"upgrade" from Cary SLI 80 F1 edition


I've got before very good advice from this forum, so I'll post another question now:
I've got for the past 6 month or so a Cary SLI 80 F1 edition, and I've done some tube rolling , but so far I still think there is something "missing". The sound-stage is quite small and the details are sort of missing sometimes.

I guess I am ready to look for something else, so what else can I get for around 2k that sounds "better" than what I have now. I am looking only at integrated tube amps, but maybe I can be convinced to go separates:)

Thanks a lot for your time and suggestions!
vdg
I have a pair of VMPS 626:

Bass: - 16 cm (6") WCF Megawoofer bass, rear reflex loaded
Mid: - rectangular 10 x 20 cm (4 x 8") Neo ribbon, 280 Hz - 6.9 kHz
Treble: - FST, 6.9 kHz - 30 kHz
Impedance & Sensitivity: - 8 Ohm (5.6 min.) 90 dB/1W/1m
Power handling: - 150 W rms /4 Ohms, 20 W min.
Frequency response: - 42 Hz-25 kHz +0/-3 dB
Dimensions & Weight: - 61H x 25W x 33D cm, 18 kg (24"H x 10"W x 13"D, 40 lbs)
Output levels and distortion: - max. 1% THD fullrange / 1 W, max. 110+ dB SPL / 1 m

The room is not very big, but I have no idea about the measurements:)

I listen mostly to jazz,rock fusion and world music at a reasonable level no more than 50% of the max the amp can do.
Vdg,

Before you sell it, you might try this, by the way I am on my 3rd SLI-80. Get rid of the Jensen oil caps and put in V-caps. Call Chris Vanhaus, he is great to work with
It's a cheap, but substantial upgrade. You will get more bandwidth, both ends, more detail, better sound stage, clarity, transparency, and speed! I always felt the Cary was slow and overly romantic and lacked detail...NO MORE! You will probably have to do more tube rolling... I did. I had some nos ediswans in the frontend and once I got the V-caps, they where too much of a good thing. The only downside to the V-caps is the long break-in period...minimum 500hrs, but more is better.
Best, cheapest upgrade you can do. It makes the Cary "world class" to me.
Hope that helps.
Mike
Thanks Mike!
Unfortunately I am in Canada, so I cannot send the amp for mods:(

I just got a pair of VALVO E88CC red printing NOS from 1961 and those tubes seem to make quite a big difference in the detail level.

I'll see if I can get some Ediswans.

michael
Vdg,
Just find a local tech to switch the caps. It's not a big deal. Just order the caps from Chris and take the unit to a local tech that can solder and you will be good to go!
It's really a very simple mod, but with big time results.
Mike