Cary SLP-90 clone tube preamplifier first look - ZeroZone PRT12A

[@EvenHarmonics]

Excited to hear your sound quality results!

[@k4syx]

@@EvenHarmonics Me too, probably during the weekend:)

[@cpaint69]

Look forward to your capacitors replacement video.

[@jungtarcph]

same here - my crossovers are all Janzen !

[@De132an]

Wow, great! More tube gear please. Thank you 🙏

[@k4syx]

I got a few tube preamps. I need to see if thats what larger audience wants, as I need to pay for them with my own money ;)

[@De132an]

@@k4syx I understand completely. Good luck with much success.

[@isavepro2011]

Did you buy jadis jp200? ​@@k4syx

[@clarencehoover6748]

It looks like a high quality build. Organized and neatly laid out.

[@k4syx]

@@clarencehoover6748 yes that's one of the reason I got this one. Clean and tidy!

[@monitostv]

K2700 means mosfet 2sk2700 on the heatsink, used to regulate HV plate voltage

[@k4syx]

@@monitostv Thanks, I'm more solid state guy, so I'm always learning something new when it comes to tubes :)

[@EvenHarmonics]

Btw FunKenya solved the high shipping cost issue on the TPA3255 amps by lowering shipping $ and raising the price to $317. Your reviews must have made them more successful !

[@k4syx]

@@EvenHarmonics lol what can I say, ;)

[@wim1983]

@@EvenHarmonics So this shop FunKenya is recommended? I'm eyeing on FM Acoustics 255 MK2 preamp.

[@EvenHarmonics]

@@k4syx you are true friend 🧐😋feel my pain. Luckily I have coupons. Unfortunately, they will expire before we know the best combination of things.

[@EvenHarmonics]

@@wim1983 it was linked to as a purchase made by this channels creator. I have also ordered from them and so far, so good (I am in burn in period).

[@k4syx]

@@EvenHarmonicsThanks! Don't worry about the coupons, it seems like they are available almost on monthly basis now:) I've missed the biggest one now (just a minute after midnight and all of them were gone!) but there's 11.11 coming our way soon :)

[@st-gelaisrene3287]

I look forward to your video about this one. I read in a forum that the gain was too high and did not give enough usable range of the volume control. A pair of RCA gain attenuators could be used . If put at the output, it could help distance the signal from the noise floor. Usually, they are put at the input. Maybe lower gain tubes could do the trick ( 5963? ). I have plenty of these. Any pot on the circuitry.? The power supply has no tubes, unlike the original SLP-90.

[@k4syx]

@@st-gelaisrene3287 no volume pots here, it's resistor ladder with set of relays. Haven't heard the volume problem during burn in, I will remember to check that.

[@FDKAUSW]

Hi Volks, So today is my Cary arrived 🎉. After 10h burnin I listen music over the Cary SLP-90: It’s very very good sound. But my Marantz Series 7 is also good, too. The Marantz is for me the best of this TOP-PreAmp, because the sound is more free as the Cary. The Cary has more heat…more wood and the Marantz more Air into the sound. The stage is grater by the Marantz. The Cary has more focus in the middle. But that’s by my ears😅.

[@k4syx]

Thanks for sharing! Thats with stock tubes right?

[@FDKAUSW]

@@k4syx yes I with stock-Tubes. I will change @ the Marantz the MKT to MKP. Tom, do U have Change the Tubes @ the Cary?

[@k4syx]

@@FDKAUSW I did the review with the stock ones as thats what everyone will get with the preamp, but then I've replaced tubes with better ones that I have in my collection and that was a significant upgrade. Tube rolling is dangerous for your wallet though, be warned! :)

[@FDKAUSW]

@@k4syx what fore Tubes do U use for replace? Thx.

[@k4syx]

@FDKAUSW psvane art (-s) series

[@FDKAUSW]

TIP: To reduce the switch-on POPer to a very low level, I recommend setting the switch-on delay to 360 seconds. The POPer is then barely noticeable, even when the amplifier is switched on. This period of time is also used by e.g. B. audio research specified for their switch-on delays.

[@k4syx]

THANKS! I will definetely try that as I also got CAT-1 pre clone that has the same chassis!

[@FDKAUSW]

@ F-1 0-127 Default volume for input channel 1 F-2 0-127 Default volume for input channel 2 F-3 0-127 Default volume for input channel 3 F-4 0-127 Default volume for input channel 3 F-5 0-127 Maximum volume setting F-6 0-255 Signal output delay after startup (seconds) F-7 0 Positive phase encoder 1 Inverse phase encoder F-8 0 The startup volume is set to the default volume 1 The startup volume is the memory volume F-9 0 State after power on: standby 1 State after power on: turned on F-A 1-8 Display brightness during operation F-B Display brightness without operation F-C 0-99 Brightness retention time after operation (seconds) F-D 0-1 1: Confirm default settings

[@michaelbooth6007]

Just received the Dartzeel FM300 Amp ( 230v model with twin power transformers ) Sounds great out of the box. Has an art deco look to it which pleases the boss!

