Simaudio I-5 vs. Cary SLI-80 integrated amps

what speakers?

Von Schweikert VR 4jr's.

can't speak for the Sim but i have owned SS separates that were 3 times the price & widely acclaimed which I enjoyed immensely but the cary with the right speakers is really sweet, a whole different sound experience. i think some folks around here have experience w/vr2's, etc & these 2 amps & can be more helpful??? good luck & have fun.

Apples and oranges. Tubes more lifelike, SS more bass grip.

hi,

I can't comment on the Simaudio, but I did move from SS seperates to a Cary SLI 80, 250 watts/channel vs 50 ( in the triode mode,which I like). I like the Cary a lot more. Tube sound just seems to fit me more. Warmer and the bass is not lacking. Great for jazz and acoustic stuff including classical.

I wouldn't have believed it before I tried tube rolling, but yes NOS tubes do sound better and make a significant difference. For a small amount of money you can completely change the character of the amp, can't so that with SS. A pair of NOS 1940's RCA VT231's was a memorable experience. Now I'm working on the 6922's. And then the rectifiers and then... well it's a nice trip.

regards,

Larry

Please try replacing the power tube - that is where the big change.