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OWNER'S MANUAL
SLP 03
Balanced Stereo Vacuum Tube
Preamplifier
NOTE: Before installing your new component, please read this manual
carefully as it will inform you of the product specifications, proper
installation and correct operating procedures for your unit. Also included
in this manual are guidelines on how to service and care for your new
Cary Audio Design product.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................... 2
Welcome
Thank You ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Product Overview ............................................................................................................................... 5
Unpacking and Installation................................................................................................................... 6
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Operation
Connections ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Checking Connections ......................................................................................................................... 8
Switching On ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Controls & Displays
Front Panel ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Rear Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Remote Control ................................................................................................................................ 12
Service and Care
Care and Cleaning ............................................................................................................................ 13
Factory Service ................................................................................................................................. 13
Non-Warranty Repairs ....................................................................................................................... 13
Limited Warranty .............................................................................................................................. 14
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. The lightning
flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated
dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Please refer to qualified personnel for service.
ALERT: The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the component.
1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS: All the safety and operating instructions of your Cary Audio equipment should be read
before power is applied to the equipment.
2. RETAIN OWNER'S MANUAL: These safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. HEED WARNING: All warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. CLEANING: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. The unit should be cleaned only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
6. ATTACHMENTS: Do not use attachments not recommended by the unit manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
7. WATER AND MOISTURE: Do not use the unit near water - for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink,
or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool.
8. ACCESSORIES: Do not place the unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall,
causing serious injury to a child, an adult, or damage to the unit. Mounting of the unit should follow the
manufacturer's instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
9. VENTILATION: Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the
unit and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The top or bottom panel
openings should never be blocked by placing the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. The unit should
not be installed in a built-in location such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided. There should
be free space of at least 6 inches (16cm) above the unit and an opening behind the unit.
10. GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: The unit may be equipped with a polarized alternating current line plug (a plug
having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature.
If you cannot insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should fail to fit, contact a
licensed electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
11. POWER SOURCES: The unit should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking
label. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your unit dealer or local power
company.
12. POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are unlikely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed on or against them. Pay close attention to cords where they enter a plug, or a convenience
receptacle, and the point where they exit from the unit.
13. OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING: If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the unit, be sure the
antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges.
Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, NSI/NFPA 70, provides information regarding proper grounding of the
mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an Antenna-discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
14. LIGHTNING: For added protection for the unit during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the unit due to lightning and power line surges.
15. POWER LINES: An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other
electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna
system, take extreme care to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
16. OVERLOADING: Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
17. OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY: Never push objects of any kind into the unit through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind
on the unit.
18. SERVICING: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
19. REPLACEMENT PARTS: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
20. SAFETY CHECK: Upon completion of any service or repairs to the unit, ask the service technician to perform safety
checks to determine that the unit is in proper operating condition.
21. WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING: The unit should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
22. HEAT: The unit should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other units
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
23. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Before connecting a new component to your audio or home theater system it is
always good practice to make certain that all components are turned off, and preferably unplugged from their AC
power source. Many modern electronics products feature automatic turn-on circuits that may be activated during an
installation, causing the potential for damage to electronic components and/or speakers. Such damage is not covered
by product warranties and Cary Audio specifically disclaims responsibility for any such damage.
Power Cord: The removable power cord that is shipped with the player is specifically designed to be used with this
product. Other AC cords may be used, so consult your dealer for advice on AC power cords and high quality wire in
your system.
AC Fuse: The fuse is located inside the chassis and is not user serviceable. If power does not
come on, contact your authorized service representative.
Wiring: Cables that run inside of walls should have the appropriate markings to indicate
compliance with, and listing by the UL, CSA or other standards required by the UL, CSA, NEC or your local building
code. Questions about cables inside of walls should be referred to a qualified custom installer, or a licensed
electrician or low-voltage contractor.
Do Not Open the Cabinet: There are no user serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet
may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your warranty. If water or any metal
object, such as a paper clip, coin, or staple accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source
immediately and contact Cary Audio for further instructions.
