crwindy,
the results partly depend on your speakers. What speakers do you have? db?
My Cary SLI-80 and Cary V12R tube amps definitely do not sound "dead" in Triode mode. I design/build my own custom speakers for fun and have tried various combos. I've found less efficient speakers (87-89db) do sound better in UL mode with the stock or highly modified SLI-80. Once you go above 90-91+db speakers, you will start to notice more of a difference in Triode mode with your Cary SLI-80. Try it with some more efficient speakers -OR- bring your amp to a place with high efficiency speakers and re-evalute again. It’s possible your speakers are not a good match for your amp in any case. Try different combos before drawing final conclusions.
the results partly depend on your speakers. What speakers do you have? db?
My Cary SLI-80 and Cary V12R tube amps definitely do not sound "dead" in Triode mode. I design/build my own custom speakers for fun and have tried various combos. I've found less efficient speakers (87-89db) do sound better in UL mode with the stock or highly modified SLI-80. Once you go above 90-91+db speakers, you will start to notice more of a difference in Triode mode with your Cary SLI-80. Try it with some more efficient speakers -OR- bring your amp to a place with high efficiency speakers and re-evalute again. It’s possible your speakers are not a good match for your amp in any case. Try different combos before drawing final conclusions.