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Cary SLI-80 Thoughts?

I am currently strongly considering the Cary SLI-80 integrated tube amp because I love the sound of tubes and have heard so many great things about CARY amps. This one also fits my budget on the second hand market (around $2000-2500). My question is, are there better options for this size amp in my price range that I should consider? I could stretch my budget a bit if there were considerably better options. I am driving a pair of Harbeth Monitor 30s and listen mostly to an analog source, but also have tons of CDs so I still listen to those as well. I currently have a cheap Chinese tube amp that sounds great but lacks some features I want. I would also like to have a higher grade amp to enjoy a higher level of sound quality, of course. I should not fail to mention the look of this amp is dead sexy. Have also considered Primaluna but since the Cary amps are U.S. made I feel a bit more confident in getting support, which I know I will need with owning tubes. Thanks for your opinions.
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czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I have the SLI-80F1 from Upscale and love the amp. One thing I did based on Cary's suggestion was to replace the 5U4's with 5AR4's in the rectifier position and it made a huge improvement in the transparency and bass of the unit. I bought a pair of Svetlana's from Upscale for $15.00 a piece acording to Cary no need to spend big dollars on the Mullards (Bang for the Buck). I drive a pair of Focal 1007 Be monitors in triode mode and it sounds great with plenty of power. Listen mostly to Classical both Chamber and Symphonic works along with some Female Jazz Vocals. Use primarily an analogue front end VPI Classic 1 with a Herron VTPH-2 Phono Stage. My cd player is a heavily modded Sony SCD-1.

Thanks Chuck
vortrex
273 posts
 
Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z
Amperex JAN 7308 Orange gold pins
Shuguang Treasure 6CA7-Z

You will love it. Major upgrade over the stock tubes.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
This is where I am currently with tubes.......

1) Sovteck 5AR4's in the rectifier position
2) Bugel Boy (Holland) 6DJ8's in the signal position. The Bugel Boys are a little more forward in the mids than the Amperex 7308's but both are great and it is a matter of taste.
3) Brimar cv1988's in the driver position
4) Genelex KT88 Gold Lion Reissues in the power position.

Sounds Great and fun to play with .......

Have Fun and Enjoy the Amp.

Chuck
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