Cary Audio SLP-300 all tube (valve) preamplifier debuted at the Munich High End Show this May. While offering great purchase value this new Cary Audio product is also a milestone for the company: a first in a new generation of all-tube preamps with maximum user-friendliness in functionality and ease of operation.
Immediately noticeable is the colour LCD screen on the front panel, a feature that Cary Audio haven’t been using previously in preamplifier ranges. Menu-driven configuration is intuitive and provides many levels of customisation.
Fully-fledged phonostage accepts MM- and MC-cartridges for immediate introduction into the joys of analogue vinyl playback. A set of DIP-switches on the back panel adjusts gain and load impedance to match the phonostage to different cartridges available on the market. The all new circuitry uses discrete transistor design for low noise and higher resolution.
Dedicated vacuum tube headphone amp provides robust power to drive a variety of different headphones, and has optimised power transfer for the impedance range of 32 to 600 Ohms. Three output headphone ports on the front panel accept mini-jack (4.4 mm), jack (6.5 mm), and mini-XLR (4 pin) plugs.
The preamp audio circuitry is all new and employs 12AX7 miniature double triodes in a 100% Class A operation. The amp allows different types of input and output connections: fully balanced XLR input to output, or a combination of RCA and XLR on input/output. Precision stepped-resistor volume control is used for lowest noise and distortion possible.
Trigger controlled turn-off and turn-on is possible via wired DC-connection and the remote control can be switched between two sets of IR-codes for seamless inclusion into automated audio systems.
At this moment there is no price or availability info, but this space will be updated very soon.
