2. amps-preamps
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Cary SLI 80 crumped

OK guys and gals. Looks like one of my switches got stuck on the cary and when i tried to switch from triode to ultra linear the whole unit powered down and well now it won’t turn back on. So I am guessing I need to send the unit back to cary so here is the question I have a belles Hotrod 150a power amp in my closet but the arc line stage LS-7 is in the repair shop here locally for toggle switch repair. So please rate the following:

1. buy quicksilver line stage and use the hotrod 150a for time being and then up grade to mid mono quicksilver amps or mono 120s,  I love tubes!!
2. Buy belles aria pre amp pair with hot rod 150a probably stop there or maybe eventually upgrade to aria monoblocks 
3. Buy belles aria integrated call it good
4. Consider luxman class A integrated but this is a long stretch because I don’t know about price
5. naim 152 and 155xs separates but again not familiar with he sound or how well this works with vandy however i quite enjoyed my rega DAC and rp3 when I had them.

Thanks folks

Current system is handy 2ce sig II, EAT Csharp MC turntable, McIntosh MP100 for phone pre, audio quest type 8 cable in biwire configuration, audio quest king cobra interconnects. I will probably move on this purchase in a few days
128x128jelliott78
jelliott78's avatar
jelliott78 OP
39 posts
 
So it was the AC fuse that blew thats fixed but the switch for triode to ultra linear is still stuck.  To answer the question why naim and luxman because there are some good deals on naim separates right now and the luxman class A i have heard and found it to sound very nice for solid state.

My SLI-80 is a more recent model from 2016. probably easy to fix yes but the local repair shop here for all things audio is currently back logged for 4 months and I have not really been happy with the cary in terms of bass response.  Hence the question of moving forward with the listed options.   

heard great things about the quicksilver line but mostly I thought hey I still have the hotrod 150 A and that amp provided nice punch with good soundstage and though solid state sounded less analytical.  Make sense?
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,759 posts
 
I completely agree with the idea of having a local tech do the work if there's one within driving distance. If you're confident the problem is in the switch it's likely something you could do yourself.

When the small circuit board in my SLI 80 failed I convinced Cary to sell me one, after a little prodding, and doing the swap was very simple. Shipping the amp back and forth to Cary will be an expensive proposition, likely as much as the repair.
jelliott78's avatar
jelliott78 OP
39 posts
 
I do have vandersteen 2ce sig II which i am thinking of upgrading in next year as well. 
jelliott78's avatar
jelliott78 OP
39 posts
 
"Shipping the amp back and forth to Cary will be an expensive proposition, likely as much as the repair."

I agree 50lbs ruffly boxing packing insurance etc. I need to fix it any way you look at it because I want to sell it eventually. Love the mid and highs but the bass response is anemic even with KT 120s.  
jelliott78's avatar
jelliott78 OP
39 posts
 
decision made. belles aria integrated paired with the hotrod. then belles aria monoblocks to follow in 6 months
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