Why does Cary Audio keep discontinuing good amps?

coz quicksilver is much better for less.
imho i don't like 'polite' and 'soft' amps like cary. i like 'em rude and vicious.

Yes Casouza - as Dtc asks, is there any substance to your claim on the SLP-05? As an owner of the product and being in frequent dialog with other owners of this product - I've not experienced or heard of SLP-05 rectifier tube failure.

I have heard of two SLP-05 failures in my neck of the woods in the past 12 months.
These tubes are supposed to last for ages, 10 years for new production, 25 years or more if one is lucky to find an NOS Mullard rectifier.

Look how cramped and poorly-ventilated is the rectifier and decide for yourself if this is good or bad design:
http://www.asi-tek.com/sitebuilder/images/IMG_2986-471x349.jpg

Marakanetz - I can't speak for Cary branded products, but my AES Superamp 2, made by Cary in NC, is anything but 'polite and soft'. It is dynamic, detailed and refined, but definitely not 'rude and vicious' that you like, but that doesn't sound appealing to me anyway.

AES Superamp is rather transparent as passive. Good unit and affordable too.