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SLI-80HS Integrated Amplifier

About the SLI-80HS Integrated Amplifier

For many years the SLI-80 integrated amplifier has been the standard by which all other vacuum tube integrated amplifiers are judged…period! As Cary Audio’s entry into the magic of vacuum tube music systems, it’s nothing short of stunning. Thousands of music lovers all over the world have heard and seen the virtues of this spectacular vacuum tube integrated amplifier.

The new SLI-80HS (Heritage Series) maintains the integrity of its past. Its circuit uses very little feedback which gives it incredible transparency and detail in the music while providing bass texture and impact that belies its rated power output. Solid-state rectification adds excellent pace to the music and offers improved dynamics and bass detail over earlier versions. The depth of sound and transparency will cause you to snap your head in disbelief as you look to see the musicians performing in front of you. A pair of toggle switches select either triode mode producing 40 watts per channel of pure Class A power, or ultra-linear mode which doubles power to 80 watts per channel in Class AB. If you’re listening to more subtle music and want to hear all of the inner detail and richness, select triode mode for the most lifelike imaging and tonal accuracy. Or, if you want to really let loose, switch to ultra-linear mode and enjoy the extra power and dynamics. Your choice!

For several years now, the world renown loudspeaker company, Klipsch, has been using the SLI-80 at various audio shows around the world in combination with their award-winning Heritage Series product line. From the famous Klipschorns to the Heresy III and all models in between, the combination is amazing. As a result of this collaboration, Cary Audio has partnered with Klipsch to design a version of the SLI-80 to directly complement their Heritage Series product line. Black Ash, Cherry, and Walnut wood side panels are available below as an additional accessory of the new SLI-80HS (Heritage Series) integrated amplifier to match the various finishes of the loudspeakers in the Klipsch Heritage Series. The visual effect is amazing!


The following section describes the SLI-80HS basic specifications. The specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

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

Support & Resources

Owner's Manual
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Review by Ken Micaleff on Stereophile
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Review by Edgar Kramer in Soundstage Australia
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Review by Sound Advocate
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