The SLP-05 Ultimate Upgrade


I saw that Cary is offering an upgrade package for the SLP-05.  I love this pre.  Stock as a rock, but with 6sn7w and RCA greyglass vt231.  Has anyone heard an upgraded SLP05 or might anyone have an opinion on the likely sonic result from the upgrades?

Thanks!

From Cary's site:

We have had numerous requests from customers for many years regarding possible upgrades to the SLP-05 preamplifier. For the past couple of years, we have made it a project to find the appropriate combination of components to take the SLP-05 to another level. Finally, we believe we have achieved our goal. We are incredibly happy with the results of these upgrades which can be installed in any SLP-05, no matter the vintage. The “Ultimate Upgrade” consists of changes to the power supply as well as the line stage circuit.

The power supply portion of the upgrade consists of “maxing out” the filtering capabilities along the entire power supply chain, all the way into and including the preamplifier. Purifying DC voltages is extremely important to providing a clean, clear, smooth sound quality that is free from grain, noise and strident artifacts. This also improves imaging qualities as it provides a much blacker background. The type and quantity of capacitance are important as we are not just adding an extra 1200uf of UCC electrolytic capacitance into the main B+ (high voltage) supply but also an additional total of 125uf of Polypropylene capacitors throughout the B+ line. This includes a huge 100uf Polypropylene capacitor right at the line stage PC board. The rest of the additional capacitors are used as bypass capacitors across each UCC electrolytic filter capacitor. This provides a dramatically smooth, sweet sound quality.
In the line stage circuit, we change the resistors to high quality 1% Vishay metal film plate load and cathode resistors. This parts change improves the midrange and bass substantially for a fuller, more textured midrange. You will notice more body and texture to vocals and acoustic instruments, etc. Bass is more authoritative and tight. Highs are smoother yet detailed.
And finally, for the pièce de résistance. We are removing all of the coupling capacitors and installing (10) Mundorf MCap coupling capacitors throughout the entire line section. This is the final addition that completely allows the sound qualities of the SLP-05 to shine through, resulting in a sweet, fluid, full bodied yet delicate delivery of every single instrument and natural vocal detail. It is done without adding brightness, and yet delivers an amazing amount of air and detail revealing the acoustics of the room and instruments with breathtaking natural realism. There is body, texture and fullness to instruments that break through with such ease and delicacy no matter the complexity of the music.
The “Ultimate Upgrade” is not just an upgrade. It elevates the SLP-05 to a whole other level of sound quality. It retains the attributes of the SLP-05 that you know and love but gives you more of everything.
The complete upgrade is priced at $1,595 which includes all parts, labor, and FREE shipping back to you. If you purchase a new SLP-05, you will be able to add this upgrade during the checkout process on carydirect.com


stfoth

Showing 4 responses by firedrums

Iwin
I am very interested in your impression of the upgrade.
I have been considering doing it for some time now.
Tony

This goes out to Iwin & Nanotweeter.  Thank you for your first impressions...I would imagine that all would sound better from this upgrade.  My concern has to do with the Bass, or Bass output or intensity.  My system is very Bass sensitive basically because of my room and not having the speakers In their ideal position. 

So my fear is that any additional energy or bass volume could bring about bloat...while tighter more accurate bass could be  welcome.

Example.. I have tried  numerous amps with the slp-05 settling
 on the Esoteric A-03 which IMO is a great match provided you have pretty efficient speakers.  I Had A Krell EVO 300 which sounded nice but way to much bass energy for my rig.

My other concern is that with all my system changes it is very rare to experience replacing a component without having to tweak other parts of system.  AND I really do not want to get back into that since I have reached a really good place with system synergy...

Any Thoughts on my concerns would be greatly appreciated

Thank You

Tony  

Thank you Iwin...I will continue to check out what people are saying. Maybe I'll convey my concerns to Cary as well.  Perhaps a partial upgrade like just the caps and some power supply work might be a better solution for me.