SLP-98L vs Conrad Johnson ACT2/Series 2
The ACT2/Series 2's power @ 8ω is 10W against the SLP-98L's 12W, its output impedance 500Ω against 440Ω, its output voltage 10.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS, and its class Tube against A.
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The Cary Audio SLP-98L is a premium vacuum tube preamplifier, specifically designed for line stage use. It features a Class A Triode circuit type, ensuring high-quality audio output. The preamplifier is hand-wired with no circuit boards, which enhances its reliability and sound quality. It includes four 6SN7 tubes for the line stage. The SLP-98L has a rated output of 2 volts, with a maximum output of 12 volts. It offers a gain of 20 dB for the line stage. The input impedance is 50,000 Ohms, and the output impedance is 440 Ohms, although some sources mention a lower output impedance of 500 Ohms for compatibility with solid-state amplifiers. The frequency response spans from 5 Hz to 163,000 Hz, providing a wide range of audio frequencies. The noise and hum level is -88 dB below full output, ensuring a clean signal. The preamplifier comes with a large external power supply to minimize hum and noise. It has a warm-up time of 3 minutes and requires a break-in time of 100 hours for optimal performance. The finish options include an anthracite black chassis with silver or black aluminum faceplate, and it weighs 22 lbs.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The ACT2/Series 2's power @ 8ω is 10W against the SLP-98L's 12W, its output impedance 500Ω against 440Ω, its output voltage 10.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS, and its class Tube against A.
The SLP-98's power @ 8ω is 2W against the SLP-98L's 12W and its class Tube against A. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS) and output impedance (440Ω).
The SLP-98P's weight is 10 kg (22 lbs) against the SLP-98L's 9.979 kg (22 lbs). Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS), output impedance (440Ω), and class (A).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The S8's power @ 8ω is 24W against the SLP-98L's 12W and its output impedance 4Ω against 440Ω. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS) and class (A).
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