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Cary Audio Design Superior Quality and Value |
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#1
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Cary 300SEI - any first-hand experience?
My recent experiments with the Bottlehead S.E.X. have re-ignited my interest in single-ended amps.
One of the models I want to consider is the Cary 300SEI - a beauty. Behold: Almost every review I read about this amp (or almost any amp that uses the 300B tube) goes nuts about the SET sound. I remember reading one of Jeff Day's reviews for the Sophia 300B-based amp where he invented a new rating for it: "two hard nipples" - I am still laughing about that one. But, here's the thing, everybody loves what these SET amps do to the music and yet you see so few people with them. I wonder why that is. They are not outrageously priced nor too fussy - yes, they have tubes but only one expensive tube per channel. So I'd like to hear from other AAers who have experience with SET amps (especially with the 300B tubes). Thanks, Alberto |
#2
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Alberto...while I don't own tubes a dealer nearby sells Cary. The times I've heard these I was impressed. I like the looks and the sound was nice but it's awhile since we had a listening session.
Dave
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It's About The Music... |
#3
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I have thought a lot about building one from scratch. There are tons of DIY projects on the web for SET Amps.
That Cary is a beauty. All the Cary gear is good looking.
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Chuck McIntosh, PMC, Bryston, Olive, Rega, Ortofon 2M Black, JL Audio, PS Audio, Alan Maher, Aural Harmony, Black Mountain, Wireworld, Symposium, DIY amp switch box, P Millett DIY headphone amp. [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] |
#4
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I am willing to share my experience with Cary CAD-300 SE Signature monoblocks, if this thread is still alive and anyone is out there listening.
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#5
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Quote:
Please proceed . Thanks, Alberto |
#6
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It would appear that you've taken the SET plunge -- good for you. I haven't heard Shindo gear, but I would love to -- I've read good things about it. I came to SET equipment from the Linn solid-state camp. I tried the Cary 300 SEI integrated amp (on loan) and loved it. Beautiful sound, almost lit from within, able to create the illusion of living, breathing musicians (especially vocalists) in the room with you. The monoblocks (which I bought, with the companion CARY SLP-98 preamp) are even better; same qualities, but a bigger stage and more dynamic. There's simply no going to back to solid-state for me. How about you?
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#7
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Quote:
I know that many will disagree, and I haven't had the opportunity to audition some of the great modern solid-state amps (D'Agostino, DarTZeel, etc.) but they are out of my price range anyway. For me, SET + efficient speaker deliver delicious (TM ... ) sound at a great price. Alberto |
#8
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__________________
Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A |
#9
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You betcha, and will prosecute all unauthorized uses to the full extent of the audiophile law .
Alberto |
#10
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I still have my rack of Linn gear, although I don't listen to it much these days. Have you had problems with your tube gear? Do you leave it powered up in standby mode 24/7, or do you shut it off after every listening session?
Have you thought about licensing that new trademark? Maybe you could turn it into cash . . . |
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