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Cary SLP-05 Vs High End SS or Tube Preamp's

The battle of tube verses SS is still a raging debate, but I wonder if board users by characterize how a mid-priced tube preamp like the cary compares to the higher end solid state pre-amps like the MBL 6010, Ayre KX-R/1xe, ML 326S or the Simaudio P-8? Like wise, what do you get moving up within the tube arena with an ARC Ref 3, BAT REX, or VTL 7.5?
cvman
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I have heard many, many, many preamps in my 30 years of audio 'nutzville'. FWIW, I have never heard any SS preamp that could contend musically with a tube preamp. I've heard many top SS contenders from Krell, ML, Coda, Threshold, etc. None could beat even less expensive tube preamp models from Cary, VAC, BAT, ARC, etc.

The bottom line is that tubes just sound more like music......at least to my ears.

Cheers,
John
semi
646 posts
 
Even though I agree with Thorman on the solid state and tube converging when the price goes up statement, but I agree with John more on tube still create a more life like imaging, texture, and ambient than solid state. This also applies to power amp unfortunately.
markwatkiss
476 posts
 
I'm in Johns camp,I've owned many pre amps over the years and I have yet to hear a solid state pre amp that compares to the musicality provided by tubes.As usual Tvad is on point,the key is correct matching between amp and pre amp.
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