Cary Audio Design SLI-80 User manual

OWNER’SMANUAL
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SLI 80
Integrated Stereo Amplifier
NOTE: Before installing your new component, please read this manual carefully
as it will inform you of the product specifications, proper installation and correct
operating procedures for your unit. Also included in this manual are guidelines
on how to service and care for your new Cary Audio Design product.

CONTENTS _________________________________________________________
Introduction......................................................................................................................3-4
Specifications ...................................................................................................................4-5
Features..................................................................................................................................6
Installation ............................................................................................................................7
Operation .............................................................................................................................. 8
Service and Care .................................................................................................................9
Troubleshooting Guide..................................................................................................10
Charts & Drawings ....................................................................................................11-12
Warranty.......................................................................................................................13-14
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INTRODUCTION____________________________________________________
Congratulations!
You have purchased one of the most exotic integrated stereo audio amplifiers available. Within its power
range, the SLI 80 displays the operating characteristics of a true "high-end" amplifier. Careful design, parts
selection and proper circuit topologies contribute to incredible reliability and enjoyment.
For the technically minded, a review of the circuit in your new SLI 80 is in order. Your new SLI 80
integrated stereo amplifier operates in a class A/B-1 mode utilizing a negative fixed bias supply. The KT-
88/6550 output tubes are configured in push-pull. The triode mode provides 40 watts/channel of output
audio power and switching to the ultra-linear mode yields 80 watts/channel of output power. In the
opinion of the designer the triode mode sounds the best.
The output transformers in your SLI 80 are the most important component in the amplifier and have been
specifically designed by Cary Audio Design for use in the SLI 80. Negative feedback is derived from a
separate winding on the output transformer. This feedback winding and circuitry is used to reduce the
noise floor and improve the speaker damping characteristics. Only 4 dB of feedback is utilized. The phase
inverter is a self balancing split load configuration utilizing the 6SN7 octal base dual triode. The
preamplifier circuit is a resistive coupled Class A triode voltage amplification stage. The power supply in
the SLI 80 features a 200% duty cycle EI laminate power transformer.
The high voltage section features full wave vacuum tube (CV-729/5U4) rectification
(not cheap voltage
doublers used in many amplifiers)
to a PI-L capacitive network. The input signal from the volume control is
direct coupled (DC) to the first grid of the 6922. There are no coupling capacitors in line with the input
signal on the SLI 80. The sub-woofer output is derived from a voltage divider network on the input stage
of the SLI 80.
A great deal of attention during design of your new SLI 80 was concentrated on the "overload recovery"
ability of the amplifier. The ability of an amplifier to instantly recover from clipping is much more
important than is commonly believed. In the power war of amplifier manufactures the mentality is focused
on high and then even higher power output to solve the clipping problem. When in reality the most
critical aspect is how fast a recovery an amplifier can achieve after overload. Most of the music being
listened to in an average listening room is only requiring about 3 watts of power. It is on the transients of
loud low frequency program material that tremendous signal voltages will appear at the input of the
amplifier. It is in this situation that the overload recovery ability of an amplifier is of critical concern. The
SLI 80 will overload symmetrically at any frequency in the audio band-pass. The SLI 80 will also yield
faithful reproduction of extremely low frequencies at full output levels. Power transformer, power supply
regulation and output transformer design and careful shaping of the overall frequency response curve all
play a very important part in the ability of the SLI 80 to recover quickly when overloaded. The high voltage
rail will fluctuate no more than a volt between soft and loud passages.
Another technical feature of your new SLI 80, aside from how compact and gorgeous it looks, is the
delightful, sensual beauty of the music it recreates. The first thing that will strike you about the SLI 80
integrated amplifier is the incredible transparency and resolution of detail in the music. The SLI 80's
sensual nature is best revealed in the sense of life it displays in female vocalists.
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The SLI 80 integrated presents music with such presence and directness, you'll be drawn into the music
hour after musically satisfying hour. This is the result of circuit techniques, which eliminate any discernible
crossover notch at low levels, and also contributes to the freedom from listening fatigue. The SLI 80 will
draw you in even further as you realize how lucid and utterly uncolored neutrality reveals delicate nuances
in the sound stage.
Enjoy the music and of course please read this complete manual for a complete understanding of trouble
free operation.
SPECIFICATIONS ___________________________________________________
This section describes the basic specifications of the SLI 80 at the time of printing. Specifications are
subject to change without notice or obligation. When the following cautionary terms are used in this
manual, these definitions apply:
WARNING
Electrical hazard! Misuse or failure to follow instructions properly may result in personal injury
or death!
CAUTION
No risk or personal injury; however, misuse or failure to follow instructions may result in
damage to equipment.
NOTE
No risk of personal injury or equipment damage; however, misuse or failure to follow
instructions may prevent proper performance of the equipment.
