Cary SLI80 as just a preamp?

Its a good thought experiment and it "could" work with some added investigation and validation of what is inside. And, perhaps the point earlier is it could also be a waste of a good SLI-80 amplifier to use it as a preamp only, long-term. Not saying you would do that, just noting this.

The previous "idea" I brought it up was more related to previously owning a Signature SLI-80 amp with mods, and eventually selling the SLI-80, then went to separates (like you are kinda thinking about now with a separate amp) and discovered how good the SLP-98 preamp is with similar upgrades. If you like your current amp or a future amp, and wanted to go this route, it’s also a great option as another "thought experiment", i.e. non-Tech Talk discussion :). Cary owners discuss this kinda stuff quite a bit branching from one model to the next, fyi.

I too now use completely different brand mono tube amps in combination with my Cary preamp, and pleased with the results. "Thought experiments" and discussion like this can lead to some really cool changes in ones system, fwiw.  

Since the SLI-80 is only an average (I'm being kind here) sounding integrated amp, I would have my doubts that it would make a very good preamp. 

But as stated above. If you need a preamp, buy a preamp and get what you can on the used market for the Cary.

Oz

Since the SLI-80 is only an average (I'm being kind here) sounding integrated amp, I would have my doubts that it would make a very good preamp.

i agree w ozzy

@ozzy62 
Since the SLI-80 is only an average (I'm being kind here) sounding integrated amp, I would have my doubts that it would make a very good preamp. 

The standard version is less than the F1 version, and a fully upgraded SLI-80 is in a completely different league. Not even close.  

After helping on three sets of custom speakers for a 50-year retired tech friend, in return he did his magic on my former SLI-80 signature. It turned out to be well beyond the old F1 version upgrade.  Caps, diodes, resistors, better quality grade wiring, more +great NOS tubes.  Cary asked to see it and hear it, so I sent it back for them to demo. They were stunned. Ended up buying it back from me for FULL price plus parts. Moved on.  The Cary SLP-98 preamp with outboard power supply, better cap option upgrades, and good tubes is even better.  I've tried it with 4-5 different amps, like it quite a bit, fwiw.