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Cary SLP-98 vs Rogue 99.... and tube rolling?

I have the Cary 98 and was wondering if anyone here has had experience between this preamp and the Rogue 99 preamp? If so, can you tell me which does vocals/midrange better?

What I'm looking for is a clean and solidly focused vocal... no smearing, but tight tight focused vocals. Right now, with my Plinius SA102 amp and my Martin Logan Summits, I find that the vocal image is very good... but I'm always wondering about if I could improve it a bit more. I tested the Rogue Perseus and found it to be very good in my system, but had a bit of grain that translated to a "shouty" vocal image at times. The 99, which I heard in the store through some Audio Physic Tempo III speakers were very tight in the vocal region, but I dont know how that compares to the Cary 98.

Also, which cheaper 6sn7 tubes (Sovtek, Sylvania, RCA) allow for a "more focused vocal image"... I like that heft that you could sink your teeth into.

Let me know... thanks in advance?

Joey
joey_v

Showing 1 response by joey_v

joey_v OP
644 posts
 
I had both in my system a few weeks after I posted this. FOr me, the clear winner was the Cary 98 over the Rogue 99. The Cary was more musical, better sounding and responded real well to NOS Sylvania tubes... which made the 98 far better than the 99 was.

Joey
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