CAUTION: First Sound pre-amp and Cary R version power amps may not mate well. Yes, the amp/speaker mating is more critical, but in the case of some pre's and amps, matching does play a significant role.
I tried the First Sound Presence Deluxe, 4.0 pre-amp (which I own and love) with the R version (modified) Cary SLAM-100's. Not a good combo at all. The R version input circuit needs more gain (possibly lower output impedance, too) from the pre-amp to "drive" the R input stage to full output. This involves more than merely having to turn up the volume. Frequency response and dynamics were negatively impacted with poor bass and no stage depth.
The stock SLAM-100's are fantastic match, and that would be my recommendation to you among Cary amps--on the used market, of course. (I use the Coincident Super Eclipses, BTW.)
I had to send the mod'ed Cary SLAM-100's back to Cary to have the mod undone--at my loss.
I tried the First Sound Presence Deluxe, 4.0 pre-amp (which I own and love) with the R version (modified) Cary SLAM-100's. Not a good combo at all. The R version input circuit needs more gain (possibly lower output impedance, too) from the pre-amp to "drive" the R input stage to full output. This involves more than merely having to turn up the volume. Frequency response and dynamics were negatively impacted with poor bass and no stage depth.
The stock SLAM-100's are fantastic match, and that would be my recommendation to you among Cary amps--on the used market, of course. (I use the Coincident Super Eclipses, BTW.)
I had to send the mod'ed Cary SLAM-100's back to Cary to have the mod undone--at my loss.