Mark,
I am looking for a preamp as well. Never owned or heard Cary equipment before. I recently auditioned the SLP 05 at a dealer's location for about 30 minutes. It was connected to a Krell cd player and two NewClear 500 W Class D amps. Speakers were Usher BE20s.
I sampled few songs from Dire Straits, Madeleine Peyroux, Mariza, and the trance band Above & Beyond. I am not an expert, but the preamp sounded neutral and quite detailed for most of the tracks. Highs were not bright, and easy to listen.
The trance tracks by Above & Beyond sounded a little dull and did not seem to have the speed or sharpness that I am accustomed to with trance music. However, it could have been the amps or the speakers.
I am thinking of auditioning it at my home for a detailed listening. I will be interested to know your impressions should you get a chance to audition this.
