New Cary Preamp - SL-100

[Formerly YB-2]

Looks like Cary has put out a solid-state version of the SLP-03. Fully balanced, duo-mono for $2K is a good number. If it is as nice as my SLP-03 then it should be a great preamp.
Cary Audio Design - SL-100 Preamplifier
Interesting that they have it listed under 'tube' preamps and the link to the manual/spec's does not work. And, the SLP-03 has been moved to the 'out of production' listing. Ah, well. As mentioned, been most pleasantly surprised with mine as am generally not a fan of the 12AU7 tubes.

[pstrisik]

It will be interesting to see what Cary does in the future. I'm not sure they have had any new tube pieces of significance, if any, since Dennis left. They have been coming out with solid state designs. It would seem that any new tube designs would be done by someone different, either making them enhancements of Dennis' previous designs or something that wouldn't be like the Cary we know. Not necessarily bad, but definitely different.

[Formerly YB-2]

Got a missive from Cary pimping the SL-100 with a number to call for info or with questions. Called and ask if it was built in the USA. The answer was that it is "assembled" in the plant in Cary, NC.

[jdandy]

Cary SL-100 solid state preamplifier

[lakesailor]

Surprised there are no digital inputs.

[pstrisik]

That's because there would need to be a DAC built in to make use of digital inputs. The SLP-98 and 05 don't have any either.

[lakesailor]

That was my point - an onboard DAC is becoming increasingly common - surprised Cary didn't add one

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by lakesailor

That was my point - an onboard DAC is becoming increasingly common - surprised Cary didn't add one

Ahh! Sorry.. didn't read it that way at first. There does seem to be some trend towards integrated systems for some. But, I think that separates still have a strong following. I wouldn't be surprised though, if Cary did make an integrated amp with DAC on board. There would definitely be a market.

[Formerly YB-2]

Problem with on-board DACs are most are hard-wired, making up-grades either expensive (ship back to the factory, etc.) or impossible. If Cary does an on-board DAC they need to do so using a standard card-slot (ala Accuphase) so the user can make the up-grade when/if it comes about. I, for one, do not want an on-board DAC in either my preamp or integrated amp.

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Problem with on-board DACs are most are hard-wired, making up-grades either expensive (ship back to the factory, etc.) or impossible. If Cary does an on-board DAC they need to do so using a standard card-slot (ala Accuphase) so the user can make the up-grade when/if it comes about. I, for one, do not want an on-board DAC in either my preamp or integrated amp.

I'm in that camp as well. I'm just saying that Cary may find a new direction if they don't have a top notch tube circuit designer.