24. RECORDING COPYRIGHT: Recording of copyrighted material for other than personal use is illegal without
permission of the copyright holder.
25. NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to
article 820-40 of the NEC, ANSI/NFPA 70, which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies
that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry
as practical.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
26. FCC INFORMATION FOR USER:
CAUTION: ANY changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from where the receiver is connected.
27. OUTDOOR ANTENNA INSTALLATION/SAFE ANTENNA AND CABLE
CONNECTION: If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to
the equipment, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to
provide protection against built up static charges and voltage surges,
Section 810 of the national Electrical Code, ANSI/NFP A70 (in Canada,
part 1 of the Canadian Electrical Code) provides information with respect
to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of
the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes and requirements for the grounding electrode.
Keep Antenna Clear of High Voltage Power Lines or Circuits
An outside antenna system should be located well away from power lines, electric light or power circuits and where
it will never come into contact with these power sources if it should happen to fall. When installing an outside
antenna, extreme care should be taken to avoid touching power lines, circuits or other power sources as this could
be fatal. Because of the hazards involved, antenna installation should be left to a professional.
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WELCOME
THANK YOU
Dear Customer:
We would like to thank you for your decision to buy a SLP 03 vacuum tube preamplifier. The SLP
03 combines the desirable attributes of low noise, low distortion and ease of use making it an
excellent preamplifier choice for your home audio system. This stereo vacuum tube preamplifier
offers one XLR balanced input pair and six pairs of RCA single-ended inputs making it a very
capable preamplifier. The adjustable brightness front panel display shows the current settings
and volume levels during use. The SLP 03, when combined with a power amplifier is capable of
outstanding musical reproduction using your favorite music.
Thank you for your support and enjoy the music!
The Cary Audio Team
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The new Cary Audio Design SLP 03 preamplifier is a blend of digital computer technology and
pure vacuum tube, analog discrete circuitry. The SLP 03 consists of actually four (4) analog, 16
dB, and line gain stages. Two separate gain stages are used for each of the two channels. One
gain stage amplifies the positive phase (+180 degree) and the other gain stage amplifies the
negative phase (-180 degree). Two stages for each channel equal the four active line circuits. All
audio path signals are amplified through 12AU7 vacuum tubes in a class A zero feedback circuit.
The front panel display is a Noritake vacuum florescent display with a blue lens in front. The
display receives and displays the critical control functions from a Motorola CPU incorporated
inside the Cary Audio SLP 03 preamplifier. The Motorola processor is the controller for all
functions of the preamplifier.
Back to the analog side of things, there are a total of eight (8) fully regulated power supplies in
the SLP 03 preamplifier. Separate supplies for each channel's analog circuit along with multiple
power supplies for the Alphanumeric, Noritake display, along with dual supplies for the Motorola
processor. To power the fully regulated power supplies the SLP 03 has two individual R-Core
shielded power transformers. Dual power transformers, along with separate left and right
supplies, make the SLP 03 a true dual mono preamplifier. In fact, the channel separation is in
excess of 80 dB. This amount of channel independence is a major engineering design
breakthrough in vacuum tune designs.
A word about cinema-bypass is in order. We have discovered with previous Cary Audio
preamplifier designs, when incorporating the cinema bypass that on occasion the user would
forget that the system surround processor inputting to the preamp could be a very high level.
Thus when the preamplifier power switch is placed in the off position, the default would be a
feed through of the processor signal and could blast the left and right channel loudspeakers. In
the SLP 03 the cinema-bypass only functions when the SLP 03 is powered up with the volume
gain setting set at number 47 on the display. The reading of 47 is unity gain. It might be noted
in the SLP 03 one could have a single ended (RCA) processor input and through the SLP 03
have a balanced output to the left and right channel amplifiers.
Operating the dual 12AU7 vacuum tubes in a current source configuration, true balanced output
is achieved with both single-ended (RCA) inputs or the balanced (XLR) input selection.
