Why does Cary Audio keep discontinuing good amps?

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.

I agree with the first responder. When companies continually to discontinue products, that means that they want their products continually reviewed by magazines and they want it to seem as if they are coming up with something new and better. Seriously, it just doesn't work that way. The science really doesn't take leaps and bound improvements. It comes rather slowly. The circuit designs have been around for quite some time, with subtle improvements here and there. Various manufacturing techniques have arisen that improve quality and also newer parts that are better made. However, I do have a problem with companies that discontinue equipment quickly.

enjoy