Need tube preamp: Cary slp98, CJ-pv15 or Audio Research sp16L

Ern Dog
Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
edited January 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
Need recommendations from people who have heard these models or something similar. I'm looking to spend $1k-$2k used within the next 6 months. Needs to be tube pre with remote.

Next year my B&K amp will be on the chopping block and I'll be upgrading to a better sounding SS amp to match the rest of my rig.
Post edited by Ern Dog on
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2008
    Check out the flea market. There's a killer deal on a CJ pre with HT bypass & a remote there now! :D
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2008
    PM Doro.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited January 2008
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Check out the flea market. There's a killer deal on a CJ pre with HT bypass & a remote there now! :D


    Yes, I saw that and would jump on it in a heart beat, but don't have the cash yet. I'm giving myself 6 months or less to save up for it. I'm tapped out on credit.

    How do you think it would compare to the Cary or AR ?
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2008
    I have the Cary...and it is an outstanding Pre...

    That CJ would be a nice choice also...

    If you get the Cary, opt for the F1 version
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited January 2008
    Beardog,
    Tell me what you like about your Cary Pre. Have you heard the CJ? and if so what are the differences between the two. Thanks for any input.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2008
    The Cary SLP-98 F1 is a mental benchmark for me and I currently own a Audio Research SP-16L. The AR is a smoking pre-amp but the Cary has the edge in high-end clarity to me. The AR has a better ****. That's with stock tubes, no rolling BS, face value.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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