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Cary Audio SLI-80HS vs Primaluna Dialogue HP or Evo Integrated Amps

Greetings all...  I ready to move into the tube integrated two channel world.  I've never owned tubes before but I've always been enamored with Mac stuff and recently heard the Rogue Audio and was hooked.  I have done a lot of research and have narrowed my choices down to these two amps.  I live in Va Beach, VA and don't have access to them for an audition so I'm buying 'blind'.  I've read many reviews and watched many videos (Kevin Deal is quite the salesman!) but was hoping to get more input here. I doubt I'll find many that have compared the two directly but I thought I'd try.  Does anyone have any input here?  And, I'm slightly concerned about having to bias the Cary.  Is this something that I should be concerned about / is it difficult / time consuming?  Thanks for any input.  I appreciate it! 
tripppsta
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@tripppsta   Enjoy!  I really love the pairing of the Forte III's with my Cary SLI-80HS.  Perfect synergy.  

One question - did you buy the speakers new?  I bought mine lightly used from an individual in Chicago and the speakers came wrapped in plastic under the foam inserts.  I must admit I was happy that I transported the speakers in my own car so that he didn't have to risk damage during shipping.
decooney
2,565 posts
 
@three_easy_payments
"really love the pairing of the Forte III’s with my Cary SLI-80HS. Perfect synergy."

to: three_easy_payments,
Curious to know what variations of output tubes you tried in your former SLI-80 and now with your new SLI-80HS?

In previous posts you’ve mentioned EL34s, KT77s, KT88s, others and wondering which ones your tried and preferred in either of your 80 & 80HS amps. Have you actually tried running EL34s and compared to the KT150s in the new 80HS amp? I’m a former SLI80 and V12R owner trying both KT88s and EL34s but not in the new amp design. Currently running another brand of mono amps with KT150s shaping sound closer to EL34s but it’s taken a lot to get there messing with front end devices, different DAC tubes and caps in DACs and such is why I ask what you’ve tried. If not yet, are you planning to try EL34s, KT77s in that new 80HS amp by chance?
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@decooney 

I've actually only tried KT88s in the SLI-80 and SLI-80HS.  I've tried these in EH and GLs and much preferred the GLs.  I recently inquired with Cary about bias settings should I start to experiment with other output tubes and interestingly they suggested that KT120s would be a notable SQ upgrade over the KT88s in the SLI-80HS.  At some point I will try these.
decooney
2,565 posts
 

@three_easy_payments
..they suggested that KT120s would be a notable SQ upgrade over the KT88s in the SLI-80HS.

Hmmm. All circuit and system dependent I guess. The GL KT88s were really nice in my former SLI-80, and KT120s not so much in my current (non-cary) mono block tube amps. 120s were kinda dry to my ears [in my setup]. My current KT150s are super open, clear, top to bottom and weighty in my current amps - nice, if you like the type of sound.  I might lean more towards the sound and silky tone of the GLKT88 tubes you have  right now :), or maybe even KT77s in reverse. All preference and different hearing we all have. 
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@decooney  

I might lean more towards the sound and silky tone of the GLKT88 tubes you have  right now :)


That was actually how I'm leaning right now.  I don't feel like the system is lacking in any dynamics at all.
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