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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 marakanetz

marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I believe you mostly a rock listening -phile?
I had quite a few listening sessions with John Rutan from Audioconnection store in Verona NJ that carries and truly loves his Cary line of equipment.
It really has everything: resolution, dynamics, clarity and presence, holography but doesn't have a speed(slew rate) that requires rock... For tubes IMHO it's only possible for OTL amps that are very expensive >30W/ch.
Other than that for SS equipment I would personally like to give a try for wYred4sound integrated unit (wYred4sound.com). I believe that this equipment will be priced more than it's right now and you won't loose a dime using it.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Seadweller,
You should also keep in mind that eficiency ratings are only taken at 1kHz frequency.
Bass and speed is what you won't get from Cary.
As to 2...5 Watts even onto sub-100db/w/m efficient speakers the amp will only 'see' normally vocal frequencies.
As you've mentioned 250w/ch onto 99dB can only increase speed and bass and wouldn't do anything wrong.
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