2. amps-preamps
  3. 185399-17425

Cary SLI-80HS modifications

I’m strongly considering purchase of a new integrated amp. The Cary SLI-80HS is at the top of my list and I can’t find much information from people who opted for some of the available modifications — hexfeds, better caps, silver wiring, Greyhill volume control, improved binding posts.   I’m leaning toward getting all of them.  Opinions? 

Also, I’ve read that SS rectifiers can remove some of the tube “magic”.  What about in this specific model.  I’ve owned a 2009 era SLI-80 for almost 10 years so I am very familiar with the sound and improvements due to rolling tubes. I previously used a Plinius 9200 SS amp but got hooked on the sound of tubes.

BTW, I’m also considering a LTA ZOTL 40+ integrated but am a little concerned about its synergy with my beloved first-order crossover speakers, Meadowlark Osprey Gen 2.  

My most used equipment includes Aurender N150 streamer, Chord Qutest DAC with a Hugo M-Scaler, Cardas Golden Reference interconnects, Shunyata power cables and conditioner. Sadly, due to the living room location I must use a very long run of Nordost Super Flatline II cable (27 feet).

I’m looking for improved leading edge on plucked string instruments, especially basses, excellent timbre on everything.  90% of my listening is instrumental jazz, the rest is classic rock.  

txp1
decooney
1,906 posts
 

@txp1 I really like the Gold Lion KT88 in my SLI-80.

Tip: Trust your ears and what you like. A former contact and colleague designed the SLI-100 for Cary. He departed shortly after it was ready to go into production. While the circuit determines the sound with any tube, the KT88s sound very nice in the Cary amps. Sometimes, in some cases, newer is "not always better", fwiw.

This note is coming to you from someone who owns monbock amps that run KT150s or KT120s today. I spent way too much time on my current amps, input tubes, and caps along with different sources trying to get them to provide a sound, tone, texture, and result that sounded closer to my former Cary amps with KT88s, fwiw. While I’ve not heard heard the new SLI-100 in my system and setup, imo, if you love your KT88s now, my bet is the newer unit will sound different, a more modern and more linear sound. KT88s can sound really nice. The old days we use to bring the amps home and try them, not so easy any more with fewer dealers due to manufacturers now offering buy-direct. 

txp1 OP
145 posts
 

@decooney Excellent input, thanks!  I’m definitely with you on that.  It’s the new SLI-80HS or just keep my old one.  The old unit is sounding really nice these days.  

pehare's avatar
pehare
831 posts
 

I took the plunge and picked up a SLI-80HS with kitchen sink upgrades from Cary before the sale ends and right out of the box it sounded fantastic.  Came with Psvane KT88's.  I don't notice any lack of tube bloom from my old F-1 Edition.  Should only get better as it burns in cheers.

decooney
1,906 posts
 

@pehare "kitchen sink upgrades from Cary ..."

 

Do you happen to know which capacitors were listed as upgrades on your invoice/receipt ?

pehare's avatar
pehare
831 posts
 

decooney they are listed as MCap SUPREME EVO SilverGold.

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