SLP-05
Cary Audio's reference valve preamplifier, a distinguished example of high-end line control within the brand's range.
Price, selected version, availability and estimated lead time are confirmed individually before any order.
Discuss purchase and listeningCatalogue information verified on the 19 June 2026. Official Cary Audio page.
Summary
The SLP-05 is Cary Audio's reference line preamplifier: fully balanced with a dual chassis, dedicated headphone stage, cinema bypass, and external power supply.
Key Points
- Fully balanced design valve line preamplifier.
- Dual chassis construction with an independent power supply.
- It features a dedicated headphone stage.
- Balanced XLR and RCA inputs, with home theatre bypass and recording loop.
- Volume and mute control via remote.
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Purchasing, listening and delivery
Ordering and system matching
Ask about the selected version and matching with your amplifier, sources and room. Supply arrangements will be confirmed in the quotation. An enquiry does not confirm a sale.
Listening sessions and demonstrations
You can request a listening session by appointment at our Barcelona office (Carrer de Modolell, 57). When we arrange the appointment we confirm which equipment is available to hear, along with the date and time.
Home demonstrations are not offered for this product.
Delivery and setup
Delivery, its cost and the estimated timing are confirmed in writing in your quotation, for your delivery address and before you accept it.
Installation and setup can be requested as an additional service. We assess feasibility and quote it separately.
Editorial Reference
Model context
Position within the Cary range
Reference valve line preamplifier, fully balanced dual chassis, featuring a dedicated headphone stage and XLR/RCA inputs.
Why choose this model?
For reference balanced chains with dedicated headphones, cinema bypass, and external source, surpassing the SLP-98 in complexity.
For which system does it make sense?
- High-end line control with external power supply and dedicated headphone stage.
- Integration into home cinema with channel bypass (Home Theater Bypass).
- Balanced systems from the source to the power stage.
Differences compared to similar models
Above the SLP-98 in complexity (dual chassis, fully balanced, dedicated headphones). Compatible with the RC-300 according to the official remote control specifications.
Architecture and Design Decisions
Eight 6SN7 tubes manage balanced, headphone, and gain functions; 5AR4 rectifier in the independent power supply. Stated frequency response from 5 Hz to 250 kHz with THD of 0.03% and signal-to-noise ratio of −90 dB.
Compatibility and Use
RC-300, CAD-120S MkII, CAD-805RS, CAD-211FE, or ES series stages. XLR and RCA inputs; tape loop and HT bypass.
Official specification limits
Headphone connector and impedance not listed on the website specification sheet. Does not include a phono stage (use VT-500 or SLP-98P).
Related Technologies: Valves and single-ended triode .
Technical Specifications
Specifications
- Topology
- Fully balanced valve line preamplifier, dual chassis
- Valves
- 8 × 6SN7 (balanced stages, headphone, and gain); 5AR4 rectifier in the power supply
- Gain (RCA)
- 17 dB
- Gain (XLR)
- 24 dB
- THD
- 0,03 %
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- −90 dB
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz–250 kHz
Technical Specifications
Connectivity
- Inputs
- Balanced XLR ×2, RCA ×3, cinema bypass and tape loop
- Outputs
- XLR ×1 and RCA ×2
- Headphones
- Dedicated headphone stage
- Home cinema integration
- Home Theater Bypass
- Recording loop
- Integrated tape loop (recording)
Technical Specifications
Design and Construction
- Power Supply
- Power supply in separate chassis
- Dimensions
- Preamplifier 17 × 6.25 × 12 inches; power supply 17 × 4.5 × 12 inches (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 16 lbs (preamp) + 19 lbs (power supply)
Specifications compiled from official Cary Audio sources, reviewed on 19 June 2026. Unverified data is not published; unavailable fields are omitted.
Documentation
Official Manuals and Resources
Links to PDFs and guides published by Cary Audio on caryaudio.com. They open in a new tab.
- ManualOwner's Manual (SLP-05)
Operation of the reference preamplifier: balanced, headphones, HT bypass, and bias.
Technologies
Engineering Behind This Equipment
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Valves and single-ended triode
Valve design is the foundational heritage of Cary Audio. The brand maintains a line of triode equipment in single-ended configuration, in class A, which defines much of its character and sonic identity.
In the press
What the critics have said
“natural and warm, but not dark or euphonically rich or tubey”
Positive Feedback · Dave Clark · 2006
“the sheer musicality and vibrancy of these Cary components”
StereoNET Australia · Peter Familari · 2018
Brief excerpts from specialised press reviews, in their original language with a link to the source. They reflect the opinion of each publication.
Launch context
Origin and Journey
Introduced in 2006 as the brand's reference preamplifier, part of the SLP series that began in 1990.
Be part of the SLP Series — Valve Preamplifiers.
Recommended Applications
Where it fits
- High fidelity
Preamplifiers. For those seeking a valve control centre that preserves the character of the signal prior to amplification.
Within the Cary catalogue
Its position in the range
The SLP-05 is part of Preamplifiers in the Cary Audio catalogue.
- Families
- Design family
- classic valve design
- Headphones
- Dedicated headphone stage
Reference
More context about this model
Guides
Ecosystem
Support Knowledge
Related Products
Other products in the catalogue
SLP-98
Classic valve preamplifier from Cary Audio, available in line version (SLP-98L) and with phono stage (SLP-98P).
Request information →
VT-500
Cary Audio valve preamplifier with phono stage, thus belonging to both the preamplifier and phono families.
Request information →
RC-300 Remote Handset
Cary Audio remote control for managing compatible brand equipment. It is an accessory without standalone playback functionality.
Check availability →
CAD-120S MkII
Stereo valve power amplifier by Cary Audio, switchable between triode and ultralinear modes.
Request a listening session →