Cary Audio. SLM-100 Against Golden Tube Se-200


Which one should i keep between this 2 amps for the next 5 years and so?
The SLM-100 which at 65 watts hard wire in triode which the manufacturer is still strongly in business or
The Golden Tube Audio SE-200 at 200 watts which the manufacturer is out of business.
Both are pair of monoblocks.
My speakers are Vandersteen 3A (might sell soon)and Merlin TSM-MM on order or find the right speaker later to keep and match to the right amp.My listening room size (B/R) is measuring 13'x 15'x 9 h.I listened mostly soft rock and jazz.
pescolar
from what i recall, some of gta's other amps (se-40?) were plagued with failure issues. i can't say how the se-200 will hold up, but if you do decide to purchase, make sure you have a line on a good gta repair person/facility in the off chance of some problems down the road.
Any Golden Tube product you purchase should be upgraded with superior parts. Once upgrade, Golden Tube amps are one of the best buys in high end audio. I have owned both the Cary SLM-100 and Golden Tube SE-40 amps. Although Cary makes great products, a modified Golden Tube amp is superior to Cary amps and cost much less. My one suggestion however is to consider the SE-40 monoblocks over the SE-200. The SE-200 is very rare and not much is know about it. Their are numerous modifiers of Golden Tube SE-40's. For all kinds of input and help, see the Golden tube forum at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/golden_tube/
Michg56,
If Se-200 is rare and very seldom to see one for sale,is this mean probably a good amp to keep ( powerfull amp ),especially when upgraded ?.DO i need to upgrade the amp and spend money or i can leave it as is for now ?Thank you for your info.
You must be kidding.There is no contest.Golden tube of course.One hint:change the EL-34s with KT-88s for an even
better sound(dynamics-bass)Leave it as is if you like it
mellow.Top match:SEP-3 preamp (i think there is one for sale in Audiogon right now).I had it,sold it to get the
Sonic Frontiers Line-3 and sometimes i wake up in the middle of the night seeking that magic something i lost.