SLI-80HS
Valve integrated amplifier from Cary Audio, inheriting the brand's SLI tradition.
Price, selected version, availability and estimated lead time are confirmed individually before any order.
Discuss purchase and listeningCatalogue information verified on the 19 June 2026. Official Cary Audio page.
Summary
The SLI-80HS continues the SLI line with switchable ultralinear/triode mode, interchangeable output tubes, and a Heritage Series edition developed in collaboration with Klipsch.
Key Points
- Integrated valve amplifier with push-pull power stage.
- Switchable operation between ultralinear mode and triode mode.
- Supports various compatible output tube types.
- Three line inputs and outputs for subwoofer.
- Includes a 6.35 mm headphone output.
- Selectable speaker terminals for different impedances.
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Purchasing, listening and delivery
Ordering and system matching
Ask about the selected version and matching with your amplifier, sources and room. Supply arrangements will be confirmed in the quotation. An enquiry does not confirm a sale.
Listening sessions and demonstrations
You can request a listening session by appointment at our Barcelona office (Carrer de Modolell, 57). When we arrange the appointment we confirm which equipment is available to hear, along with the date and time.
Home demonstrations are not offered for this product.
Delivery and setup
Delivery, its cost and the estimated timing are confirmed in writing in your quotation, for your delivery address and before you accept it.
Installation and setup can be requested as an additional service. We assess feasibility and quote it separately.
Planning your system
The SLI-80HS offers Cary-rated output of 40 W per channel in triode mode or 80 W in ultralinear mode. It uses four KT88 valves and provides three pairs of RCA line inputs. Mode choice alone does not establish speaker matching: consider the load, 4 or 8 Ω output setting, listening distance and desired level. The manual documents a 6.35 mm headphone socket and full-range RCA output for an active subwoofer. Confirm the setup required for any valve substitution, and ask about availability and listening arrangements.
Editorial Reference
Model context
Position within the Cary range
Push-pull valve integrated amplifier, inheriting the SLI line, switchable between ultralinear (80 W/ch) and triode (40 W/ch) modes, with interchangeable output valves.
Why choose this model?
For listeners who value triode and ultralinear modes, three RCA input pairs and headphone output; confirm speaker matching and the setup required for any output valve substitution.
For which system does it make sense?
- Compare triode and ultralinear modes with your speakers; provide their model and load, listening distance and usual level.
- Listen with headphones via a 6.35 mm jack in addition to speakers.
- Systems with an active subwoofer via a dedicated RCA output.
Differences compared to similar models
Below the SLI-100 in ultralinear power, with a declared triode mode (the SLI-100 does not publish triode). It shares the SLI philosophy but with lower power and switchable output valves.
Architecture and Design Decisions
Switchable push-pull stage between ultralinear (80 W/ch, Class AB1) and triode (40 W/ch). The KT88 output tubes can be replaced with 6550, EL34, 6CA7, KT77, KT90, or KT120; input and driver stages with 6922 and 6SN7.
Compatibility and Use
Compatible with the RC-300 remote control. Provides 4 or 8 Ω output settings and RCA subwoofer output; confirm the appropriate setting against your speaker data. Heritage Series collaboration with Klipsch as per the official 2019 presentation.
Official specification limits
The headphone output is not classified as a separate product category in the official Cary navigation. Do not publish triode mode for the SLI-100 when making comparisons.
Related Technologies: Valves and single-ended triode .
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What power modes does the SLI-80HS have?
- It switches from the front panel between ultralinear (80 W per channel) and triode (40 W per channel).
- Can the tubes be rolled?
- Yes. It uses four KT88 output tubes, with compatible alternatives noted by Cary, plus the input and driver tubes.
- Does it have a headphone output?
- Yes, it has a 6.35 mm headphone output.
Technical Specifications
Specifications
- Output power
- 80 W per channel in ultralinear (Class AB1); 40 W per channel in triode
- Topology
- Push-pull valve power stage, switchable between ultralinear and triode
- Valves
- Output: 4 × KT88 (alternatives: 6550, EL34, 6CA7, KT77, KT90, KT120). Input and driver: 2 × 6922 and 2 × 6SN7
- Frequency response
- 19 Hz–23 kHz (±0,5 dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- −82 dB
- Gain
- 34 dB
- Sensitivity
- 0,45 V
- Input impedance
- 100 kΩ
- Operating class (ultralinear)
- Class AB1
- Operating class (triode)
- Switchable triode
Technical Specifications
Connectivity
- Inputs
- RCA ×3
- Outputs
- Speaker terminals 4 and 8 Ω; subwoofer output (RCA); headphone output 6.35 mm
- Headphones
- 6.35 mm headphone output (1/4" jack)
Technical Specifications
Design and Construction
- Dimensions
- 17 × 7 × 16 inches (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 42 lbs
Specifications compiled from official Cary Audio sources, reviewed on 19 June 2026. Unverified data is not published; unavailable fields are omitted.
Documentation
Official Manuals and Resources
Links to PDFs and guides published by Cary Audio on caryaudio.com. They open in a new tab.
- ManualOwner's Manual (SLI-80HS)
Adjustment of UL/triode modes, connections, bias, and maintenance of the SLI-80HS.
Technologies
Engineering Behind This Equipment
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Valves and single-ended triode
Valve design is the foundational heritage of Cary Audio. The brand maintains a line of triode equipment in single-ended configuration, in class A, which defines much of its character and sonic identity.
In the press
What the critics have said
“a consummate communicator, presenting the performance in all its splendour”
SoundStage! Australia · Edgar Kramer · 2024
“built like a tank, promising longevity and reliability”
SoundStage! Australia · Edgar Kramer · 2024
Brief excerpts from specialised press reviews, in their original language with a link to the source. They reflect the opinion of each publication.
Launch context
Origin and Journey
Introduced in 2019 as part of the "Heritage Series," resulting from a collaboration with Klipsch; it transitioned to solid-state rectification compared to the SLI-80 (1998).
Be part of the SLI Series — valve integrated amplifiers.
Recommended Applications
Where it fits
- High fidelity
Integrated Amplifiers. For those seeking a complete and straightforward system: a preamplifier and power amplifier combined into a single unit, requiring only the connection of sources and speakers.
Within the Cary catalogue
Its position in the range
The SLI-80HS is part of Integrated Amplifiers in the Cary Audio catalogue.
- Families
- Design family
- classic valve design
- Headphones
- Headphone Output
Reference
More context about this model
Compare
Guides
Related Products
Other products in the catalogue
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Valve integrated amplifier by Cary Audio, designed for high-fidelity home audio systems.
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CAD-300SEI
Single-ended triode valve integrated amplifier that also includes headphone amplification.
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