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
CIRCUIT TYPE Push-Pull Ultra-linear Amplification in Pure Class A/B-1
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
POWER OUTPUT 40 watts - Triode
80 watts – Ultra-linear
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
INPUT SENSITIVITY .45 volts for full output
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INPUT IMPEDANCE 100,000 ohms
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
NOISE AND HUM 82db below rated output
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 19Hz to 23Khz +/- .5db at full power output
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
TUBES 2 - 6922 Input Buffer Preamp
2 - 6SN7 Pre-Driver/Phase Inverter
4 – KT88 Output tubes (or 6550, EL34, 6CA7, 6L6, KT66, KT77, 6V6, KT90)
2 - CV729/5U4 Rectifiers
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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POWER TRANSFORMERS 1 - EI laminated, 200% duty cycle
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS 2 - EI laminated, Silicon Impregnated
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
RESISTORS 1% metal film
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
CAPACITORS Polypropylene
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
POWER SUPPLY CAPACITORS 2 - 1200 μF @ 450 VDC
6 - 10 μFD @ 400 VDC film & foil
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
AC CORD 3 conductor shielded, Detachable
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
AC POWER REQUIREMENTS 117/234 volts AC @ 50/60Hz
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
POWER CONSUMPTION 166 watts - Operation
83 watts - Standby
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
WARM-UP TIME 3 minutes
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BREAK-IN PERIOD 100 hours of music playing time
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
FINISH Textured black steel chassis with PowderCoat semi-gloss black finish.
Optional DELUXE finishes available
. (additional charge)
Front Panel is machined black anodized aluminum
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
DIMENSIONS 7" H x 17" W x 16" D
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
WEIGHT 42 lbs.
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FEATURES __________________________________________________________
Front Panel
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
POWER OFF SWITCH Rotary switch turns on AC mains and high voltage on "in operate"
position
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LED Indicates high voltage on
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
VOLUME Dual precision potentiometer controlling volume of both channels
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BALANCE Dual precision potentiometer to balance between left and right channel
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SELECTOR Selection of line inputs for listening. CD, AUX 1, & AUX 2
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HEADPHONE JACK Jack for headphones
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OUTPUT/HEADPHONE SWITCH To switch between headphones and main out
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Rear Apron
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INPUTS CD, AUX1, & AUX 2 Signal input connection via shielded interconnect cable
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4/8 OHM SWITCH Toggle switch for 4 and 8 ohm taps
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SUB-WOOFER OUTPUT Voltage Divider Linear Network for Driving Active Sub-Woofers
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SPEAKER OUTPUT 5-way binding posts provide output to speakers. Red = +, Black = -
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
AC 3- conductor shielded power detachable cord to AC power mains
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
AC FUSE This is an overcurrent protection fuse for the SLI 80. Never replace with
any other fuse than 3 AMP SLOW BLOW! 250 VOLT! (2 AMP SLOW BLOW
ON 220 VAC OPERATION)
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
TUBE FUSE This is a protection fuse for the output tubes. Never replace with any
other fuse than a .5 amp fast blow! 250 volt
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CAUTION
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WITH IMPROPER FUSES.
NEVER REMOVE / INSERT AC LINE CORD WHEN THE UNIT IS ON.
WARNING
MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO PUT THE SLI 80 AMPLIFIER IN SERVICE WITHOUT THE BOTTOM PLATE
ATTACHED - CONTACT WITH VOLTAGE IN THE SLI 80 CAN BE FATAL.
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INSTALLATION _____________________________________________________
This section describes the unpacking and installation procedures for your new component.
Unpacking
All Cary Audio Design shipping containers have been specially designed to protect their contents and
special care has been taken to prevent damage under normal shipping conditions. Mishandling should be
evident upon inspection of the shipping container. If shipping damage is found after visual inspection,
take care not to destroy the evidence. If necessary, document the damage with photographs and contact
the transport carrier immediately.
Carefully remove your new component from its packing carton and examine it closely for signs of shipping
damage. We strongly recommend saving all original packing cartons to protect your amplifier from
damage should you wish to store it or ship it for after-sales service.
Warranty Card
IN THE USA: If you are the original purchaser of a new unit from an AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN
DEALER, please fill out the enclosed warranty registration card and return it to Cary Audio Design within
15 days of your purchase. Cary Audio Design also suggests that you keep your original packing cartons in
case you ever need to ship the unit when moving to a new home. Warranty restrictions apply. Consult the
warranty section at the end of this manual for details. Please be certain to keep a copy of the original sales
receipt from your AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN DEALER to validate the warranty if ever needed. The
warranty is for the original purchaser only and does not transfer to any subsequent owner.
OUTSIDE THE USA: Your local Authorized Cary Audio Design Distributor will make his own warranty policy
for your country. Please check with them for the terms of warranty for your new amplifier.
