SLP-98 vs Air Tight ATC-2
The ATC-2's signal-to-noise is 90 dB against the SLP-98's 88 dB and its output impedance 200Ω against 440Ω. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS) and class (Tube).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Cary Audio Design SLP-98 is a long-standing vacuum tube preamplifier, hand-wired in North Carolina, utilizing matched tubes and zero feedback for precise, natural sound reproduction. Available in SLP-98L (line-stage only) and SLP-98P (with MM phono stage), it includes five inputs, an external power supply to minimize noise, and a remote for volume control. Praised for its musical midrange, open soundstage, and quiet operation, it has remained in production for over 20 years with consistent design.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Phono stage specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the SLP-98 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The ATC-2's signal-to-noise is 90 dB against the SLP-98's 88 dB and its output impedance 200Ω against 440Ω. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS) and class (Tube).
The LS5 MkI's output impedance is 400Ω against the SLP-98's 440Ω and its weight 8.6 kg (19 lbs) against 10 kg (22 lbs). Both share power @ 8ω (2W) and output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The SLP-98P matches the SLP-98 on signal-to-noise (88 dB), mm gain (43 dB), output voltage (2.0V RMS), and output impedance (440Ω).
The SA5000's signal-to-noise is 80 dB against the SLP-98's 88 dB, its weight 12.7 kg (28 lbs) against 10 kg (22 lbs), and its height 130 mm against 127 mm. Both share class (Tube).
McIntosh C2300
Herron Audio VTPH-2
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