FEATURES
PRODUCT FEATURES
The SLI-100 is one of the most exotic integrated stereo audio amplifiers available. Within its power
range, the SLI-100 displays the operating characteristics of a true "high-end" amplifier. Careful design,
parts selection and proper circuit topologies contribute to incredible reliability and enjoyment.
The SLI-100 integrated stereo amplifier operates in a Class AB1 mode utilizing a negative fixed bias
supply. The KT150 output tubes are configured in push-pull and yield 100 watts/channel of output
power.
The output transformers in the SLI-100 are the most important component in the amplifier and have
been specifically designed by Cary Audio for use in the SLI-100. Negative feedback is derived from the
8 ohm tap on the output transformer secondary. This feedback 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 Series Regulated Push-Pull (SRPP) Class A triode voltage amplification stage
direct coupled to the phase inverter. The power supply in the SLI-100 features a 200% duty cycle EI
laminate power transformer.
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-100. The sub-woofer output is derived
from the wiper of the volume control.
A great deal of attention during design of the SLI-100 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 manufacturers, 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-100 utilizes a dual mono power supply rail. This, in effect, separates the circuit into
identical left and right channels contained within a stereo chassis. The channels are completely balanced
with one another to yield outstanding tonal balance, increased dynamics, and excellent sound-staging
magic. The dual mono power supply rail configuration contributes to the SLI-100’s ability to recover
from overload, symmetrically, at any frequency in the audio band-pass. The SLI-100 will also yield
faithful reproduction of extremely low frequencies at full output levels. Power transformer, power supply
layout, 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-100 to recover quickly when overloaded. The high
voltage rail will fluctuate no more than a volt between soft and loud passages.
Another feature of the SLI-100, 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-100 integrated amplifier
is the incredible transparency and resolution of detail in the music. The SLI-100's sensual nature is best
revealed in the sense of life it displays in female vocalists. The SLI-100 integrated amplifier 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-100 will draw you in even
further as you realize how lucid and utterly uncolored neutrality reveals delicate nuances in the sound
stage.
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