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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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,571 posts
 
1. Yes, give the Cary a bit longer to settle down.

2. If still not happy, try these ideas:

-Naim Nait XS integrated (don't be fooled by low power rating - lots of boogie plus finesse)
-Vincent SV-236 MKII hybrid integrated
-Musical Fidelity A5.5 integrated
-Ayre Acoustics AX-7e integrated
-Sim Audio Moon i5.3 integrated
-NAD M3 integrated (warm side of neutral)

-Parasound Halo P7 preamplifier/Odyssey Audio Stratos "SE" or "Extreme" stereo power amplifier combination
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Do you know if your speakers have a smooth impedance curve. They certainly should be loud enough with 2-5 watts, but are they an easy load for tubes? If had 99db and smooth impedance speakers I would consider trying them with some low powered SETs, though not every speaker is a good match. I think Music Reference builds them and with a used passive from Placette (you certainly need no gain for CD)that might be an approach. Then again, you might just not like tubes.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Your Cary should serve you well with the Altec's - If you want more drive or tightness in your system you might try different driver tubes and or speaker cables - maybe your selection leans towards the "warm" side of the spectrum.

I might be worried that an SS amp will make your Altec's a little dry and/or edgy - that of course if you do not end up with a SS design that mimiks a tube amp sound (which would be worst I am afraid).
seadweller OP
55 posts
 
Thanks again for the responses. I just received the new bass circuit for my XO, so I'm going to experiment further with the Cary. I'm using the stock tubes that came with the unit, so maybe I won't give up on it quite yet.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Seadweller,
You should also keep in mind that eficiency ratings are only taken at 1kHz frequency.
Bass and speed is what you won't get from Cary.
As to 2...5 Watts even onto sub-100db/w/m efficient speakers the amp will only 'see' normally vocal frequencies.
As you've mentioned 250w/ch onto 99dB can only increase speed and bass and wouldn't do anything wrong.
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