2. amps-preamps
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Cary SLI-80 F1 & Special Edition or CJ Combo?

Hrllo all, I am trying to put togther my forst tube system and I am pondering over the CARY SLI-80 F1 Integrated or putting together second hand seprates off Agon here consiting of the Conrad Johnson MV60SE amp & PV15 Tube line stage. Both will be around the same $$$. What is going to give me better sound and peformance? Astheticallly I am leaning toward the SLI-80. I am matching to a new pair of Dali Helicon 400 MK's. Using MAC & DAC as well as turntable. Thanks in advance for the advice. Bye the way Cary or CJ is where my head is at.
romel3
romel3 OP
5 posts
 
Thanks again. I have not had the chance to audition them yet. I know what I like but have not had the chance to hear them both. The Cary seems to be more of a "pure" tube amp with P/P wiring and no circuit boards. Thereason I through the CJ in the mix is that for the same price as the F1 I could get 9/10 mid-level CJ pre (PV15) & amp (MV60SE w/6550 output tubes. I already have excellent Kimber interconnects. I have read all the reviews and I know that Dennis Had at Cary is one of the Grandaddy's of the tube scene and highly respected. But then so it CJ for simple circuits and top drawer parts. I just don't know the difference in sound. I guess I'm just programmed to think seperates are inherently better. Maybe I should look at Cary seperates?$$$$.
jdmeyers77
15 posts
 
I have the F1 all triode. Pheniominal amp and one of the very best headphone amps at any price! Never heard CJ, but know they are a fine American company as well. Best of luck!
romel3 OP
5 posts
 
Jd thanks for the response. So you are very happy with the F1 triode. Did you worry about giving up the pentoide option? I have Dali Helicon MK'2 and am wondering if I wouldn't want to have that extra 40 watts in reserve for the right music and conditions. I would most likely spend most if not all my time in triode myself. Are the sonic improvements for straight triode worth giving up the switchability? Thanks
romel3 OP
5 posts
 
How about that difference up or down you would get going from say an SLI-80 F1 to an SLP-98 and mono's or stereo. Does anyone know if Cary ever plans to come out with an SL stereo tube amp to match up with SLI & SLP line? Is the SLP Line Stage significantly better than the SLI-80?
rhljazz
1,254 posts
 
On paper the Helicon does not appear to be an ideal match for a tube system. If you are dead set on tube amplification, I know there are better candidates for speakers within the same price range. As I recall, Cary had a 120S powering Helicon speakers @ RMAF 07 and it was nothing special.
OTOH, if you are dead set on those speakers and amps, I would go with the Cary since it offers more power.
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