Manley stingray or Cary sli 80 sig


I have a nice tax refund on the way and want to replace my seperates with a nice integrated tube amp. I currently have a classe dr6 preamp and a dynaco st70 powering quad 11L speakers. The sound is nice and warm( I really like the tube sound) and am trying to decide if I should take the plunge to a Manley or Cary or upgrade to a fuller sounding pair of speakers.

My listening room is 10x10 and carpeted.

Has anyone owned both of these integrated amps and which one do you prefer and why? Any suggestions appreciated.
dav65mus

Showing 1 response by chartreux

Owning both, the Stingray in either Ultra Linear or Triode, with well-matched speakers will be the better economic and sonic choice for your room. Buy the Stingray and trade your Quad 11L speakers up for a something with more efficiency and dynamic range.

With the money saved on the Stingray and what you should get for your Quads, find a pair of Monitor Audio PL 100 or GS 10 speakers. Having a 10’ x 10’ room, you’ll have more than adequate sound pressure. Moreover, with a Stingray in Triode, you’ll have the added benefit of tube presence and more aural pleasure in listening.

If your room was larger, and you were starting with something like a pair of Genesis 7.1 or Paradigm Reference Studio Esprits, the Cary would be the answer. Just leave this as the next amp in your progression in sonic enjoyment.