SLI-80 Sig Integrated Amp

[Breakdown7]

I talked to Cary about this, and their tech said we could easily use 5R4's in the circuit with no issue. However, to really get a change of sound (firm up bass), the 5AR4 should be considered. Cary Audio didn't seem to think changing to a 5R4 was going to do very much to the sound. Now I'm not sure what to think. Maybe try to get a lot of these rectifiers and experiment? Hmmm. fun fun fun!

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by longbowbbs

So far I have a much tighter and better defined bass. The amp is showing greater detail too. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get the VCaps burned in all the way. So far a big thumbs up to Cary!

Based on my experience the CU V caps will need 3-5 hundred hours so be patient...and they will at times sound very odd.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Breakdown7

I talked to Cary about this, and their tech said we could easily use 5R4's in the circuit with no issue. However, to really get a change of sound (firm up bass), the 5AR4 should be considered. Cary Audio didn't seem to think changing to a 5R4 was going to do very much to the sound. Now I'm not sure what to think. Maybe try to get a lot of these rectifiers and experiment? Hmmm. fun fun fun!

Voltage drop is the key with rectifiers. The 5AR4 drops 17 volts, should do what you want and may be the best all around tube. Generally, more VD sounds more airy. The new Gold Lion 5AR4's are well regarded but I have not used them because I still have Mullards. However, Mullards are now pricey to stupid expensive.

http://www.fourwater.com/files/fullrect.txt

[longbowbbs]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

Based on my experience the CU V caps will need 3-5 hundred hours so be patient...and they will at times sound very odd.

So true. I have new KT88's burning in too...Nothing like a daily bias check

[Breakdown7]

How about 6F8G's with adapters in place of 6SN7's? Anyone tried this? I was looking at the National Union's with oval shaped plates.

[longbowbbs]

I have not tried them. I am looking at these for my next 6SN7 tube rolling...
www.thetubestore.com - Northern Electric 6SN7 Audio Tubes

[Breakdown7]

Originally Posted by longbowbbs

I have not tried them. I am looking at these for my next 6SN7 tube rolling...
www.thetubestore.com - Northern Electric 6SN7 Audio Tubes

I like the look of those. I wonder how they sound? I might have to try these at some point myself.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Breakdown7

How about 6F8G's with adapters in place of 6SN7's? Anyone tried this? I was looking at the National Union's with oval shaped plates.

Yes, I have NU 6F8G's and they are nice but getting pricey and good ones are hard to find. I am using it in one of Dennis Had's Inspire amps. I have a decent supply of NOS but my go to 6SN7 is the Treasure CV-181.

Here is a post from another forum regarding 6SN7's in a SLP05. The tube referred to is the Psvane UK CV-181.

I installed a sextet of these about 3 months ago in my SLP-05 (don't use the headphone out put so I have an old set of 6SN7's in those positions). Everything about this tube has been excellent: superb tonality across the board, very good dynamics and very quiet/non-microphonic. You can get them for about $45 each. Highly recommended for the Cary SLP-05.

I am going to try them. As always YMMV..mine too.

[longbowbbs]

Tube rolling is a nice part of the fun of these amps. No end to the combinations you can try.

Meanwhile the burn in of the V-Caps continues. This Ultimate mod from Cary is fantastic!

[Formerly YB-2]

Anyone tried the coin-base 6SN7 in their SLI-80? Need a set of tubes for the shelf and thought I might give them a try.

longbowbbs - did you do any A/B listening with the Stillpoints or just 'go with it'? Wondering if there is any noticeable difference.