Jon L, I sold my Cary SLP 2002 because Cary discontinued it, and over the years, a few 98 owners told me it wasn't as good as the 98. I never heard a 98 nor ABed them before ordering my 98. I just called Cary and went over mods and options with Kirk. I orderd a 98L with Hexfeds and direct coupled options. I will do caps around Xmas.
The 2002 I had did have the caps upgrade. When I got my 98, I ran it with the stock Chinese 6SN7s for about 100 hours. I noticed immediately a much wider and deeper soundstage. I next tried all EH 6SN7s and the 98 then had the nicer dynamics of the 2002 without loosing the better soundstage. I'm now into Sylvania 6SN7Ws, VT 231s and GTAs and GTB combos. Next up RCA.
Steve K, I'll bet you have some of those PQ , two star halo getter Amperex 6922s I love. You just did not pay $200/pr for them. Great balance and tone.