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Used tube preamps, Cary, AR, Aesthetix, Wells...........or?

Having searched over the last year or so for a different preamp, I have been attracted to the Cary SLP 98 more times than not but I know it has many different incarnations and this seems to be important. The one I put an offer on is 8 years old and no upgrades are known. No real idea how this compares with others. The deal is by no means a lock. They have plenty of others that I would consider.

I have also found an AR Reference Mk II. It is 10 years old so not sure if that is good or bad but I'm sure it would be one that I would enjoy. It has a choice of xlr and rca for every connection. Only one I know of like this, at least in my searches. It is also designed to drive two amps, so is the Cary but the Cary is only set up this way with rca connections. I have never used balanced circuitry even though I've had it as an option. Most of what I've read says that you gain 6 db in gain. Is that the only advantage or is that even an advantage? I for one, do not know.

I have also found Aesthetix, both Rhea and Calypso. The Rhea is more in my price range but used, either is a possibility. They get mentioned here and there. Not sure what to think.

Another find is a Wells Audio Commander Level 2 Class? 2. No idea on these. Not heard anyone speak on them. 

Yet another has been the Dodd, battery powered unit. Haven't heard much but the ones who have them, say their search is over. Interesting. Happy to hear from anyone with any experience on these or others. I know there are tons to choose from but many are difficult to find as well. 

I bought several different preamps that were supposed to be "bargain finds" but none lived up to the one I'm trying to replace. If I'd been smart, I would have been more patient and put all my eggs in one basket instead of fooling around with all the others. It has been an interesting journey, just the same and I now have several pieces to sell or trade. Not necessarily a good thing but as I say, it's been an interesting journey and I have more to go. Thanks for any and all input.

Bill

billpete
decooney
2,565 posts
 

@billpete as per your post above, and @harpo75’s note, so are you thinking you might keep the Cary PH-302 as your phono preamp and then use that with a Cary SLP-98L or some other preamp of your choice then? If so, then maybe it might be fun to just hang on until the right SLP-98L comes up again. I’ve been watching the used market on SLP-98s and SLI-80s for friends over the past 5 years since I got my Cary SLP-98L new and sold my prior Cary SLI-80 and Cary V12R both. Btw, harpos post reminded a mention to say the suffix of "L" is for Linestage, "P" is for built-in phono preamp if that was not already obvious. And reference to harpo mentioning the "P" in SLP-98P with built in phono preamp. You probably knew this already I suspect. I bought the "L" version in case I ever wanted different external Phono preamps.

Now seeing more of the newer version 98s units pop up the last two years as people move to different DAC/Tube/Preamps and such for streaming and such. It’s been around a while and people move on to the latest and greatest, whatever the flavor and new hype of the year is it seems. I care less about all of that, and happy to say my 98 preamp is going nowhere any time soon. :)

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,579 posts
 

I liked my Cary SLP-98F1 better than the two ARs I had.

jafant's avatar
jafant
21,601 posts
 

billpete

You cannot go wrong with Asthetix, ARC or Cary. At this level, it is a matter of taste.

If considering Aesthetix, go for a Calypso Signature. If considering ARC, go for the Ref5 SE. These models are still relevant in 2025.

 

Happy Listening!

billpete OP
396 posts
 

Thanks to all who coached me here.

I took the plunge and bought the Aesthetix Calypso, Signature edition. Used unit from TMR, very well priced. I'm guessing I'm going to love it. Tube rolling not as simple as with a Cary but I'll likely find a combination that I like and stick with it. It comes with two Mullard CV4004 (same as 12ax7?) and two CV2493. The latter, I know nothing about. If CV4004 is same as AX7, I have a lot of choices in my own tube collection. 

I've been watching and studying Cary SLP98 preamps for about a year. I understand nearly everything about them and the people at Cary told me that my Cary PH301 (not 302), is a much better phono pre than what they put into the SLP 98P. I mostly considered the 98L for that reason. If a really nice 98P had come along, I may have picked it up and would just have that many more options to run multiple turntables or at least leave two or three of them hooked up. I have at least half a dozen turntables and multiple cartridges. It's all old so a problem with one, just pull up another and so on. From Lenco, AR, Sansui, Micro Seiki, VPI, I think that's about it. I often think it would be nice if I could have 3 of them wired into the system and avoid cartridge swaps or moving turntables etc. 

Thanks again to all who guided me through this process. I'll post again when I have the Calypso in the system to let you know what I think of it. 

How many noticed that I spelled review as revue? Old age is so much fun. I find my spelling really has suffered over the last few years. Weird. I can still hear pretty well and still love my music. Many thanks, guys.

Bill

pkatsuleas
286 posts
 

@billpete 

There is an upgraded Cary SLP-98L on USAM for $2k.  I've been eyeballing it for a while now, surprised it's still available.  Good luck with your search.

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