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Cary SLI-80 Speakers Recommendation

Hi, Thanks in advance for your opinions.

I am a newbie to tubes, I am in the process of building a tube system. I am considering the sli-80 due to very good reviews and owners comments. Need your suggestions in term of which pair of bookshelf speakers and speaker cables mate well with the sli-80.
Previously, we have the N802 driven by rotel 1095, 1066, rega 2K. We listen to mostly female vocals; jones, krall, monheit, choi kam, lily chen. We liked it alot; but we need to downsize, the new system will be in your bedroom/smaller room. We originally have the N805, we also liked them quite a bit too.

Your suggestions/recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

Ken
keny
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Ken,

The 300SEI is definitely a step up but I think the SLI-80 is more flexible as it can drive a larger number of speakers. My buddy just bought one and he is bringing it over so we can try it with my speakers. We shall see. Anyway, I use a Single Wire Connection on the AU24 which I think sounds best. Even when I used it with a Bi-Wire speaker, I used a single wire connection with thier jumpers which to me sounded better than bi-wiring. There is a whole write up comparison on their home-page on why you should use a single wire and jumpers. check it out and good luck to you.

Chris
keny OP
13 posts
 
jabo/bojack/chris: Thanks for the suggestions/comments.

Chris/Jabo: There is a high probable that we will go with the B&W speakers b/c my wife likes the exterior designs. If we can fit the N804 in the room, would you recommend that the 300SEI mate with N804 or N805 OR the SLI80 would provide more synergy with either the 804,805.
Again, thanks in advance for your opinions.

Ken
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Ken,

Take a look at their efficency ratings. I think either amp would work fine off the top of my head.

Chris
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
691 posts
 
Ken,

If you're considering the B&W N804, I'd strongly recommend reconsidering the N805 with a REL Strata III. About the same price with much better performance (IMHO).

Although I've never heard a pair, I'm really interested in what the Green Mountain Callisto would have to offer. However, do as much auditioning as possible before spending a time. Recommendations are only a starting point.
larry510
121 posts
 
hi,

"Chris/Jabo: There is a high probable that we will go with the B&W speakers b/c my wife likes the exterior designs. If we can fit the N804 in the room, would you recommend that the 300SEI mate with N804 or N805 OR the SLI80 would provide more synergy with either the 804,805.
Again, thanks in advance for your opinions.

Ken"

If you are going with B&W speakers then I would get the SLI-80 as the B&W's tend to soak up power.

I have a SLI-80 and love it, a great amp for the money. It lends itself to tube rolling, you can use KT-88s, 6550s, 6L6s or EL-34s as power tubes in the ultralinear or triode modes.

My present tube line up, nos RCA 5U4s, nos Tung Sol soild gray plate 6550's, Pope 6SN7s and Amperex PQ 6992s.

The best sounding new production power tube imo is the JJ KT88s.

good luck and good listening

Larry
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