[@supercompooper]

Which store?

[@k4syx]

@@michaelbooth6007 DartZeel FM300? You probably mean Transaudio FM300A? Or the gold build with two transformers?

[@michaelbooth6007]

@@k4syx It's the gold build with the power button in the middle of the case made by BRZHIFI. Built like a tank, no tranny hum or speaker noise and the sound quality is already excellent.

[@jungtarcph]

I really wish it has two outputs.... but looking forward to the upgrade path!

[@k4syx]

You can try to use RCA splitters, depending on what you actually need to connect there?

[@rickg8015]

The original SLP-90 coupling cap values use 0.22uF caps, and the output caps for the cathode follower were 4.0uF..

[@k4syx]

@@rickg8015 Thanks! We'll see how does this one sound.

[@BlazSvetlic]

The Chinese copy has two 0.1uF in parallel (0.2 uF total) and two 3.3uF, again in parallel (6.6uF total). Why they chose that path (using capacitors in parallel); they probably wanted to reduce ESR or they had them in abundance!

[@k4syx]

@@BlazSvetlic Both reasons are valid but I would go for the first one, these are diy re-designs that are also available on diy forums so the change would be made because of more technical reasons than just having a bucket of these available ;)

[@georgefaria598]

The logo on the capacitor is Hitachi 👍🏻

[@k4syx]

So I did remember! I had a VCR from Hitachi looooong time ago. It was great. I had no idea these guys do capacitors though :)

[@georgefaria598]

@@k4syx I hear they make trains now 🙂

[@wurgervomlichtenmoor5073]

Runs now under AIC

[@HoomanR17]

I hope you'll have a chance to use/demo it with our musical fidelity amp and share your impressions.

[@k4syx]

@@HoomanR17 yes when I'm finished with single reviews I'll check the pairings and do videos on recommended setups (that's the idea)

[@markusrayan]

One thing that has been said about the original Cary amp was that it has a rather hot output that might be a problem for some power amps. The original has input sensitivity adjustments per channel. Would love to hear if this clone has this issue? Also hows the remote (same as the JC2 amp)?

[@k4syx]

Thanks for the hint, I'll check that with amps I have here for full review! As for remote: exactly the same as it was for JC2. Comes with chassis as a standard set I guess.

[@ztanizlaf]

Thanks for the review! Will there be a review with new capacitors, after the upgrade? Thanks!

[@k4syx]

Thats the plan, I just terribly lack time now (I do all of these after my regular office job). I got the cheaper version specifically because I want to replace caps there. Though the small ones are German ERO - small surprise there. But still can be replaced with some better stuff :)

[@ztanizlaf]

@k4syx It is certainly clear that you are a busy person. I will wait impatiently if you suddenly find time for an upgrade. Thanks for your answer! 🙏

[@k4syx]

@@ztanizlaf Yes, not a lot of free time lately. We will se what 2025 will bring to the table ;)

[@kevinusta7534]

Interesting, I've actually been looking at the SLP-90. They're still going for close to $2k used. Which led me to look for an alternative. I'm considering the Guldmund Tells T2500.

[@k4syx]

@@kevinusta7534 Clone, right? I saw them, they look good, but I'm looking mainly for power amps. Preamps are just a side quest:)

[@kevinusta7534]

@@k4syx hopefully your journey will take you to get your hands on the Nelson Pass mono block clones. Cheers

[@k4syx]

@@kevinusta7534 I've seen those, there's more than one version actually. We'll see about that, as my electrostats are power hogs :)

[@alexandreserainshuvaloff6640]

Thanks for your videos. I'd like to know if you tried the Topping's pre90 to compare with these preamps ?

[@k4syx]

No, I havent. I went for the big boys right from the beginning ;)

[@alexandreserainshuvaloff6640]

@@k4syx Some big boys may appear as fat boys... I'd like to listen therefore your preamplifiers to have an idea about the musical results.

[@k4syx]

@@alexandreserainshuvaloff6640 Well haven't heard topping pre90, but Cambridge Audio 851E was my main pre for a long time. According to Stereophile and some other sources (with measurements too) it was like next best thing right after sliced bread ;)

[@bitmanev4331]

Bit worried with the position of those 3 caps inside the 3 heatsinks; caps don't like heat...

[@k4syx]

@@bitmanev4331 yes I will measure the temps here, I was wondering about that too.

[@wim1983]

Looking forward for the FM Acoustics 255MK2 preamp review :P. I've got the Accuphase c3850 clone, I'm impressed with the build quality and components used but not that impressed with the sound though, with SMSL C100 as preamp to my boXem Arthur 4215/E2 power amp, the sound is detailed/neutral/transparent, zero noise if have complete silence recording, even can hear tiny details hidden in the background via speakers, some recordings might sound a bit "brass" at high volume though, any idea are we able and possible to complete eliminate the noise from these AliExpress preamps while still retain some magic color to the sound?

