Интегральные усилители — Cary Audio SLI-80HS

The SLI-80HS is Cary Audio's current version of its long-running SLI-80 tube integrated amp. One chassis holds a volume-controlled line preamplifier, a headphone output and a push-pull KT88 power stage, and the owner chooses between triode and ultra-linear output modes with a switch. Cary also sells optional Klipsch wood side panels for it in Black Ash, Cherry or Walnut.

Key specs that matter

Into 8 ohm the amplifier is rated at 40 W a side in triode and 80 W a side in ultra-linear. Two 6922 tubes act as input buffers, two 6SN7 tubes serve as pre-driver and phase inverter, and four KT88 tubes form the output stage, with 6550, EL34, 6CA7, KT77, KT90 and KT120 listed as substitutes. Three RCA input pairs need 0.45 V for full output and present 100 kohm, and maximum gain is 34 dB, with output polarity kept non-inverting from every input. Response is quoted as 19 Hz to 23 kHz within 0.5 dB at full output power, with noise and hum 82 dB below rated output. Consumption is 166 W while playing and 83 W in standby. The box stands 178 mm high, 432 mm wide and 406 mm deep, and weighs 19 kg.

Engineering and use context

Operation is class AB1 with a negative fixed bias supply. Cary wound output transformers exclusively for the SLI-80HS, and only 4 dB of negative feedback is applied, derived from the 8 ohm secondary. A self-balancing split load 6SN7 phase inverter is direct coupled to an SRPP class A triode voltage stage. From the volume control the signal runs directly to the first grid of the 6922, and no coupling capacitor sits in that path. Mains power comes through an EI laminate transformer rated for a 200 % duty cycle. Cary gives a warm-up time of about three minutes and says the tubes, capacitors and transformers settle in after roughly 100 hours of music. The chassis is finished in matte black powder coat, the faceplate and knobs come in silver or black aluminium, and an IR handset covers volume and mute. The unit is built for 120 or 240 V AC mains at 50 or 60 Hz.

Pairing

A switch on the rear selects the output tap to match the loudspeakers in use. The full range RCA subwoofer out, fed from the volume control wiper, can go to an active subwoofer or to an additional power amplifier. A front toggle diverts output to the 6.35 mm headphone jack. Vinyl owners need an outboard phono stage, since only line inputs are fitted.

Alternatives

Cary Audio also builds the SLI-100, another integrated amplifier in its current range.