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Cary SLI-80 vs Manley Stingray

Hi all. How do these amps compare? I understand that the Stingray is somewhat punchier with a somewhat smaller soundstage, the Cary somewhat warmer, somewhat larger soundstage, slightly more rolled-off and weaker bass, but somewhat better in presenting inner detail & nuance. Is that about right? Unfortunately, I cannot audition either before buying. Thanks in advance.
adamay
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
FWIW I drove Maggie 1.6s successfully with a Manley Stingray. I agree it did have a vibrant and punchy quality with this difficult load. It had beautiful tone as well.
bojack
650 posts
 
Haven't heard the Stingray, but I have heard the Cary SLI-80 driving Aerials and Spendors. It is a wondeful sounding piece that I would buy in a skinny minute.
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
I auditioned the Manley on Maggie 1.6's and loved what I heard. Tonal quality that is outstanding. Ultimately, I paired them with a pair of Usher 6371's and they are indeed punchy and dynamic. Bass control is excellent and deep. Now all of the qualities of soundstage and image size are relative to your tube selection, power cords,and Ic's as well as your other component choices and how they present the sound.

The Stingray seems to handle most music well from Rock to Classical. If you can roll tubes it responds very well to upgrades. I am using Siemens 3X mica 60's vintage E81CC/12AT7 and Ei El-84's with GE 6414 driver tubes. Ive received a recommendation to go with Tesla-Roznov old stock 60's which are replicas of Telefunkin round plates(not JJ or Teslovak) which cant be beat even by the Mullards. The Mullards will set you back almost 2K for a 8 matched..the Tesla's can be had for $25.00 a pop. Big difference. I will try this before too long. Hope this helps. Cant offer any experience with the Cary however.
mdp0430
60 posts
 
Regarding the Cary and bass, wouldn't you be able to add a powered sub via the Cary's sub-out?
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