2. amps-preamps
  3. 152036-130283

Cary Audio SLI-80HS vs Primaluna Dialogue HP or Evo Integrated Amps

Greetings all...  I ready to move into the tube integrated two channel world.  I've never owned tubes before but I've always been enamored with Mac stuff and recently heard the Rogue Audio and was hooked.  I have done a lot of research and have narrowed my choices down to these two amps.  I live in Va Beach, VA and don't have access to them for an audition so I'm buying 'blind'.  I've read many reviews and watched many videos (Kevin Deal is quite the salesman!) but was hoping to get more input here. I doubt I'll find many that have compared the two directly but I thought I'd try.  Does anyone have any input here?  And, I'm slightly concerned about having to bias the Cary.  Is this something that I should be concerned about / is it difficult / time consuming?  Thanks for any input.  I appreciate it! 
tripppsta

Showing 4 responses by tripppsta

tripppsta OP
5 posts
 
I’m looking for that ‘tube sound’ so reaching for kt150s to bring more SS slam is really not my desire at the moment as I’m ready to get a less clinical sound and more ‘tone’.  I’m hopeful the kt88s are a nice balance between the el34s and kt150s
tripppsta OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for all the input everyone.  It’s very helpful!  I live in Va Beach and will likely make the trek to Raleigh NC (3.5 hours drive) to hear the Cary amp.  I’m also thinking of pairing it with the Klipsch Forte IIIs which they also have for my audition. I won’t likely do a lot of tube rolling... at least to start. So the amp needs to sound great out of the gate... and I listen to a wide range of music. Please keep me posted three easy payments. 
tripppsta OP
5 posts
 
Yes, I saw this.  Thanks.  Kind of a mixed message but sounds like getting it paired with the Forte IIIs is special.  

Also, I've read several times (as also noted in this review) that Cary's tube gear has historically had a more lush tube sound and Primaluna leans a bit more solid state.  Although, Cary's newer stuff maybe not so much.  

How many hours of use can I expect from the KT88s in the Cary amp before likely needing replacement?  I feel like this amp is going to push itself harder and maybe require more frequent replacements.  Is that safe to say?
tripppsta OP
5 posts
 
Thank you all for the input... I purchased the Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated as well as the Klipsch Forte III speakers and although I'm a long way from completing the burn-in... I'm stunned!  These components are a heavenly pairing just as the reviews are saying!  Open... Dynamic... Exciting... Punch...and FUN!  Less clinical and accurate which is fine with me.  The soundstage is amazing and enveloping.  One note... the packaging from Klipsch is terrible.  Considering the price tag for these speakers, one would expect them to be carefully boxed and protected.  It appears they don't care if it were a toaster oven in this box.  One speaker was nicked up in three places. No bags or covering.  Nothing between the cardboard and the speakers except a foam base and top. 
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