Series SLI
SLI Series — valve integrated amplifiers
The SLI series comprises Cary Audio's push-pull valve integrated amplifiers, one of the brand's most renowned lines.
The history of the series
The SLI-80 has been a benchmark in valve integrated amplifiers for years; the series continues with the SLI-100 and the SLI-80HS.
The SLI-80 was introduced in 1998 and, with its Signature version, became one of the brand's most renowned valve integrated amplifiers.
In 2018, the SLI-100 was introduced, offering greater power, followed in 2019 by the SLI-80HS ("Heritage Series"), a result of collaboration with Klipsch, which replaced valve rectification with a solid-state alternative.
- 1998 SLI-80 (and later, its Signature version).
- 2018 SLI-100, with increased power.
- 2019 SLI-80HS, "Heritage Series", featuring solid-state rectification.
Chronology compiled from official Cary Audio sources and specialised press, reviewed on 19 June 2026.
For whom
Audience and Purpose
For rooms where a medium-high power push-pull valve integrated amplifier is desired, with headphone and subwoofer outputs, without the need to set up a separate preamplifier and power amplifier.
The SLI series inherits the tradition of the SLI-80 (1998): a push-pull stage with interchangeable output tubes in the SLI-80HS and solid-state rectification in the Heritage edition. The SLI-100 delivers more power with fixed KT150 tubes.
Selection Guide
How to Choose Within the Series
The SLI-80HS is suitable if you value the ability to switch between ultralinear and triode modes or wish to change output tubes. The SLI-100 is the choice when the room demands more ultralinear power and triode mode or tube swapping is not required.
The SLI-80HS offers ultralinear mode (80 W/ch) and triode mode (40 W/ch) with interchangeable output tubes (KT88 and compatible). The SLI-100 is equipped with four KT150 tubes, delivering 100 W/ch in ultralinear mode, with no published triode mode.
Both include headphone and subwoofer outputs; the RC-300 is the compatible remote according to Cary.
Model hierarchy
Series hierarchy
- Increased UL power: SLI-100
- UL/Triode Flexibility: SLI-80HS
Evolution Path. From the SLI-80HS (UL/triode flexibility) to the SLI-100 if the room requires more fixed wattage.
Series Models
Current Models
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
“great powers of recreating a room-filling soundfield”
SoundStage! Australia · Edgar Kramer · 2019
Technology
Series Engineering
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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.