2. amps-preamps
  3. 1248817465

Transitioning from Tubes back to SS

Greetings,

I bought a new Cary SLI-80 to use with my custom Altec 604 based speakers, and have come to the realization that tubes aren’t for me. I’m sure experimenting with different tubes and such might make a difference, but I have to say I really miss my solid state electronics.

I plan to put the SLI-80 up for sale shortly, but before I do so, I’d be interested in some recommendations regarding a solid state replacement. I could go back to an amp/pre combination, or perhaps even a solid state integrated. The only absolute requirement is remote volume control, and I would prefer something in the 100wpc range or higher. I realize the efficiency of these drivers, but I’ve always found that there’s a benefit to having substantial headroom.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated. I'm not sure what the Cary SLI-80 is worth (has about 10 hours of use, and a custom dark blue laquer case), but I'd like to keep it so the "exchange" would be break-even at worst.

Thanks!
seadweller

Showing 2 responses by seadweller

seadweller OP
56 posts
 
Thanks everyone....

My last set-up was a Parasound A-21 and a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 (tube hybrid), which I originally had powering Von Schweikert VR-4's.

Many moons ago, I sold my Altec Model 19's, and have missed them ever since. I've gone through Thiel's, Magnepans, Martin Logan's, Legacy's, Von Schweikert's, etc., but none recreated that live environment that the Altec's did.

I bought a pair of Great Plains 604's, built cabinets based on a tested MLTL design, and currently have custom crossover's in the works.

I transitioned to tubes primarily because of the high output impedance, but I have two issues. One, I live in Florida, so no further explanation is necessary! Two, the amplifier sounds slow to me. I listen to quite a bit of jazz, some 80's stuff, and a little classic rock. OK, every now and then I'll throw in Tool or Prong, but that's rare.

There was something about the combination I had before that really made this system come alive. I know 250/wpc on 99db drivers is insane, but it worked. I had hoped the higher output impedance of the tubes would fill in the bass, but I'm now taking care of that via the crossover and some vent adjustments.

I guess I could give some more time. I'm sure the Cary, which I bought brand, spankin' new, isn't going to lose any more value in the next 6 months!
seadweller OP
56 posts
 
Thanks again for the responses. I just received the new bass circuit for my XO, so I'm going to experiment further with the Cary. I'm using the stock tubes that came with the unit, so maybe I won't give up on it quite yet.
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