quality tube preamp + high current solid state - ever try it?

I'm considering replacing my current tube amp with a SLP-98 tube preamplifier and SA-200.2 solid state amplifier.  Never heard this before, need the extra grunt for my larger inefficient speakers... 
decooney

Showing 2 responses by steveaudio

steveaudio
331 posts
 
I've owned an SLP-98 for maybe 10 years now & have been very happy with it. Using it with a SS CJ MF2500A amp. Personally I wouldn't call the SLP-98 particularly "tubey" sounding. Depends on what other preamps you're comparing it to of course.

I'd be interested in how it works out for you, with tube rolling, etc.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
Removed the stock harsh sounding stock EH 6SN7s tubes, started rolling. Settled on a quad set of NOS Sylvania 6SN7GTs.

In the same manner as occurred with my heavily upgraded SLI-80 integrated tube amp, all of the sudden the veil came off the new Cary SLP-98L tube preamp and SA-200.2 amplifier. Instantly more open, airy, more lunch, FULL and DEEP sound with an extra tall and wide sound stage presented itself.
I never thought the stock tubes with the SLP-98 sounded "harsh". Suddenly today my system is sounding a little bit "harsh"--??

I'd be interested to know if you buy your own NOS Sylvania 6SN7GTs. At Tube Depot they're $189.95--EACH. Is that nuts--or are they really worth that?
More to discover