[@k4syx]

Thats interesting what you saying about the noise, for stuff I got so far I had never had noise issues (and rememeber I do check these with my electrostats too). So maybe I'm lucky, or maybe it depends on particular clones and how well are they made. I also got C-2860 Plus clone - clone that doesnt exist, as there is only Accuphase C-2850 in that lineup, but that review is still ahead of us. Which C3850 do you have? Can you link it here?

[@wim1983]

@@k4syx Ok I'm just being nitpicking here on the noise evaluation at surgeon level of evaluation :))), the most important thing is I'm not that impressed with the famous Accuphase c3850 clone sound, if it's neutral then it's no better than my DAC direct as preamp to the boXem Arthur power amp, which turns out to be way ahead of any amplifier I have evaluated, for the item I think I cannot put the link here but try put 1005001465885474 plus dot html on the site. Ultimately I'm thinking perhaps to ask if a shop can make a preamp sound toggable with tone defeat button, i.e. turn it to passive with a button :P as that reach zero noise even when max out the power amp gain.

[@wim1983]

@@k4syx Ok I'm just nitpicking on the noise at surgeon level, it won't be hearable at normal listening level, most important thing is I'm not that impressed with the Accuphase c3850 clone sound and worse I think it add hum on the left channel and overall feel just a little bit bassy, for the item you can easily find it from the site same shop GZLOZONE (ZEROZONE) between. Not sure it's possible to ask the shop custom design add a button to these preamps so that the active stage can be toggle off, i.e. turn to passive with no gain and color :), I know Khozmos can do this, but then it costs a lot more for quality build!!!

[@robertm8518]

What about tube biasing? How is it done?

[@k4syx]

Excellent question actually. Haven't noticed there are no pots on the PCB. On the other hand, isn't that mostly for power tubes? I'm more solid state guy, so I'm learning, but in my Cayin tube amp I have bias setting only for power KT88 tubes, not for pre and inverter sections? But I do may miss something here! Maybe someone could chime in?

[@uribar-ner5055]

No remote?

[@k4syx]

Arrrrghhhh forgot to mention that it does have a remote included!

[@gydyhu42]

Are you planning tests of chinese DACs? There are some interesting contructions on ali, for example based on TDA1541.

[@k4syx]

@@gydyhu42 I actually did test Semibreve DA50 and Gustard X26 Pro, I will test SMSL DO200 Pro and SU-9 Ultra. I don't know about TDA1541. I know that some guys swear by it, but I haven't heard it yet (and I got burned by R2R that's also supposed to be great). Maybe, someday? But honestly, not high on my devices list...

[@gydyhu42]

@@k4syx Ok, thanks for the reply

[@errcl65]

Are you getting on a PRT13A based on ARC Sp10?

[@k4syx]

@@errcl65 yes that's the one, same Gabster got some time ago but I think he never got to make 3rd part of the video with mods

[@errcl65]

@k4syx that the one. I have always had an arc pre for last 30 years. All 6dj8/6922. Prt12 looks ok, but they charge too much for what you get IMO. I await your listening review on prt12.

[@k4syx]

@@errcl65 I've ordered Siemens 6922 NOS tubes from Germany for the tests, and for 12AU7 I have PSVane Art and some good NOS sets. I have high hopes as it has balanced ins and out, I'm also willing to replace all caps with better ones etc. It just got here this afternoon, but the 6922s are still in transit... Soon.

[@carlsitler9071]

I single-handedly built my own house and I am an electrician which is totally different than an electronics technician. My current preamp is an Asgard 3 which is 1/4 the size of that preamp. How would you compare the audio differences?

[@k4syx]

@@carlsitler9071 I can't reliably answer your question as I haven't heard Asgard, and I am yet to do critical listening session on this Cary clone. Btw my father was electrician and that was one of the reasons I am who I am today. And congratulations on the house that's the right way to do it!

[@mosfet500]

I don't like the caps placed in the heatsinks.

[@k4syx]

Yeah I will measure the exact temp there for full review

[@word2RG]

👍

[@alekrachwald9101]

But why "Goldmund"...?

[@k4syx]

@@alekrachwald9101 it's some kind of generic chassis with weird goldmund logo :)

[@craigenputtock]

I bought it and was disappointed. My Aiyima tube preamp/buffer ($17) was much more spacious and detailed.

[@k4syx]

Honestly I dont know what to say. I have one of those tube buffer/pres by fx audio and while its ok for the price, there is no comparison to Cary. What is the rest of your setup?

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Another bargain. The mark ups on Chinese products in Western shops is shameful. How do the shopkeepers keep a straight face?

[@k4syx]

Yes, if you can order directly and are not afraid to buy overseas the price difference is staggering. And remember that Ali also gets a cut of every order and shop owners there also do have some margin!

[@jkim4712]

Looks like no tube rectification, which could make more like original sound. I don't think it will sounds close enough to original with TR power supply even if it sounds good enough.

[@k4syx]

@@jkim4712 yes there are some changes, it's not a 1:1 clone which may be good or bad.