EXPIRED For Sale Convergent Audio Technology SL1 Renaissance Pre Amplifier

Further Information

Convergent Audio Technology SL1 Renaissance Tube PreAmplifier. Line Stage Only.

Excellent condition.

This is among the finest if not the finest ever built preamplifier.

The SL1 has been manufactured since 1985 and it is still currently built. The current line stage model has a RRP of $30,000.

I purchased this unit new around 2012-2013 from Greg Osborn from Osborn Loudspeakers who used to be the Australian distributor for CAT.

Around two years ago I changed the tubes to the famous Telefunken E88CC and the Tesla E83CC (the direct replacement of the Telefunken E803S that are no longer available). All tubes were NOS purchased from jacmusic.com and brought significant improvement in the sound: more transparent with a wider and more dynamic sound stage, natural midrange.  The value of the tubes only is approx $1,200. The original tubes are still available.

The preamp is in perfect technical condition and excellent visual condition.

A review of my exact model is available on the following link from Stereophile: https://www.stereophile.com/tubepreamps/convergent_audio_technology_sl1_renaissance_preamplifier/index.html

Some members here have questions whether the caps are leaking due to the discolouration I some parts of the board. Ken Stevens, the designer of the SL1 and the oner of CAT has confirmed that the caps are film caps, they are dry and can not leak. He has also advised that the discolouration is related to oxidation that can occur in alloy made boards. The preamp is in perfect functional condition. This has only been used in a 2 channel stereo setting driving my CAT JL3 mono blocks.

These are rarely available for sale. I am selling as I want to upgrade to the current model.

Please don't ask whether it comes with a remote.

I prefer collection as it is very heavy: preamp and power supply weigh 24kg. Shipping via courier can be organised for $120 Australia wide.