Best tube integrated--Cary SLI-80, or?

This will seem like heresey but IMHO the mesa Tigris PROPERLY TUBED competes very well with both CARY models (including the SLI50). Two mdoels I would like to hear but have not are the Tempest and the Audiomat Arpege.
I went through several amps for my second system which consits of Proac1sc/tjoeb 4000 modified/ silval oval and kimber select cables. The tigris is the QUIETEST tube amp I have ever owned. Retubed it with Mazda silver plates, Visseaux 6V6's , and JJ el84. Running in 2/3 triode mode with no negative feedback the sound is top drawer with amazing dynamics for 28watts (must be the 6V6 coming through). The fact that this amp can be had for around $1100 to $1200 (plus $400 for mentioned NOS), is a dedicated headphone amp like the CARY, and has two line level outputs one of which is variable makes it a ridiculous steal. If you can get over the lack of prestige in owning an amp built from the professional side of the audio world and trust what you hear you can be a happy camper and save some money.

Leafs: I don't prefer the Rogue, not even with NOS. My buddy has a Tempest driving B&W 805N's. We both agree that I have the superior sounding system. Sorry that my opinion set you off, it wasn't intended to. Were you listening to the Cary with $500 worth of NOS and Svet KT88 power tubes? You don't mention that you were. Best to you, March

{p.s. If it's any consolation to you, I'm moving on to a S. F. Power 2 (and I'll have to buy a preamp). I get bored with stuff quick, which makes this a VERY expensive hobby}

March It was a stock unit on the dealers shelf.I would love to hear what my Rogue 120 could sound like with 500 worth of NOS and Svet kt-88.For now I love them with stock tubes.
Have you put your tubes in the Tempest and compered.

Marchman,
Moving on already? Wow. Well, good luck, let me know how things go. I think if/when I step up again, it'll be another Cary product. Let me know if you wind up with some extra 7308's and/or 6SN7's kicking around you'd like to get rid of :) Jay

Leafs: The only tubes we could've swapped would be the 88's and (at the time we listened) he already had a quad of Svets in the Tempest.

You should swap out those 12AU's for some 12AU7/6189 Radiotechniques and Tungsram ECC83's. I had some of both of those squirreled away here and let my buddy have a set for his Tempest (he's good to me too).

Although he's only had them burning for about 10 days now, initial impressions are that the two would have been tight. The Tempest has a much tighter bottom end now and a little less glare on the top. Just like I like it.

I won't ever be able to give you my opinions on this matter though. I've got my SLI-80 and CD-303 boxed up. They are on their way to San Fransisco, CA and I've committed to buy a Line 2SE and Power 2SE, which have been set aside for me.

I can't wait. I LOVE THESE TOYS !!! :-)