Cary SLI 80 or Conrad Johnson CAV 50?

A number of really sophisticated listeners among the audio dealers used to recommend the Aronov Audio LS-960I which converted to selling factory direct.
A very natural and musically satisfying sound which makes it hard to imagine anything missing from a performance. Best bass which is much more important to great listening pleasure once you hear the difference.
A fine value either used or new. Although can't seem to access their website in recent weeks which may mean those on the used market due to become collectible.

I haven't heard the Conrad Johnson but I can vouch for the Cary SLI 80. I love the one in my system. It works well with my Gallo Ref 3's and Gallo SA amp. I have a small room so I run it in triode mode all the time. Recently I had my music club over and we moved the stereo into my larger living room. I was surprised that it could boogie that well in Triode mode. From small jazz ensembles to full out orchestral pieces, it was never lacking.

matthew

Difficult to answer as component matching is key. I can vouch for the Conrad Johnson CAV 50 as a beautiful sounding amp. Mine is matched with Totem Model 1 speakers. Wonderful combination (fast, punchy, lush, musical, wide soundstage). My only experience with a Cary integrated was with some Dynaudio 52: I wasn't as enthralled as with the Totem/Conrad combination, bass reponse had some noticeable lag in that set up.