Tube rolling in Cary SLI 80


Has anyone experimented much with this? What kind of difference can I expect if I changed/upgraded the tubes in my SLI 80? Any recommendations?
stbhorn

Showing 1 response by cengclimbing

I own the SLI-50 (Little brother to the SLI-80). Like the others here I agree the gain stage is where the "rubber hits the road" as far as sound goes. Change the 6922's first. Then move on down the line. The other tubes just won't have as dramatic effect on the sound.

Can't recomend Kevin at Upscale enough. He knows his stock of NOS tubes and has a SLI-80 playing in his office. One problem with UA (only a problem if you didn't orig. buy from him) is that most of the 6922's (SLI-80 gain stage tube) are in his "private stash". Not available to those who didn't get thier gear new or demo from Upscale. I'm lucky... The 12au7's my SLI-50 uses are available from UA to everyone. Even with all that, it is worth the call.

As for cost...
Gain stage tubes will run from $40-$150 each. Just depends on what flavor your looking for.

Let us know how it goes. Tube rolling is a great way to satisfy the upgrade bug at a relatively low price.

Cheers