Series SLP
SLP Series — Valve Preamplifiers
The SLP series comprises Cary Audio's valve line preamplifiers, serving as the command centre of the system.
The history of the series
A long-standing line that culminates in the SLP-05, the brand's reference preamplifier.
The preamplifier series began with the SLP-90 (1990) and the SLP-94 (1994). The SLP-98 was introduced in 1998 and remains in the catalogue in its line (SLP-98L) and phono (SLP-98P) configurations.
In 2006, the SLP-05 introduced a reference approach: fully balanced, dual chassis, with a dedicated headphone stage.
- 1990 SLP-90, the first preamplifier in the series.
- 1994 SLP-94.
- 1998 SLP-98 (L and P configurations).
- 2006 SLP-05, reference preamplifier.
Chronology compiled from official Cary Audio sources and specialised press, reviewed on 19 June 2026.
For whom
Audience and Purpose
For those seeking a valve line control as the system's centrepiece: from a classic triode preamplifier with MM phono to the balanced reference model with headphone output and cinema bypass.
Cary Audio has been crafting valve preamplifiers since 1990 with the SLP-90. The SLP-98 series continues to feature a Class A triode design with zero feedback. The SLP-05, introduced in 2006, debuts a dual-chassis configuration, fully balanced design, and a dedicated headphone stage.
Selection Guide
How to Choose Within the Series
The SLP-98L offers pure line-level performance, while the SLP-98P includes an integrated MM phono stage. The SLP-05 serves as the reference model, featuring dedicated headphone outputs, HT bypass, and an external power supply. For MC vinyl or a dedicated phono stage, Cary provides the VT-500 outside of this series.
The SLP-98 shares its chassis in L (line) and P (line + MM phono) variants. The SLP-05 adds full balanced capability, dedicated headphone output, and cinema bypass, but does not include a phono stage — it should be paired with the VT-500 or SLP-98P.
Both preamplifiers are compatible with the RC-300; the SLP-05 integrates seamlessly into balanced systems with Cary power amplifiers (valve or ES series).
Model hierarchy
Series hierarchy
- Reference: SLP-05
- Classic L/P Variants: SLP-98
Evolution Path. SLP-98 (classic L/P) → SLP-05 (balanced reference with headphones). MC Phono: add VT-500.
Series Models
Current Models
In the press
What the critics have said
“natural and warm, but not dark or euphonically rich or tubey”
Positive Feedback · Dave Clark · 2006
“Soundstage is broad, detail is pinpoint and depth is amazing”
Positive Feedback · Gary Lea · 2023
Technology
Series Engineering
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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.