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What is it about the Cary SLI-80?

I've been wondering for some time now why I see so many Cary SLI-80 int. amps for sale on Audiogon? I've considered getting one for myself because of all the positive things I've read about them, but am I missing something? Naturally, a seller isn't going to register disappointment with the amp. Am I just imagining things or is there something about this amp that leads owners to get rid of them more frequently than average? Or do I just notice them more when they are for sale, since I've been interested in them? I haven't ruled them out for me, yet. Just suspicious that they might not live up to the hype. Help me out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to harm anyone's reputation, just after some experienced feedback. I owned Cary monoblocks once and loved their sound. Thanks.
misterbill17
misterbill17 OP
3 posts
 
I appreciate all the responses. They are helpful. Once I owned a pair of Cary 572SE amps and they were incredible. All the hype about tubes was really true! They ended up being a major hassle, though, because of the downfall of the Svetlana 572-3 triode. I went through about 12 defective tubes in 3 months (at about the same time, Dennis Had pulled the amp off the market). I moved to an upgraded McCormack solid state amp and life was easier, but I've never forgotten the seductive sound from those tube amps. The SLI-80 seemed like a relatively painless way to get back in, so I've been giving it a lot of thought. Now I'm thinking even more!
azaud
156 posts
 
I answered Charles by email; but thought I'd answer the thread also. To continue the drug analogy, the SLI-80 is like snorting.
The Frankensteins are like breaking out the pipe.
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
Since I don't snort or smoke I will keep my AES Super Amp MkII. It is sweet, musical, authoritative. The new design is cut from the same cloth as the Cary CAD-120S w/ unscale transformers not used in older Cary designed gear. This power amp is unbelievable.
andrewdoan
223 posts
 
Mjcmt, good for you . The bong and the Columbian Gold were left behind along with the Woodstock era. We are clean audiophile people. "Lucy and the Sky with Diamond" is a just a part of the history . Now, let's converse some more.
pehare's avatar
pehare
835 posts
 
misterbill i don't think you'll regret the purchase if you have compatible speakers in fact I think you'll be really happy like myself who bought one over 4 yrs ago w/some new tube friendly speakers & have been content ever since. i've owned much more expensive separates from Pass, ARC, Classe, Cary & a couple good integrateds ARC vsi55, Rogue Cronus Magnum & tried the MAC 6900 (these integrateds didn't hold a candle to the sli-80 in my rig) & enjoy this simple, versatile setup overall much more. w/the right speakers I say go for it!
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