Nova Zhang
The Cary Audio SLI-80HS and SLI-100 integrated amplifiers have received praise for their sound quality, with the SLI-80HS described as having exceptionally good sound and the SLI-100 as having a neutral sound. The SLI-80HS delivers a wider soundstage and has been noted for its solid bass, detailed midrange, and treble that does not suffer from roll-off. The SLI-100, on the other hand, offers forceful bass and improved clarity in the low-frequency range. While the SLI-80HS is hand-wired and made in the USA, the SLI-100 has been noted for its ability to produce more power with similar wattage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bass | Incisive and solid with good detail |
| Midrange | Natural-sounding vocals that emanate beautifully between speakers; instruments have body and detail without sounding overly saturated |
| Treble | Detailed without suffering from roll-off |
| Soundstage | Wider delivery than competitors |
| Topology | Tube-focused |
| Product | Hand-wired, American-made, switchable between class A and class A/B, compatible with several different tube types |
| Price | Under $1500 |
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What You'll Learn
The SLI-80HS model
The amplifier uses two KT88 tetrode tubes per channel in a fixed-bias, push-pull, class-AB architecture. It offers 40 watts per channel in triode mode and 80 watts per channel in Ultralinear mode, which can be selected using switches on the amplifier's top plate. The front panel of the amplifier includes a power toggle switch, input selection knob, volume dial, and balance knob. The back panel features two pairs of speaker binding posts, toggle switches for output transformer taps, RCA inputs and outputs, fuse holders, and an IEC connector.
In terms of sound quality, the SLI-80HS delivers incisive and solid bass, with good detail and solid-state rectification contributing to its performance. The midrange is a strong suit, with natural-sounding vocals and instruments that have body and detail without sounding overly saturated. The treble also impresses with its detail and lack of roll-off. The soundstage of the amplifier is described as wide and spacious.
The SLI-80HS measures 17" by 7" by 16" and weighs 42 pounds. It is steel-encased and available with a front panel and knobs in black or silver, as well as optional wooden side panels to match Klipsch's Heritage Series loudspeakers. Upgrades include Hexfred rectifiers, Jensen or Mundorf capacitors, WBT speaker binding posts, and a tube cage.
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The SLI-100 model
Cary Audio's SLI-100 model is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation while honouring its past. With its vacuum tube technology, the SLI-100 offers a stunning audio experience that has garnered a positive reputation among music lovers worldwide. The SLI-100's combination of power, design, and audio quality makes it a standout product in the integrated amplifier market.
The SLI-100's ability to deliver 100 watts of push-pull ultra-linear power ensures that it can drive a wide range of speakers with ease. The dual mono design provides a balanced and immersive listening experience, allowing music enthusiasts to appreciate their favourite songs in a whole new way. The inclusion of a headphone jack with a pure musical signal further showcases Cary Audio's attention to detail and their dedication to providing an exceptional audio journey.
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Comparison to other amplifiers
The Cary Audio SLI-80HS Tube Integrated Amplifier has been compared to the Pass Labs X150.5 and Hegel P20 preamp, with the Cary delivering a sound that is a touch slower and rounder. The midrange is a strong suit of this amplifier, with vocals sounding natural and instruments having body and detail. The treble also has detail and does not suffer from the roll-off that is sometimes present in other tube designs.
Cary Audio's SLI-100 integrated amplifier has been compared to Rogue Audio's Stereo 100 power amp. The Cary SLI-100 was described as "more smooth and clear" and was preferred over the Rogue amp by the reviewer. The SLI-100's neutral sound, especially in Triode mode from its 4-ohm taps, was also highlighted as a positive feature.
In terms of sound signature, Cary has been described as "warm" in comparison to other brands like Conrad Johnson, Mcintosh, Manley, BAT, VTL, and Audio Research. However, it is important to note that sound signatures can vary depending on the model, speakers, and other factors.
Cary Audio's integrated amplifiers have also been compared to other tube-integrated amplifiers from Chinese companies, which may be cheaper but may not offer the same level of customer service, warranty, and support that Cary provides.
Overall, Cary Audio's integrated amplifiers are known for their sound quality, features, and ergonomic value, offering a range of options to suit different applications, room attributes, speakers, and listening preferences.
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Customer service and warranty
When it comes to customer service and warranty, Cary Audio stands out for offering a comprehensive warranty for its products, including integrated amplifiers. The warranty coverage varies depending on the type of product and the place of purchase.
For customers in the United States and Canada, Cary Audio provides a three-year parts and labour warranty for power amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, surround sound processors, and preamplifiers from the date of the original purchase. This warranty is applicable if the product is purchased directly from Cary Audio or through an authorized Cary Audio dealer.
Additionally, Network Audio Players, including the All-In-One System, and DACs carry a two-year parts and labour warranty. CD or SACD players, DVD players, Music Servers, and Digital Music Centers are covered by an eighteen-month parts and labour warranty.
It's important to note that vacuum tubes, if included in the component, come with a 90-day exchange policy against defects. This policy ensures that customers can get a replacement if any defects are identified within the specified timeframe.
Cary Audio's commitment to customer service and product quality is evident in their warranty offerings. The company also recognises that their products may employ non-Cary Audio provided services, such as Spotify and Tidal. However, they clearly state that they cannot control the performance of such external services and assume no liability for any issues arising from their use.
The warranty does have some exclusions, which are standard across the industry. For example, the warranty does not cover repair attempts by unauthorised individuals or any causes other than product defects.
Overall, Cary Audio's warranty and customer service reflect their dedication to delivering high-quality audio products and ensuring a positive ownership experience for their customers.
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The midrange
Cary Audio is a company that has always been focused on tube amplifiers, and it shows in their products. Their SLI-80HS tube integrated amplifier is a hand-wired American-made product, which is becoming harder to find in today's market. This amplifier can switch between class A and class A/B and allows the use of several different tube types.
The SLI-80HS delivers a soundstage that is larger and wider than its competitors. The bass is incisive and solid with good detail, thanks to solid-state rectification. Compared to other tube-integrated amplifiers, the Cary holds its own quite well.
The SLI-80HS is an exceptional product with a satisfying tone and texture. It is built with an exceptional build quality that will surely be the centerpiece of any stereo system. The amplifier offers a 3-year parts and labor warranty, along with excellent customer service and support, which is hard to come by with other companies.
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Frequently asked questions
The bass is incisive and solid with good detail. Solid-state rectification helps in this regard.
The Cary Audio SLI-80HS has a wider soundstage delivery than the Enleum. The midrange is a strong suit of this amplifier, with natural-sounding vocals and detailed instruments. The treble also has detail and doesn't suffer from the roll-off found in other tube designs.
The Cary Audio SLI-100 has a neutral sound, especially in Triode mode from its 4-ohm taps. It also has more clean energy in the 50-100Hz octave, which makes a big difference in bass and overall soundstage.
The Sound Advocate published a positive review of the Cary Audio SLI-80HS, praising its build quality, tone, and texture. They also highlighted the ability to switch between class A and class A/B, the option to use several tube types, and the exceptional sound.
