Cary Audio Design SLP-2002 Stereo Amplifier User Manual


 
SLP-2002 USERS MANUAL
Special listening note: The SLP-2002 will need approximately 100 hours of ‘burn-in’ time
to sound its best. A new vacuum tube takes this amount of time to fully settle into its long term
operating condition. During the first 100 hours the SLP-2002 will sound good but it will improve
in its sonic characteristics as the burn-in period progresses. So, it will initially sound good and it
will get better as the first 100 hours of use passes! Enjoy the listening!
INITIAL SET UP OF THE SLP-2002 IN YOUR SYSTEM
The rear panel: When looking at the rear panel of the SLP-2002 you will see the well-
spaced, high quality connectors for inputs and outputs. From the left to the right side of the rear
panel you will have XLR or RCA input connectors for your CD player. Next on the panel is the
XLR or RCA input set for AUX 1. The Inputs for AUX 2, AUX 3 and AUX 4 use RCA
connectors exclusively, as does the Tape Monitor loop. The Cinema bypass uses XLR or RCA
input connections. The main preamplifier outputs are XLR and RCA sets, with two sets of RCA
outputs. The main power fuse holder and an IEC standard AC power cable connector are the
remaining features of the rear panel.
We chose to offer XLR and RCA inputs for the main source components so that music lovers
have more choice in matching the SLP-2002 with other high performance audio components.
The SLP-2002 is a true balanced design with four line stages, from input to output and offers
superb sound in a balanced system. We suggest using a Cary Audio Design CD player for a
balanced input source, of course! Our CD-303/200 or CD-306/200 CD players would match up
with this preamplifier very well. Both CD players have balanced output connections and would
make the most of your sound system.
The dual RCA outputs are convenient for you if you want to use a powered sub woofer with
your main speakers. Connect one set of RCA output connections to your power amplifier and
the other set to the self powered sub woofer’s input connections. Adjusting the variable volume
control on your sub woofer can attain level matching between the main speakers and the sub
woofer. Or you can use a second power amplifier and run music somewhere else in the house
from the second set of main RCA outputs. Bi-Amp operation with two power amplifiers driving
a single pair of speakers through direct speaker cable connections to the separate woofer and
tweeter terminals on the speakers is also possible with dual RCA preamplifier outputs.
We suggest that you choose excellent quality patch cables, with good ground shielding, for your
system. Wire quality does matter and careful selection of wire for your system is something we
recommend to maximize your listening enjoyment. Ask your Cary Audio Design dealer for
advice about system wiring for your stereo sound system.
The front panel: From left to right: AC Power switch, Mute/Operate switch, Cinema Bypass
switch, Volume (Listening Level) control, Input Selector, Tape Monitor and Headphone Off/On
switch. Each switch has an LED next to it to confirm operation or its selection as a function; the
only exception being the Input Selector. The Volume control shows operation by flashing an
LED while it is rotating. This visually confirms proper operation, as does the obvious change in
volume level through the speakers or headphones.