CARY CAD120s clipping?

Thanks you guys for your thoughts and advice. I do have a question for Polk432 though

-what are the wattage guidelines and efficacy of your speakers?
-And What phono cart ridge are you using with the cary slp-98p

I have totem forests that are rated for 50watts to 200watts with 87db efficiency into a 8ohm load. So I think the 60watt triode is a way better choice then my old Cary sli-80 at 40watts triode.

Though I think my dads old Solid state preamp has more gian problems before 11 0"cock zone then my last amp the sli-80. Also it might be to quick and fast pace since solid state. But I think this is why people go with tube preamp and solid sat for my tube power amp, not the other way around.

then my last amp the sli-80. The luxman makes the bass to boomy almost popping likein my bedroom or defiantly need a living room for this setup. But I think this is why people go with tube preamp and solid sat

If the Cary SLI-80 did not work too well with your Totems, then the Cary 120S won't be that much better. Don't forget that sound pressure (loudness measured in db) is logarithmic, therefore, there is not much difference between a 40wpc and 60wpc amplifier.

There are a lot of Totem owners who use a SS amp with a tube preamp and report excellent results.

Wilson Witt II's 90dB, Linn Adikt MM 6.5 Mv has a Dynavector MC 10x5 (not recommended due to poor construction) you need 1.4 Mv to run MC carts thru the Cary Preamp. I also ran Lipinski L707 speakers. The amp will also put out 120 watts in ultralinear. The SLI80 is a very good int amp, but seperates make a big difference, that's why I sold the SLI. Wish I still had it for a second system though. YMMV

I agree with Polk432 that separates “generally” perform better than integrated amps, but separates are still bound by ohm’s law. If your gripe with the SLI-80 was a lack of detail and transparency then separates may be the ticket. If you feel that the SLI-80 lacked drive, dynamics and an ability to control the woofer, the 120S may not resolve the issue.

The SLP-98 can be configured in many ways to suit your particular application. The SLP-98P has a very good moving magnet phono stage. It can also be configured internally with Lundahl step-up transformers to accommodate most MC cartridges. You can also get the SLP-98 directly coupled by by-passing Audio 1 coupling caps. There is also a F1 version which offers upgraded caps, wiring, diodes and some improvements. A fully tricked out Cary SLI-98P F1, MC, DC is extremely desirable.

01-31-14: Brf
A fully tricked out Cary SLI-98P F1, MC, DC is extremely desirable.

That is exactly what I am running. I'm using a Dynavector XX2 mk II cartridge, 0.28 mV output, and there is plenty of gain.