SLP-05
Reference preamplification. Uncompromised.
🔗 Manufacturer websiteDescription ⌄
Cary Audio SLP-05 — pure balanced vacuum tube reference preamplifier. 2 XLR plus 3 RCA input sets, CINEMA Bypass with XLR and RCA connections, tape monitor loop, external vacuum tube voltage regulated power supply, pure balanced design, remote volume control, vacuum tube headphone amplifier. Uses eight (8) 6SN7 triode tubes.
Technical background
Dual-chassis design separates power supply from audio stage. Fully balanced dual-mono signal path. 6SN7 tubes throughout. Balanced XLR inputs and outputs. Cary's reference preamplifier.
Design story
The SLP-05 is Cary Audio's reference statement preamplifier. Dual-chassis architecture, point-to-point wiring, and fully balanced dual-mono signal path make it the reference preamp for Cary's flagship power amplifiers.
Best for
Reference-class tube preamplifier buyers; those building a no-compromise all-Cary system; audiophiles who prize transparency and tonal naturalness above all else Cost-no-object audiophiles; reference system builders; CAD-805RS and SA-500.1 ES owners Reference tube preamplifier in cost-no-object 2-channel system
Awards & press
⭐ Stereophile Class A Recommended Component; The Absolute Sound (TAS 205) reviewed pairing "The Cary SLP-05 preamplifier has an expansive and liquid sound... a pellucid midrange that lets you engage music intuitively." — Peter Familari, StereoNET, 2018
Features ⌄
- Dual-chassis design — preamp and power supply fully isolated for zero noise
- Differentially balanced, feedback-free Class A triode circuit — ultimate transparency
- 8× 6SN7 + 5AR4 rectifier — all-triode signal path from input to output
- Cinema Bypass mode — integrates seamlessly with home theatre processors
- Separate external power supply chassis — complete isolation of power circuits from audio stage
- Fully balanced XLR I/O — dual-mono design for absolute channel separation