CAD-120S MkII vs SLI-80HS
The SLI-80HS's power @ 8ω is 80W against the CAD-120S MkII's 120W, its signal-to-noise 82 dB against 80 dB, its low-frequency extension 19 Hz against 17 Hz, and its high-frequency extension 23 kHz against 25 kHz.
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Cary Audio Design CAD-120S MkII is a fan-favorite fully balanced stereo vacuum tube power amplifier that delivers power and finesse. It operates in Ultralinear mode for 120 watts per channel in Class AB, providing dynamics and bass punch, or Triode mode for 60 watts per channel in pure Class A, offering richer, warmer sound. A front panel switch allows seamless mode changes. Compatible with XLR balanced or RCA single-ended inputs, it pairs effortlessly with various preamplifiers. Features include backlit bias meters, reduced global feedback for larger soundstage and detail, and robust construction with special bifilar wound output transformers.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the CAD-120S MkII in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The SLI-80HS's power @ 8ω is 80W against the CAD-120S MkII's 120W, its signal-to-noise 82 dB against 80 dB, its low-frequency extension 19 Hz against 17 Hz, and its high-frequency extension 23 kHz against 25 kHz.
The Stereo 60 MkIV KT120/KT150's power @ 8ω is 85W against the CAD-120S MkII's 120W, its low-frequency extension 20 Hz against 17 Hz, its signal-to-noise 90 dB against 80 dB, and its high-frequency extension 20 kHz against 25 kHz.
The AA100DM's power @ 8ω is 100W against the CAD-120S MkII's 120W and its signal-to-noise 110 dB against 80 dB. Both share thd (1.000%) and class (AB).
The 331's power @ 8ω is 100W against the CAD-120S MkII's 120W and its thd 0.500% against 1.000%. Both share signal-to-noise (80 dB) and input impedance (100Ω).
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