The SLI 80 displays the operating characteristics of a true "high-end" amplifier. Careful design, parts selection and proper circuit topologies contribute to incredible reliability and enjoyment.
For the technically minded, a review of the circuit in your new SLI 80 is in order. Your new SLI 80 integrated stereo amplifier operates in a class A/B-1 mode utilizing a negative fixed bias supply. The KT-88/6550 output tubes are configured in push-pull. The triode mode provides 40 watts/channel of output audio power and switching to the ultra-linear mode yields 80 watts/channel of output power. In the opinion of the designer the triode mode sounds the best.
The output transformers in your SLI 80 are the most important component in the amplifier and have been specifically designed by Cary Audio Design for use in the SLI 80. Negative feedback is derived from a separate winding on the output transformer. This feedback winding and circuitry is used to reduce the noise floor and improve the speaker damping characteristics. Only 4 dB of feedback is utilized. The phase inverter is a self-balancing split load configuration utilizing the 6SN7 octal base dual triode. The preamplifier circuit is a resistive coupled Class A triode voltage amplification stage. The power supply in the SLI 80 features a 200% duty cycle EI laminate power transformer.
The high voltage section features full wave vacuum tube (CV-729/5U4) rectification (not cheap voltage doublers used in many amplifiers) to a PI-L capacitive network. The input signal from the volume control is direct coupled (DC) to the first grid of the 6922. There are no coupling capacitors in line with the input signal on the SLI 80.The sub-woofer output is derived from a voltage divider network on the input stage of the SLI 80.
A great deal of attention during design of your new SLI 80 was concentrated on the "overload recovery" ability of the amplifier. The ability of an amplifier to instantly recover from clipping is much more important than is commonly believed. In the power war of amplifier manufactures the mentality is focused on high and then even higher power output to solve the clipping problem. When in reality the most critical aspect is how fast a recovery an amplifier can achieve after overload. Most of the music being listened to in an average listening room is only requiring about 3 watts of power. It is on the transients of loud low frequency program material that tremendous signal voltages will appear at the input of the amplifier. It is in this situation that the overload recovery ability of an amplifier is of critical concern. The SLI 80 will overload symmetrically at any frequency in the audio band-pass. The SLI 80 will also yield faithful reproduction of extremely low frequencies at full output levels. Power transformer, power supply regulation and output transformer design and careful shaping of the overall frequency response curve all play a very important part in the ability of the SLI 80 to recover quickly when overloaded. The high voltage rail will fluctuate no more than a volt between soft and loud passages.
Another technical feature of your new SLI 80, aside from how compact and gorgeous it looks, is the delightful, sensual beauty of the music it recreates. The first thing that will strike you about the SLI 80 integrated amplifier is the incredible transparency and resolution of detail in the music. The SLI 80's sensual nature is best revealed in the sense of life it displays in female vocalists.
The SLI 80 integrated presents music with such presence and directness, you'll be drawn into the music hour after musically satisfying hour. This is the result of circuit techniques, which eliminate any discernible crossover notch at low levels, and also contributes to the freedom from listening fatigue. The SLI 80 will draw you in even further as you realize how lucid and utterly uncolored neutrality reveals delicate nuances in the sound stage.
Additional features include Soft shoe feet, remote volume control with mute, 4/8 ohm speaker impedance switch, Triode/Ultra-Linear mode selector switches, manual bias, and a headphone jack with 1/4” phone plug connector.
The SLI 80 is a shrewdly designed tube amp. It does everything I've described so well that I was able to completely concentrate on the music and its message. Coltrane's playing seemed more plaintive, his solos built from ever-more-urgent phrases. Wes Montgomery's thumb had pop and bounce, joy and direction. Music had what I crave — emotional impact and life. The Cary has been designed to maximize the strengths of its tube topology and connect the listener directly to the flow of the music.
Circuit Type: Push-Pull Ultra-Linear Pure Class AB-1
Power Output: 40 Watts - Triode 80 Watts - Ultra-Linear
Input Sensitivity: .45 Volt for full output
Noise and Hum: -82 dB below full output
Frequency Response: 19 Hz to 23 KHz +/- .5 dB
Inputs: CD, AUX 1, AUX 2
Tubes:
2 ea - 6922 Input Buffer Preamp
2 ea - 6SN7 Pre Driver/Phase Inverter
4 ea - 6550 Output Tubes
2 ea - 5U4 Rectifiers
Speaker Posts: 5 way, gold-plated
Tube Sockets: Ceramic w/ silver pins
Power Transformer: 1 ea. - EI Laminate, Silicon Impregnated
Output Transformer(s): 2 ea. - EI Laminate, Silicon Impregnated
Resistors: 1% Metal Film
Capacitors: Oil filled coupling, (copper optional)
Power Supply Capacitors:
2 ea - 1200µF @ 450 VDC
6 ea - 10µF @ 400 VDC Film & Foil
AC Cord: 3 Conductor Shielded, Detachable
AC Power Requirements: 117/234 VAC @ 50/60 Hz
Consumption: 166 watts - Operation
Warm-Up Time: 3 Minutes
Break-In Tim: 100 hours of playing time
Finish: Textured black steel chassis with machined, black anodized aluminum front panel
Weight: 42 lbs
Dimensions: 7" H x 17" W x 16" D
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Events
3/31/12 CanFEST III Headphone Event-Charlotte, NC with Turntable and Vinyl Show
Start making plans to join us at the 2012 CanFEST III in Charlotte, NC on March 31, 2012. Come out and meet Drew and Daryl at the show and listen to some of our gear.