[Kenneth Patchen]

Hello and Happy Holidays,
A question from a newbie tube amp owner. I have inherited a Cary SLA-70 and I'd like to find a matching preamp. Would the Cary CPA 1 be a good match? My thanks in advance.
KP

CPA 1 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 
Volume Control Range   63.0 dB 
Gain Resolution   1.0 dB steps 
Input Impedance   100k Ohms on RCA 
200k Ohms on XLR 
Rated Output   RCA - 1 Volt (8 volts maximum) 
XLR - 2 Volts (16 volts maximum) 
THD+N    D

[Bostown]

SLP-88  should pair well with the SLA-70 as well.

[Kenneth Patchen]

Thanks Bostown. I've been reading reviews on the SLP-88. Unfortunately there are none on the used market right now but I can wait, I'm in no rush. However, there is a nice CPA-1 on Agon. Would the CPA-1 not work as well or would you suggest I just hunker down and hold out for a tubed 88?

[Ericus Rex]

IIRC, that amp is pretty syrupy sounding.  You might do best with a SS pre to speed it up a bit.  I certainly wouldn't go with a super tubey sounding pre...unless that's what you're shooting for.   

[beanstocks]

Muse Signature 3 with remote.  Line stage no phono but should be a fine match.  Or an LDR like Warpspeed.  Both would sharpen that tube amp imo.