Placement
In general, the location of your new SLI 80 is not critical. Certain precautions must be taken to ensure
optimum performance. Avoid extremely hot locations such as near radiators or other heating units. Keep
the top of the SLI 80 clear of books, paper or other equipment to protect against overheating! DO NOT
place your SLI 80 in a closed bookcase - overheating will damage the amplifier! Allow 8 to 10 inches above
the unit for proper ventilation.
Power Requirements
The SLI 80 is designed to operate from house current mains. The design voltage is 117 VAC at 50/60Hz.
(Foreign units 234 VAC at 50/60Hz.)
Cables
The speaker cables from the output posts of the SLI 80 to the speaker system can be any convenient
length your set-up requires. Select speaker cables of sufficient size to preserve the outstanding
performance capabilities of your SLI 80. Heavy gauge #16 wire is suitable for distances up to 10 feet; #12
for 25 feet. Most audio dealers will have proper speaker cable in stock for this purpose.
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OPERATION ________________________________________________________
Signal input connection is made via the input jacks on the rear of the SLI 80 located on the rear panel. The
interconnect cables from the output of the CD player, tuner, etc. can be any convenient length your set-up
requires. The choice of a high quality interconnect cable is important. Once again, your audio dealer will
have the proper cables in stock for this purpose.
Your new SLI 80 is ready for operation after the speaker and interconnect cables have been installed.
(Refer to the tube placement sheet in Charts and Drawings for proper installation)
4/8 OHM Switch
Select the proper impedance that is called for in you speaker specification. Make sure that both left and
right channels are the same. An improper setting may not yield peak performance. Listen carefully to each
setting and choose the setting that matches your speakers best.
AC Off/Operate Switch
Simply turn the rotary switch to the "operate" position. Observe that all 10 tubes are lit (filaments).
Headphone/Output Switch
Make this selection based on which output you want to use. If you are using headphones it would be best
to have the headphones installed before switching to headphones. If the music is playing loud and you
switch to headphones without headphones in place it may damage the unit.
Break-In Period
The tubes, capacitors and output transformers take approximately 100 hours of music playing to fully
settle in for peak performance. The SLI 80 will sound good from the start and after the first couple of
hours you will notice increased depth and tighter bass. This break-in period defies all engineering theory,
but is true with high performance vacuum tube audio amplifiers.
Bias Measurement
The bias is factory preset. It is a good idea to measure it during the initial setup to make sure it is set to
the specifications provided at the end of this manual. The AC voltage may be different from one area to
the next. Follow the instructions provided. You will need a meter that allows you to read up to 100mA.
WARNING
MAKE SURE AMPLIFIER IS UNPLUGGED FROM AC MAINS BEFORE SERVICING.
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SERVICE AND CARE ________________________________________________
The chassis may be cleaned with a soft towel and Windex® or a similar window cleaner. Spray it on the
cleaning cloth to moisten it, not on the component. Do not use solvents or harsh chemicals to clean the
preamplifier. They may remove the labels from the chassis. The frequency and need of cleaning will be
governed by operating environmental conditions. Avoid letting the component become dusty or wet. A
‘feather duster’ type cleaner will also work well for cleaning the component.
Tube Replacement
If it becomes necessary to replace the tubes in the SLI 80 amplifier, a matched quartet set of output tubes
of the same brand should be used. A new tube kit is available from Cary Audio Design. You should get a
few years or more from the output tubes with everyday usage and many, many years of use from the 6922
& 6SN7 input tubes.
Factory Service
Careful consideration has been given to the design of this product to keep maintenance problems to a
minimum. If the problem is not easily solved, we suggest that you contact our Customer Service
Department by phone at [phone], 1–5 pm Eastern Standard Time, to describe your problem in
detail. DO NOT return the component to the factory without a Return Authorization Number (RA) from
the Customer Service Department.
Cary Audio Design assumes no responsibility if the transportation company refuses to pay a damage claim
due to your improper packing or lack of insurance should the unit be lost in shipment. We strongly
suggest using the original packing cartons for shipping any Cary Audio Design component.
Non-Warranty Repairs
Cary Audio Design will provide repair service for its products charging on a time and expense basis. At this
time, the standard non warranty service bench fee is $125 with all parts used for repair charged extra. This
may change with time and is not a quote for service. Please call us at 919-355-0010 for more information
about out of warranty service and repair fees.
WARNINGS
MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO PUT THE SLI 80 IN SERVICE WITH THE BOTTOM PLATE REMOVED.