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WELCOME
Considering the massive power transformers along with the multiple regulated supplies the SLP
03 will offer the ultimate sound reproduction when left on continuously 24/7. Tube life should be
on the order of three years in the continuous duty mode.
The SLP 03, when combined with a solid state or vacuum tube power amplifier is capable of
bringing outstanding musical reproduction into your home. The selected pair of dual triode
12AU7's vacuum tubes per channel offer true balanced vacuum tube warmth and realism.
Convenience meets sound quality plus great industrial design in the Classic Series SLP 03
preamplifier.
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
This section describes the unpacking and installation procedures for your new component.
Unpacking
All Cary Audio Design shipping cartons have been specially designed to protect their contents and
special care has been taken to prevent damage under normal shipping conditions. Mishandling
should be evident upon inspection of the shipping container. If shipping damage is found after
visual inspection, take care not to destroy the evidence. If necessary, document the damage with
photographs and contact the transport carrier immediately.
Carefully remove your new component from its packing carton and examine it closely for signs of
shipping damage. We strongly recommend saving all original packing cartons to protect your
component from damage should you wish to store it or ship it at a later date.
Warranty Card
If you are the original purchaser of this unit and you purchased it in the United States, you
should fill out the enclosed warranty registration card and return it to Cary Audio Design within
15 days of your purchase. Cary Audio Design also suggests that you keep your original packing
cartons in case you ever need to ship the unit when moving to a new home. Warranty restrictions
apply. Consult the warranty section of this manual for details. Please be certain to keep a copy of
the original sales receipt from your Authorized Cary Audio Design dealer to validate the warranty if
ever needed. (Please review the limited warranty provisions on page 13).
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SPECIFICATIONS
The following section describes the unit's basic specifications. The specifications are subject to
change without notice or obligation.
BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Preamplifier Inputs 1 pair balanced XLR connections
6 pair single-ended RCA connections
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Preamplifier Outputs 1 pair balanced XLR connections
2 pair RCA connections
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Controller Connectors (1) 3.5mm "mini plug" jack for IR input
(3) 3.5mm "mini plug" jack for trigger out
RS 232 full remote configuration interface
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Vacuum Tube Compliment (4) 12 AU7 dual triode tubes
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Volume Control Range 63.0 dB
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Gain 16 dB
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Input Impedance 100 k Ohms on RCA
200 k Ohms on XLR
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Output Impedance 500 Ohms on XLR
500 Ohms on RCA
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Rated Output RCA - 1 Volt (8 volts maximum)
XLR - 2 Volts (16 volts maximum)
...........................................................................................................................................................................
THD+N <0.03%
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Frequency Response +0.5 dB from 5 Hz to 50 kHz
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Residual Noise <90 dB
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Power Input 110/117 or 220/234 Volts AC @ 50-60 Hz
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Power Consumption 75 watts
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Weight 25 lbs.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Dimensions 4.5" H x 17" W x 13" D
...........................................................................................................................................................................
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OPERATION
Operating this component is a simple procedure. Each unit is designed for long term stability in
virtually any home operating situation. However, if the unit is operated outside the parameters
outlined in this owner's manual, damage may result. Please read this manual carefully before
putting your new unit into operation.
CONNECTIONS
Balanced Inputs: Accepts right-channel and left-channel balanced signals from a
source component with balanced outputs.
Single-ended Inputs: Accepts right-channel and left-channel (single-ended) RCA
connection inputs from a source component.
Balanced Main Outputs: These are for connection to the XLR input jacks of an accompanying
power amplifier or electronic crossover.
Single-ended Outputs: These are for connection to the RCA input jacks of an accompanying
power amplifier or electronic crossover.
CHECKING CONNECTIONS
1. Make sure that all the connections are proper by referring to the rear panel labels.
2. Check the directivity of stereo separation (right channel to right channel, left channel to left
channel).
3. Check the directivity of pin cord connection, if your patch cables are labeled for direction of
connection.
SWITCHING ON
POWER button