Features
| Brand | Cary Audio |
|---|
Tech Specs
- Circuit Type - Push-Pull Ultra-Linear Amplification Pure Class AB1
- Power Output - 40 watts/channel – Triode - 80 watts/channel – Ultra-Linear
- Tube Complement - 2 – 6922 Input Buffer Preamp - 2 – 6SN7 Pre-Driver/Phase Inverter - 4 – KT88 Output Tubes (or 6550, EL34, 6CA7, KT77, - KT90, KT120)
- Input Sensitivity - .45 volts for full output
- Input Impedance - 100,000 ohms
- Noise and Hum - 82dB below rated output
- Frequency Response - 19Hz to 23KHz +/- .5 dB at full power output
- Output Taps - 8 Ohms, 4 Ohms
- Maximum Gain - 34dB
- Power Consumption - 166 watts – Operation
- 83 watts – Standby
- Inputs - 3 Pairs Single-ended RCA
- Outputs - 1 Pair Speaker Posts (Switch for 4 and 8 Ohm Selectable) - 1 Pair RCA for Subwoofer, ¼” Headphone
- Output Polarity - Non-Inverting (any input)
- Warn-Up Time - Approximately 3 minutes
- Break-In Period - 100 hours of music playing time
- Finish - Black Powder Coated Matte Chassis with Silver or Black Aluminum Faceplate and Knobs
- Weight - 42 lbs.
- Dimensions - 7″ H x 17″ W x 16″ D
Product Description
The Cary Audio SLI-80HS Valve Integrated Amplifier is the best value integrated amplifier in the Cary range. It has an output of 80 Watts per channel in ultra-linear mode and three line-level inputs. This is a very well-respected amplifier and maintains its past integrity, in this new version. Notably, the circuit uses little feedback, as a result, the sound is transparent and has incredible detail. Next, there is a 4 Ohm or 8 Ohm selector switch and a headphone output. The unit is available in black or silver and a removable cage cover is available at extra cost.
Class A or ultra-Linear amplification
A switch selects between triode or Ultra-linear mode. Moreover, the Cary Audio SLI-80HS Valve Integrated Amplifier features a solid-state rectifier. This gives improved dynamics and bass detail over older versions. Triode mode provides 40 watts per channel of pure class A audio while Ultra-linear mode operates in class AB for an output of 80 watts per channel. Class A reveals all the subtlety of the music along with lifelike imaging. Alternatively, the Ultra-linear mode adds extra power and dynamics.
Connectivity
The Cary Audio SLI-80HS Valve Integrated Amplifier features three line-level RCA inputs. Outputs include two subwoofer connectors. The speaker binding posts are situated at either end of the back, and there is a 4 Ohm/8 Ohm switch for each channel. The power supply uses an IEC input socket and is built into the unit. The front features traditional toggle switches for on/off and headphone on or off. There is also volume and balance control. Finally, the input is selected by a rotary switch. A 6.3mm headphone socket is also provided.
What is ultra-linear?
Ultra-linear mode is used by the Cary Audio SLI-80HS Valve Integrated Amplifier to double the output power without increasing distortion. The output valves used in this unit are pentodes, however, they can also be operated as triodes. In fact, Ultra-liner mode can actually produce less distortion than Triode mode. Valves are essentially class A devices but can also be used in Push-Pull mode with two valves. This is known as class B or Class AB. Lastly, as valves run at a high voltage the anode current is relatively low. This puts less load on the power supply reducing hum and noise.
About Valves
There are many types of valves and they are known as thermionic devices. This means that they have heated cathodes that emit electrons in an evacuated glass envelope. With triode and Pentode valves, there is also an anode and a grid electrode. The anode is held at a high voltage and attracts electrons from the cathode. The grid is held slightly negative of the cathode and is used to control the current flow. An audio signal is applied to the grid via a capacitor and an amplified version appears at the cathode. The pentode has two additional grids that increase the output power. Finally, some amplifiers use valve rectifiers these are fine but can reduce dynamics. Hence the Cary Audio SLI-80HS Valve Integrated Amplifier uses a solid-state rectifier.
A word about capacitors
Valve amplifiers such as the Cary Audio SLI-80HS Valve Integrated Amplifier use high voltages. As a result, the capacitors used have to withstand this without electrically leaking. In earlier eras capacitors had paper dielectrics. These tend to degrade over time and are prone to electrical leakage or shorts. Modern capacitors are made of polypropylene or polystyrene these have a much longer lifespan. Capacitor leakage is important as they are used to couple audio stages. Even a slight positive voltage on the grid can turn the valve fully on, damaging the electrodes.