CONTACT WITH HIGH VOLTAGES FOUND IN THE UNIT CAN BE FATAL. COMPLETELY REMOVE
AC POWER PLUG FROM THE WALL AND ALLOW 30 MINUTES FOR THE HIGH VOLTAGE
CAPACITORS TO DISCHARGE THROUGH BLEEDER RESISTORS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
CHANGE TUBES OR CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE AMPLIFIER
CAUTIONS
NEVER REMOVE / INSERT AC PLUG WHEN THE UNIT IS ON OR THE AC POWER SWITCH IS IN
THE ON POSITION. OBSTRUCTION OF THE TOP PORTION OF THE SLI 80 WILL RESULT IN
TUBES OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER.
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ________________________________________
SYMPTOM CAUSE REMEDY
Hum or "Buzzing" through
speakers
Ground Loop
Intermittent or poor connection of
interconnect ground
Install 2-pin adapter on
A.C. cord to float the
Ground
Replace interconnect
"Popping or Spitting" noise Noisy tube If noise is in one channel, through
the speaker swap one section of
tubes at a time until the noise
swaps channels. Replace noisy
tube.
Check bias of output tubes. If high
or fluctuating rapidly, replace
output tube.
(See Bias Adjustment, p 11)
AC fuse blows Line voltage surge
CV729 shorted
Replace fuse
Replace CV729/5U4
Tube fuse blows Shorted output tube Replace tube
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CHARTS AND DRAWINGS __________________________________________
Bias Adjustment
Set bias for both sides of the amplifier to 75mA.
•Insert meter plug into bias jack.
•Adjust for 75mA reading on DC current meter.
•Re-adjust to 75mA after SLI 80 is warmed up for 10 minutes.
•Remove plug and enjoy the music!
Note: Bias is factory preset; Bias should be reset when installing replacement KT-88 / 6550 tubes.
Bias Meter Jack Bias Adjust
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Tube Placement Chart
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UNITED STATES LIMITED WARRANTY ______________________________
Cary Audio Design warrants to the original United States purchaser for use in the United States, that Cary
Audio Design vacuum tube or solid state power amplifiers, surround sound processors or preamplifiers
shall be free from defects in parts or workmanship for three (3) years from the date of the original
purchase. Vacuum tubes, if any are used in the component, are offered a 90 day from purchase date
exchange policy against defects with the exception of the CAVT 300B vacuum tube which has a (1) one
year from purchase date exchange policy. Any digital drive design, whether a Cary Audio Design CD or
SACD player or a Cary Cinema DVD player, has a limited one year parts and labor warranty against defects
in manufacture. This is a limited warrant, for the original purchaser only and does not transfer to any
subsequent owner.
During the limited warranty period, Cary Audio Design or an authorized Cary Audio Design service facility
will provide free of charge both parts and labor necessary to correct any defects in material or
workmanship.
To obtain such warranty service, the original purchaser must:
1. Complete and send in the warranty Registration Card within 15 days of purchase.
2. If claiming service the owner must send a fully filled in copy of the original sales receipt along
with any unit sent in for service showing the AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN DEALER’S
name, the new selling price, the buyer’s name, e-mail or phone number and address on the
receipt. Blank receipts will NOT validate the limited warranty for service.
3. Notify Cary Audio Design as soon as possible after the discovery of a possible defect and
submit the following information to determine eligibility for warranty:
(a) The model number and serial number;
(b) A fully filled in copy of the original sales receipt showing the original selling price,
purchasers name and address filled in by an AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN DEALER with
the original date of purchase shown on the form;
(c) a detailed description of the problem.
4. Deliver the product to Cary Audio Design or the nearest authorized service facility or ship with
all freight and insurance charges prepaid, in its original packing container or equivalent, to
Cary Audio.
Correct maintenance, repair and use are important to obtain performance from this product. Therefore,
please carefully read the Operating Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that Cary Audio
Design in its sole discretion determines is due to:
1. Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not
conform to the quality and the specifications of the original parts.
2. Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
3. Accidental or incidental damage.
WARRANTY DISCLAIMER
Except for the express warranties stated herein, Cary Audio Design disclaims all other warranties including,
without limitation, all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The
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foregoing constitutes Cary Audio Design’s entire obligation with respect to this product, and the original
purchaser and any user or owner shall have no other claim for incidental or consequential damages. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives legal rights and you may also have
other rights, which vary from state to state.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the purchaser’s exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty, express or
implied, is limited to the repair or replacement of the defective unit or the refund of the purchase price, at
the option of Cary Audio Design. Under no circumstances is Cary Audio Design liable for incidental or
consequential damages. Any implied warranties imposed by law terminate one (1) year from the date of
purchase.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASERS (Export markets)
Cary Audio Design warrants its merchandise to purchasers within the United States exclusively for use
within the United States of America. It provides no other warranties, expressed or implied. If you are living
outside the USA, please consult with your local dealer or distributor to determine the details of your local
warranty.
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CARY AUDIO DESIGN
1020 Goodworth Drive, Apex, NC 27539
phone [phone]
fax [phone]
www.caryaudio.com
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