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Cary Audio SLP-98 Preamplifier with Phono Stage (SLP-98L & SLP-98P)
About the SLP-98 Preamplifier
For over 20 years, Cary Audio’s SLP-98 preamplifier and its predecessors have delivered unparalleled musical satisfaction. Hand-built and hand-wired in North Carolina, the SLP-98 continues to set the standard for precision audio reproduction. Utilizing matched tubes and zero feedback, it ensures the most accurate and natural musical presentation.
To maintain pristine sound quality, the SLP-98 features an external power supply, similar to its flagship counterpart, the SLP-05. This design minimizes high-voltage electrical noise, preserving the integrity of delicate musical signals.
With five inputs, the SLP-98 effortlessly handles even the most elaborate audio systems, while the included remote control adds a layer of convenience. For vinyl enthusiasts, an optional built-in phono stage for MM cartridges (SLP-98P) is available, offering exceptional performance and versatility. Prefer a line-stage model? The SLP-98L has you covered.
No matter your source—vinyl records, tapes, CDs, or today’s cutting-edge digital formats—the SLP-98 unlocks a level of performance you never thought possible.
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Cary Audio's SLP-98 (SLP-98L & SLP-98P) pairs classic Class-A triode tube voicing with unusually high transparency, a combination reviewers say makes it a standout in its class. Gary Lea and Audiophilepure note a spot-on midrange with creamy, natural vocals, sparkly yet non-fatiguing treble, and surprising low-end punch when driven by powerful tube amps. The SLP-98 delivers a broad, deep soundstage with precise imaging and strong transient dynamics, backed by a very low noise floor. Built with hand-wired point-to-point construction, an outboard power supply, and premium parts, it’s compact and elegantly finished. Ideal for vinyl lovers who want an integrated MM phono and for tube enthusiasts seeking long, low-fatigue listening sessions. Reviewers consistently highlight its price-to-performance as a compelling reason to consider the SLP-98.
Pros
- Exceptional midrange clarity and natural, creamy vocals that extend listening sessions without fatigue.
- Broad, deep soundstage with pinpoint imaging and convincing sense of depth and air.
- High build quality and very low noise floor — hand-wired construction, elegant finish, and near-silent operation.
- Useful onboard MM phono stage and compact outboard power supply give vinyl users convenience and flexible placement.
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Cons
- Onboard phono stage is optimized for MM cartridges; low-output MC cartridges will need a step-up transformer for adequate gain.
- Some users may find the switching/control layout less intuitive than other preamps.
Transparency
93/100
Multiple reviewers praise an exceptionally low noise floor and 'stone silent' operation (phrases used: 'stone silent', 'just blackness', 'no tube hum, no line noise'), and the spec lists -88 dB below full output. Reviewers also note the unit is 'incredibly close to completely neutral' with only a very subtle, non-distracting tube warmth, supporting a top-tier transparency rating for a tube preamp.
Sound Quality
90/100
Dynamics
90/100
Reviewers report excellent dynamic performance: drums are 'impactful', kick drum at times 'felt like cannon fire', and the preamp preserves micro- and macro-dynamic contrasts without apparent compression. Multiple comments note the SLP-98P 'handled every bit of sources...close to flawlessly', supporting strong dynamics scoring.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
The unit is repeatedly credited with a broad, deep soundstage where 'speakers completely disappear', with 'pinpoint' detail, a strong sense of depth and convincing air around performers. Reviewers emphasize excellent imaging and spaciousness, making it a standout in spatial presentation.
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Build Quality
92/100
Fit and finish are described as 'superb' and 'elegant', with hand-wired, point-to-point construction and an outboard power supply (noted as well-built with a long umbilical). The spec lists quality parts (EI laminate transformer, 1% metal film resistors, polypropylene caps) and reviewers praise the craftsmanship, which justifies a very high build score.
Features Connectivity
83/100
The SLP-98P includes a useful MM phono stage (reviewers called it convenient and effective), multiple line inputs ('plenty of inputs' cited) and an outboard power supply; these extras improve usability over a bare-bones preamp. No reviewers or specs indicate full balanced (XLR) I/O, built-in DAC, or headphone output, so the score reflects a well-featured but not exhaustive connectivity set (baseline active preamp + MM phono + external PSU).
Value for Money
94/100
Multiple reviewers explicitly call the SLP-98P a 'stellar tube-driven preamplifier' and 'the biggest bang for the buck', describe the price as 'incredibly fair' (retail cited as $5,495) and state it would be hard to beat even at twice the price. The consistent, enthusiastic language about its price-to-performance justifies a strong value score.
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