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Cary SLI-80 or SLI-100?

Hi all, which would you recommend? The price is the same. Cary SLI-80 or SLI-100?

I've loved the sound of EL-34s, but reading up on Cary, the KT-150s seem great.  I always liked the 120 watt reserve power of my Music Reference. The SLI-100 has plenty of power according to my reading, but the SLI-80 is only 20wpc less and takes EL-34s and has triode mode (I've never heard that). Insurance will be paying for this to replace my fire loss, and I may or may not have time to demo before the deadline to buy. I'd have to drive 6 hours to Phoenix to do it but it might be possible. Not a choice I like, but there it is.

I guess I want what most audiophiles want:  transparency, air, soundstage, strong clean bass, and a sweet midrange. 

If it helps, some history and why Cary?

My system has consisted of ProAc Response 2.5 speakers ( 8 ohms nominal. Sensitivity: 86dB/W/m),  CJ PV-5, Music Reference 120, Creek CD-43.  

My history with amps over the last 30 years is a Dynaco ST-70, Mac MC-270, Mac MC-240, Mac MC-30s, Marantz 8B, and the Music Reference. Preamps have been a Dynaco PAS and the CJ. Speakers Snell E, ProAc One SC, ProAc 2.5s.

The Macs were lush but unsatisfying in resolution, to me. The 8B was great, but the Music Reference seemed more resolved and replaced the 8B, but when playing it with ProAc Response One SCs or Response 2.5s there was an unfortunate synergy causing an annoying peak in the highs. I receive more than one opinion that the highs peak somewhat on ProAcs and the Music Reference to achieve resolution and together created this peak. I don't know if that's true but it sounds reasonable. 

I don't think I'll ever give up my ProAc 2.5s. So I've thought to replace the Music Reference, and in a Tucson shop (RIP) I listened to Cary on a few occasions and felt it had a wonderful sound. I don't remember the model. So since then I've thought I'd like to pair Cary with my ProAcs. 

Thanks,
Jim


river251
Post removed 
river251 OP
154 posts
 
Well, I must have done something wrong. My misfortune, it would have really been helpful to get opinions here. Thanks....


stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,385 posts
 
@river251,

you only posted a day ago. Give it a chance.
decooney
1,973 posts
 
Hi Jim, @river251
A colleague and friend helped lead the design on the SLI-100 and incorporation of the KT150. I use to own the SLI-80 Signature in stock and highly modified forms. The ability to run KT88s and other tubes in UL or Triode mode was intriguing, until I needed solid state rectification and more power to drive my speakers how I wanted. Sold SLI-80, it was a great amplifier after all the upgrades, and deserved the right speakers.

Seeing you are a former 8B owner and Music-Ref owner, and I’ve heard both a number of times on different speakers. They offer a different sound, what I’ll simply refer to as an "EL34" type of sound, more lush and laid back as you well know i’m sure. The SLI-80 will keep you closer to that same type of sound with a tad more clarity than 8B or MR, retaining some of the "midrange" you refer to.  Its a plush sound, know it very well  The SLI-100 will transition you a bit more to your desire for more "power, transparency, air, soundstage, strong clean bass", and a bit less of the midrange forward sound you are more familiar with from the 8B, MR. Its a tradeoff, but can be helped some in other areas of tuning.  

I’m playing with this situation now over the past year on my current [other brand]KT150 monos amps, they are clean, flat freq, powerful yet I wanted some of that svelt midrange back. Still use my Cary SLP-98 preamp in front of them. Owned multiple Cary amp too. So, I’ve been rotating all sorts of different input tubes and different type copper RCA cables at the source to get there again when paired with KT150s. Real close now on getting there. 

Knowing your ProAcs (I use to try and copy and build them for home use) a general guidleline would be for: Lush tubey sound, go SLI-80. Cleaner, more open, and more powerful, SLI-100 +input tube and cable tweaks to get some of that midrange lushness back. Hope this helps some for basic thoughts and picking a direction in some way. Good Luck.
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