SLP-98

Name: SLP-98
Brand: Cary Audio

classic valve design

Classic valve preamplifier from Cary Audio, available in line version (SLP-98L) and with phono stage (SLP-98P).

Price, selected version, availability and estimated lead time are confirmed individually before any order.

Discuss purchase and listening

Catalogue information verified on the 19 June 2026. Official Cary Audio page.

Summary

The SLP-98 is available in two variants that share the same chassis: the SLP-98L, which is a line stage, and the SLP-98P, which includes an integrated phono stage. Due to the phono variant, the model is listed under both Preamplifiers and Phono.

Key Points

Class A triode valve preamplifier with zero feedback circuit.
Available in two configurations: SLP-98L (line stage only) and SLP-98P (line stage with phono stage).
The phono configuration supports moving magnet (MM) cartridges.
Independent chassis power supply.
Hand-assembled and wired, with matched valves.
Remote control included.

Valves
Class A
Triode
Zero feedback
L/P variants
Phono MM

Product images

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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

Classic valve preamplifier in Class A triode with zero feedback, available in two configurations on a single official specification sheet: SLP-98L (line) and SLP-98P (line + MM phono).

Why choose this model?

For a classic triode preamplifier with zero feedback: pure line (L) or line with MM phono (P), without the complexity of the SLP-05.

For which system does it make sense?

Triode character line control (SLP-98L).
Vinyl systems with integrated MM stage without separate phono preamp (SLP-98P).
Compact valve preamplifier configurations with external power supply.

Differences compared to similar models

Positioned below the SLP-05 in terms of sophistication (single chassis, without a dedicated headphone stage). The P variant justifies its presence in the Phono category; it does not support MC according to the official source.

Architecture and Design Decisions

Four 6SN7 tubes in the line stage with zero feedback in Class A triode. The SLP-98P variant adds an MM stage with 12AX7 and 12AU7; line gain of 20 dB and phono gain of 43 dB according to Cary.

Compatibility and Use

RC-300; CAD or SLI stages. Variant P supports MM cartridges only.

Official specification limits

The P variant does not support MC. Lacks a dedicated headphone stage compared to the SLP-05.

Related Technologies: Valves and single-ended triode .

Technical Specifications

Specifications

Topology: Triode Class A valve preamplifier, with zero feedback circuit
Valves: Line stage: 4 × 6SN7. Phono stage (SLP-98P): 2 × 12AX7 + 2 × 12AU7
Phono stage: MM only, 47 kΩ (in SLP-98P configuration)
Line Gain: 20 dB
Phono Gain: 43 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: −88 dB
Input impedance (line): 50 kΩ
Input impedance (phono): 47 kΩ
Frequency response: 5 Hz–163 kHz
Settings: SLP-98L (line only) and SLP-98P (line + MM phono) on a single official sheet
Feedback: Zero feedback circuit in Class A triode

Technical Specifications

Design and Construction

Dimensions: 12.5 × 5 × 12 inches (W × H × D)
Weight: 22 lbs

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-98)
Manual for SLP-98L and SLP-98P variants: line, MM phono, and connections.

Technologies

Engineering Behind This Equipment

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

“Soundstage is broad, detail is pinpoint and depth is amazing”
Positive Feedback · Gary Lea · 2023

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

In the catalogue since 1998, available in its line stage configuration (SLP-98L) and with phono stage (SLP-98P).

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.

Phono. For those who listen to vinyl and require a phono stage that matches the calibre of the rest of the system.

Within the Cary catalogue

Its position in the range

The SLP-98 is part of Preamplifiers and Phono in the Cary Audio catalogue.

Available in the SLP-98L and SLP-98P configurations.

SLP-98L Line version: the SLP-98 preamplifier without integrated phono stage.
SLP-98P Version with integrated phono stage for vinyl playback.

Families: Preamplifiers
Phono
Design family: classic valve design
Series: SLP Series — Valve Preamplifiers

Reference

More context about this model

Guides

Ecosystem

Cary for hybrid digital + vinyl systems

Support Knowledge

Bias Adjustment in Valve Amplifiers