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Transitioning from Tubes back to SS

Greetings,

I bought a new Cary SLI-80 to use with my custom Altec 604 based speakers, and have come to the realization that tubes aren’t for me. I’m sure experimenting with different tubes and such might make a difference, but I have to say I really miss my solid state electronics.

I plan to put the SLI-80 up for sale shortly, but before I do so, I’d be interested in some recommendations regarding a solid state replacement. I could go back to an amp/pre combination, or perhaps even a solid state integrated. The only absolute requirement is remote volume control, and I would prefer something in the 100wpc range or higher. I realize the efficiency of these drivers, but I’ve always found that there’s a benefit to having substantial headroom.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated. I'm not sure what the Cary SLI-80 is worth (has about 10 hours of use, and a custom dark blue laquer case), but I'd like to keep it so the "exchange" would be break-even at worst.

Thanks!
seadweller
grantfidelity's avatar
grantfidelity
21 posts
 
Your amp definately needs more time to break in as do the tubes assuming all is new with no time. Some tube gear and tube can sound dreadufl in the first 100 hours and as mentioned by Plilefreak SS typically needs longer to sound right.

I'm wondering what was wrong (or what were you looking for) with your previous SS amplification that made you go to tube?

The great thing about tubes is that once it is broken in and you have found any synergy issues or room for general improvement you can usually get that by rolling in tubes. With SS you are basically stuck to cabling tweaks etc or speaker rolls !

Cheers,
Ian
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I believe you mostly a rock listening -phile?
I had quite a few listening sessions with John Rutan from Audioconnection store in Verona NJ that carries and truly loves his Cary line of equipment.
It really has everything: resolution, dynamics, clarity and presence, holography but doesn't have a speed(slew rate) that requires rock... For tubes IMHO it's only possible for OTL amps that are very expensive >30W/ch.
Other than that for SS equipment I would personally like to give a try for wYred4sound integrated unit (wYred4sound.com). I believe that this equipment will be priced more than it's right now and you won't loose a dime using it.
jebsmith73
167 posts
 
How old are the 604 crossovers? Original caps? Upgraded caps in the crossover network might wake up your system.
Post removed 
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
While I can't argue with those who suggest the amp needs break in before switching back to solid state, I can relate to you situation. I tried a tube amp for the first time about a month ago. The sound was fine but my main complaint was how much heat it generated. Before listening I would turn it on for 20-30 minutes to let it warm up. If I stayed in the room it wasn't so noticeable. But if O left to do something else I felt the heat upon entering the room. After a cd or two my room seemed to be 10 degrees warmer than the rest of the house.
Just wasn't worth it to me. Honestly, I don't see how others tolerate it.
As to your question for recommendations, I have owned quite a few integrateds including Classe, Portal, Audio Refinement and others. My favorite was the Bel Canto eVo2i. Absolutely nothing to complain about. Sonically pure, faultless operation, all the features I wanted and a wonderful remote control.
Good luck with your search.
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