Cary Preamps and Cinema Bypass

[pstrisik]

Here's another question for folks familiar with Cary preamps - two actually .......

1- From looking at the Cary site, it looks like only the SLP-03 & SLP-05 have cinema bypass and only the 03 has full remote function (the 05 has volume only). Is this correct?

2- The 05 manual pdf link is bad, but the 03 manual says that volume has to be set at 47 in order for cinema bypass to work. How does the 05 cinema bypass work? Is there anything automatic about the level at 47, like is that the power on volume or anything that makes it so you don't have to manually set the volume at 47?

Thanks!

[asindc]

The SLP-05's cinema bypass works whether the 05 is powered on or not. You don't have to set the volume at all when using the bypass function while its on. The SLP-2002 works the same way. I also had the 03 for awhile, and the cinema bypass works only when the unit is on, as you know, hence the need to optimally set the volume level.

The 05 remote only has volume and mute buttons.

[pstrisik]

Howlin' Wolf! (Love it - I'm a blues harp player.)

Thanks for the clarification. The powered on or not is actually the best solution. Too bad about the lack of remote input selection, but that might be a good tradeoff. The main reason I wanted more than volume on the remote is so I can make things one touch with a universal remote for my wife. If the pre is out of the loop, so to speak, that isn't so important.

The SLP-05 I'm sure is a much better unit as well. Any comments on the difference from your experience?

I'm not familiar with the 2002. I'll do some googling.

[asindc]

The 05 has a much more expansive soundstage and better micro-dynamics than the 03. It really is a true step up from the 03, which sounds good in its own right. I've compared a few of the Cary preamps (2002, 98, 03, 05) and the 05 is clearly worthy of its flagship status.

If you are concerned about your wife being able to operate the home theater functions, then the 05 is ideal, as there is no need to touch it until you are ready to play music.

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by asindc

The 05 has a much more expansive soundstage and better micro-dynamics than the 03. It really is a true step up from the 03, which sounds good in its own right. I've compared a few of the Cary preamps (2002, 98, 03, 05) and the 05 is clearly worthy of its flagship status.

This what I would expect.

I have been leaning towards reputations of "warm" due to my sensitivities in the upper frequencies, but I'm beginning to revise this idea. As my system improves, I am aware that "transparency" is more important. When I experience extended high freq. with air around it, it is not harsh. Reviews I'm reading of the 05 sound like the best of both worlds.

If you are concerned about your wife being able to operate the home theater functions, then the 05 is ideal, as there is no need to touch it until you are ready to play music.

Yes, a tempting feature to keep things simple and not have to run the preamp more than is necessary.

I'm seeing current listings for the SLP-05 for $5100-$5700. What is the reasonable range for a used unit in excellent condition?

Thanks again......

[asindc]

Originally Posted by pstrisik

This what I would expect.

I have been leaning towards reputations of "warm" due to my sensitivities in the upper frequencies, but I'm beginning to revise this idea. As my system improves, I am aware that "transparency" is more important. When I experience extended high freq. with air around it, it is not harsh. Reviews I'm reading of the 05 sound like the best of both worlds.

The 05 is definitely not harsh or etched in the upper frequencies. If you hear a system with the 05 in it that sounds that way, look elsewhere in the chain. It won't be the 05.

Originally Posted by pstrisik

Yes, a tempting feature to keep things simple and not have to run the preamp more than is necessary.

I'm seeing current listings for the SLP-05 for $5100-$5700. What is the reasonable range for a used unit in excellent condition?

Thanks again......

Used prices have gone up since I bought mine over two years ago. I think you can still find one for under $5k if you are patient, but probably no less than $4700 or so.