Cary SLI-80 Thoughts?

Hi Snackeyp -
One item to keep in mind is that the SLI-80, at least in my system (Arcam CD36 and Spendor S6e) was not the last word in dynamics or bass department.
I auditioned tt and really liked it -much better than the Cayin A88T IMHO.Top end to midrange it was spot on but I ended up keeping my SS Classe CA-101 because it was able to give me the extra slam /dynamics and bass that the Cary could not.
I did miss it, but everytime I started up some Radiohead, Incubus or Zepp... it just did not win me over. I blame much of it on my speakers...but such is life. Not sure about your Harbeths.

My main system is all Atma-Sphere but I wanted a Cary integrated for a second system and I wanted the F-1 direct coupled, all-triode version; preferably with the cool blue chassis and silver face plate.

Well, it took a while but the one I wanted finally came along and I couldn't be happier! It throws a big, open, airy soundstage with great imaging and layering front to back. It also has a wonderful tonal balance that sounds very natural and believable.

The all-triode version only puts out 40 wpc but sounds like a lot more and will easily drive reasonably efficient speakers quite well. Frankly, I've heard several amps that were switchable between triode and ultra-linear and I've always preferred triode by a wide margin.

To my ears, the bass is more than adequate but I'm running KT-88's. I know some people like the EL-34, which is what my Cary came with(two different sets) but both sounded too sweet and syrupy.

I broke down and bought a quad of the Shuguang Treasure tubes and glad I did. Still sweet and organic like the EL-34 but way more open, transparent, and extended at the frequency extremes. Also, noticeably more weight and power to the music.

I also replaced the factory buffer, driver and rectifier tubes with NOS which also took things up a couple notches.

For the money, an SLI-80 will be hard to beat. I've had mine for seven months and it's a keeper!

Well, it sounds like my instincts on this were correct. The Cary sounds like a winner. I appreciate all of the input I received. Thank you!

I also have and love this amp (with treasure tubes). Highly recommended.

Not meaning to high jack this thread, can any recommend what an upgrade from this amp would be in terms of a new unit or separates? I am starting to day dream a bit about the "next level" .....

I have not heard the Cary, but the first version of the Manley Stingray is VERY good in that price range. Should be less than the Cary actually.