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Audio Research LS 26 or Cary SLP 05?

I am trying to expand my horizon for tube preamps. I am now deciding whether to go for an Audio Research LS 26, Cary SLP 05, or deHavilland Mercury?... I have no way to hear these preamps together.

I'll be using an Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono SS amp, Cambridge Audio 640v2 CDP, and the speakers are DIY Scanspeak 2.5 way (21W555/18W8545/9800).

Which preamp will produce the following characteristics?...
-Transparent and neutral tonality and timbre for acoustical instruments
-bass: powerful and deep
-mids: harmonically rich, clear, smooth, refined
-highs: extended & airy. WITHOUT glare. NOT rolled off.
-3D, spacious sound stage WITHOUT sacrificing focus
-big tone, lush sound
-high resolution with micro details without etching

Thanks!
88man

Showing 1 response by macdadtexas

macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I have not had the SLP -05 in my system, but I have an SLP98p F1, direct coupled et all. All the options you can get from Kevin at Upscale. I have heard the SLP 05 several times at my dealer, and it's very nice, but it didn't make me want to get rid of my SLP98. When I think about upgrading I think about going to an ARC Ref 3 (or 5 now). Maybe I will "rent" an SLP 05 off of Audiogon to compare and see if it is the much better in my system.

I will miss the phono stage from the 98 though, I really enjoy the sound of it.
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