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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 3, 2016 22:19:21 GMT -5
FedEx delivered my CAD 120S MKII last night. 120W X 2 ultra-linear 60W X 2 triode RCA and balanced inputs Factory upgrades: Cardas Golden Ratio bypass capacitors Hexfred diodes Svetlana winged 6550 C output tubes Electro-Harmonix 6SN7 signal tubes I Didn't have time to listen until this evening with a bit of Christmas music while decorating the tree with the kids. Really stoked to have more time with it so I can do a more accurate review. Initial impressions are that I really enjoy how it handles the highs. It is as smooth as my old Dynaco was in Triode mode but with less roll off. Mids sound very natural with vocals and guitars being a highlight. Again, full review coming soon as I get more time with her. She's a purty girl though.  Scott  |
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 3, 2016 22:23:48 GMT -5
Schweeeeet! Yes, I'd love to read your review - Drop everything else and write it now. LOL Sorry to be impatient, but Christmas is coming!  |
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Post by novisnick on Dec 3, 2016 22:29:18 GMT -5
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Post by brutiarti on Dec 3, 2016 22:38:29 GMT -5
Beautiful amp
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Post by Loop 7 on Dec 3, 2016 23:22:22 GMT -5
Okay, that's a good looking glow box.
Plenty of guts for the Legacy Whispers I assume?
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Post by vneal on Dec 3, 2016 23:35:07 GMT -5
Cary has some sweet amps
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Post by RichGuy on Dec 4, 2016 1:09:09 GMT -5
Very very nice!
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 4, 2016 7:50:59 GMT -5
Okay, that's a good looking glow box. Plenty of guts for the Legacy Whispers I assume? Yes, they are 95 dB efficient and only require an amp to handle the mid woofs, tweets, and super tweets. X-over is 300 Hz. Scott |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 4, 2016 8:56:03 GMT -5
When you say less "roll off" - do you mean roll off in the low end, high end, or both?
Mark
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 4, 2016 9:03:54 GMT -5
When you say less "roll off" - do you mean roll off in the low end, high end, or both? Mark Less on the highs. Going into Triode usually smooths out the highs but at the cost of reducing them it sounds like. What I was trying to compare was that this Cary in full power, is as smooth as my old "Audiobillified" Dynaco was in Triode mode but without the roll off. Very nice sonic qualities for the highs. Don't have this driving any lows as Legacy provides dual 500W ICE amps per speaker to drive the 4 - 15" woofs and 12" bass steering. The Cary only drives 300 Hz + which is where tubes seem to shine. Scott |
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Post by macromicroman on Dec 4, 2016 10:10:02 GMT -5
Nice Amp.
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Post by Loop 7 on Dec 4, 2016 15:49:55 GMT -5
If time allows, elaborate on the path to choosing Cary.
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 4, 2016 16:54:56 GMT -5
If time allows, elaborate on the path to choosing Cary. I have very little tube experience other than the old tube amps I played guitar through in the late 70s as a kid. I asked for opinions from another audio pal that has been into tubes for 25+ years and he recommended I try out Cary and Audio Research. Scott |
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Post by Porscheguy on Dec 4, 2016 18:53:59 GMT -5
Looks awesome!
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Post by jedinite24 on Dec 5, 2016 1:02:04 GMT -5
That has to be one of the most beautiful space heaters I've seen in a long time. Wow 8 6550 tubes total. Damn that Cary must be sweet sounding. I hope the 6SN7 tubes aren't too microphonic. That has been an issue for me with the 6sn7 based gear I've had. If you want to try some different tubes let me know. I have a matched quad of Jim McShane Tung Sol 6SN7s laying around here somewhere. Enjoy the Cary.
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 5, 2016 9:13:50 GMT -5
That has to be one of the most beautiful space heaters I've seen in a long time. Wow 8 6550 tubes total. Damn that Cary must be sweet sounding. I hope the 6SN7 tubes aren't too microphonic. That has been an issue for me with the 6sn7 based gear I've had. If you want to try some different tubes let me know. I have a matched quad of Jim McShane Tung Sol 6SN7s laying around here somewhere. Enjoy the Cary. Space heater is right. And I thought the Dynaco was good for reheating steaks.....  I'll keep that in mind. I'll almost certainly want to try some different tubes. Full review coming soon. Scott |
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Post by bluemeanies on Dec 15, 2016 7:55:47 GMT -5
Hey Scott ,
Surprised you traded in your Dynanco for the Cary. You seemed very pleased with Bob's ST. I do not remember which one you were using. I am assuming the 120.
At any rate if you are happy that is what counts.
One question...do you think the upgrade with tubes in the Cary made a significant change in sound from the ST.
Good luck with the Cary.
Frank
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 15, 2016 10:09:17 GMT -5
The Cary has more power & better ergonomics than the VTA-ST120 (which is built on an update of the Dynaco ST-70 chassis). For what it is, the ST120 is a bargain, but if you're wanting more power, then yeah - Cary, McIntosh, or Audio Research are the best ways to go that I've yet heard.
Note that I've NOT yet heard the VTA M125 mono block amps, but may sometime in 2K17.
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Post by audiobill on Dec 15, 2016 10:30:41 GMT -5
At 3-6 times the price.
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 15, 2016 13:15:19 GMT -5
Hey Scott , Surprised you traded in your Dynanco for the Cary. You seemed very pleased with Bob's ST. I do not remember which one you were using. I am assuming the 120. At any rate if you are happy that is what counts. One question...do you think the upgrade with tubes in the Cary made a significant change in sound from the ST. Good luck with the Cary. Frank I love my little Dynaco ST70. It has more gain than the Cary for sure but not anywhere near as clean sounding. I still have my Dynaco Scott |
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