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Cary SLP-03 pre-amp: Does it need better tubes than stock to sound its best??/

Need some feedback about the Cary SLP-03 pre-amp  How good is it "new right out of the box"?? 

Does it need  tube rolling to sound its "very best" or considered audiophile grade sound?

I have read one review of the pre-amp claiming  that RCA NOS 5814A tubes, or Mullards  tubes bring it to higher level off performance, or a  mix of two each. 

Supposedly , the pre-amp is.... "extremely tube sensitive"  I am not sure what the significance of that phrase means 

It would be hooked to a BAT VK-200 amp,.... and like the amp, it has both XLR and RCA connectors  

Thank you


  



sunnyjim
brf
1,699 posts
 
I am a big fan of Cary and have a lot of respect for their products, but in IMHO and experience, the SLP-03 is not a very good performer even taking into account it's modest price point.  You would be much better off looking at a Cary SLP-98
audioconnection
1,015 posts
 
(((You would be much better off looking at a Cary SLP-98)))
 Strongly disagree

Sunnyjim is trying to connect 3 balanced components together
the 98 is an RCA design not at its best here.

 I would suggest the least expensive pre owned ARC with balanced
in /out you can find.
 Best JohnnyR
brf
1,699 posts
 
Sunnyjim is trying to connect 3 balanced components together
the 98 is an RCA design not at its best here.
Where do you read this??

It would be hooked to a BAT VK-200 amp,.... and like the amp, it has both XLR and RCA connectors  
The OP did not specify xlr only.  If the OP want a balanced pre, then yes, the SLP-98 is not a good candidate, but it does not change my opinion of the SLP-03
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

Thanks to those who have responded so far. For the record,  I have only two components that need XLR to XLR  connections. The BAT VK-200 and an Ayre CX-7e mp CD player. Any turntable I choose can be hooked to an RCA phono input or line input.

The issue is whether XLR connections will offer better sound and/or less less noise than an RCA connection. I have not been able to get a consensus about the merits of XLR connectors. Ayre claims their CD player will sound better using an  XLR  hook-up

To Brf, I appreciate your comment about the performance of SLP-03; I was somewhat wary when a few reviews recommended tube rolling to get the best sound from.SLP-03. However, I will check out the SLP-98

To Audioconnection, I am looking for the best sound possible That is my major goal, and compatibility with the BAT amp.

There is an ARC SP16i for sale on AG for $1200. What is your opinion of that unit?? I have read  a few reviews that claim that a few ARC pre-amps have problematic remotes,  that is,.wide swings in volume up or down; in particular, ARC LS-17 pre-amp.

It is nice to have a remote that offers good control over volume levels, and works without glitches  

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