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RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80?

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Br3098

A

In Reply to: RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80? posted by maggielvr on May 17, 2012 at 09:50:04

Just in case you elect to stay with valves, I suggest that you look at a used Audio Note Oto SE Phono. Sometimes they are available for under $2K. This is one of my favorite amps - it plays music very well and is built like a tank. EL84s, so it doesn't get too warm. The Phono version includes an excellent MM phono stage. I have used mine with a variety of horns, including Cornwalls, and I haven't heard another tube amp that I found to be substantially better.

Highly recommended.

Follow Ups:

RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80? - maggielvr 03:48:56 05/19/12 (5)
Br3098 - can I ask what kind of volume you get with the Oto? And are the dynamics and soundstage satisfying?
Truth be told, I spin a fair amount of vinyl at ~90db so the volume in particular is a concern.

I love a good EL84 - my favorite guitar amps use them as well.
thanks,
C
- RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80? - Br3098 10:27:23 05/20/12 (3)
  C,
  
  Sorry for the delay. In regards to volume w/ the Audio Note Oto SE Phono - I guess that it depends on your speakers and your room. More efficient speakers are probably the best bet, but I have paired this amp with many speakers and (almost) always been satisfied. You are not going to drive Apogee planars with this amp; although it does work beautifully with Quad 57s.
  
  My listening room for this amp is small (12 x 14), so volume is never an issue. This output transformers on this amp are quite beefy, so there is actually quite a bit of current available to the speakers.
  
  With regards to soundstage and dynamics - I have no complaints. I am also partial to the EL84 tube. I have compared this amp to the Jadis JOR and the Leben CS-300, and I prefer the Audio Note but I am partial to SET amps. If you are in or going to be in Southern California anytime shoot me an email and I'll let you hear for yourself.
  
  Bill
  - RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80? - maggielvr 11:54:42 05/20/12 (1)
    Hey Bill -
    
    My listening area is about the same - 10x14 - at that size, with the efficiency of the Cornwall's, I have to think I'd be ok with the volume - just not experienced with so few watts.
    
    Thanks also for the kind offer - as I'm halfway across the country it's doubtful I'll be in the area, but the offer is appreciated none the less.
    Chip
    - RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80? - Br3098 11:52:42 05/21/12 (0)
      Watts are highly overrated :-)
      
      I have run Audio Note Es and Snell Es/Js in this room, and they are much less efficient than your Cornwalls. I am currently running a pair of CS-1s (Bob Crites' design) that work very well.
      
      I tried a set of Cornwalls with this amp, but IMO the bass was too overpowering for the room. If I were going to try it again, I would probably replace the stock xover with a pair of ALK CornScala-Wall Universals. $299 a pair, thay only take about 30 minutes to install (if you are all thumbs like me) and they make a world of difference in the sound.
  - RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80? - steveashe 11:40:18 05/20/12 (0)
    In the spirit of Sugden A21a (in fact, sounds damn good, definitely on the "warm" side as you'd like, runs hot like Sugden, hand made in UK like Sugden, small boutique mfr like...Sugden), you might want to check out a Sonneteer Alabaster. I have an Alabaster for sale now (beautiful condition). $1395 (new = $2800 - $3000, the price's in audiogon bluebook are old). Don't take my word for it, and do lots of research. I was going to use it in my bedroom system but it has no remote, decided I want an integrated with a remote. Here is Sonneteer site: http://www.sonneteer.demon.co.uk/ Have fun on your search!
- RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80? - RGA 21:35:14 05/19/12 (0)
  Sorry I posted without seeing this.
  
  I run Audio Note J/Spe speakers 92.5db sensitive in corners. Volume and bass will not be an issue - your speakers are 102db sensitive. You will be able to play significantly louder (twice the perceived volume) that I can play.
  
  If you can find a dealer they will usually let you bring it home to try first to be sure.
  
  Most AN speakers really are not all the sensitive - not compared to horns. So if they can belt it out on the J/Spe or 90db K/Spe - a 100db Klipsch will be less of an issue in all likely-hood.
RE: Warm Integrated to replace Cary SLI-80? - maggielvr 03:35:31 05/19/12 (0)
Thanks Br, I'll add Audio Note to the list - the one you've described sounds ideal.
Chip

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