Cary SLP 98, ModWright LS100 and Belles 21a

D

Dr.J

Active Member
Greetings everyone. I'm in pursuit of a new preamp and have my choices down to these three: Cary SLP 98, ModWright LS100 and the Belles 21a. The first, unlike the following two, is point to point, hand wired, the best of the old. The Modwright and Belles are both on circuit boards, while the Belles is a hybrid. Both the Cary and ModWright are 6SN7 platforms, while the Belles uses the 12AU7's.

I'm looking for feedback, especially sonic comparisons; if anyone can comment, contribute, I'd greatly appreciate it.

thanks,

John
 
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I can only provide feedback that I've arrived at the Cary SLP-98 as my first choice but haven't purchased one yet.
 
I have no experience with any of your choices, but I've been really happy with my Cary SLP 50B, so I would go with the 98.

Good luck!
 
I had my choices narrowed down to the same 3 (well actually 4. I also had Joule Electra in the mix). I was looking for a quality, well-regarded tube pre that had low enough gain to use with my Mesa Baron.

I ended up with the Joule Electra LA-100mklll (used a-gon). Hand-built by Jud Barber, top notch components tube regulated and rectified. Simple (comparatively) circuitry. It will go head-to-head against much more expensive preamps. I did not need a phono pre, but there are different configs. Mine is linestage only.

I love it. You don't see them often and when you do...they are gone again. That said, I'd still like to try the Cary and Modwright. I chose to stay away from the Belles. A friend (and popular AK'er) owned one. It had some issues. Then to add insult to injury apparently David Belles wouldn't give him the time of day. I can't remember if he ended up getting it repaired or not. But the other two (Cary and Modwright) are still on my list to audition. Mainly to hear if the 6sn7 can better the Joule sound. But also, the Cary and the Modwright would be a new piece of gear. I'm kinda getting done with older gear that needs updates and repairs, so the age interests me.

If I had to pick, I'd choose the SLP98 I think.
<There; how's that for a useless post, of no help at all? :D>
 
Yes, I see the Joule Electra LA100 mkIII is seldom for sale. There's a 450 version available for $9000!

I hear you on the old equipment requiring repair, would be nice to get something new, although that doesn't guarantee it will be without issue. Still, with a warrantee comes some piece of mind.

Anyone have any idea on the Modwright LS100?
 
To bad I didn't see this earlier. About a week ago the dealer I go to had a used SLP-98 on consignment for $1599. Fire engine red very cool. It was snapped up in a few days. I recently picked up a Primaluna Dialogue 3 and it might be worth an audition. All point to point wiring w/dual mono transformers. Lots of Iron it weighs in at 53.5 lbs. I have it hooked up to a pair of modified Threshold T-50 amps run at 100 wpc in Class a mode. Powers a pair of Aerial model 6's. A very sweet sound and the Primaluna is built like a tank.:music:
 
Have neither, but I do have a Cary amp. It is a beautiful warm, articulate and highly musical piece. The SLP-98 is very very popular. Lot's of reviews out there. It has a reputation for having a dynamic and warm sound. The Modwright seems somewhat less popular, but respected, and is reputed to have a very clean, less warm sound. I am pretty sure the Modwright uses V-caps, which impart a highly articulate and clear but unforgiving sound.

Therefore I would think that the Cary would be the more forgiving of the two and more appropriate for Rock, Blues etc. For classical music I prefer a less forgiving more neutral sound that give me true timbres and extended open highs so that hall sounds are heard clearly.So I would pick the Modwright if my main purpose was to listen to classical.

I know I have heard neither of these, but this is my process for buying units that are a great deal, have a great reputation, but I have not heard personally.
 
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