2. amps-preamps
  3. 170308-138596

Cary Audio SA 200.2 SE power amp (latest version)

Hey there,

I need some advise and opinions on something. My current setup includes : Monitor Audio Gold 200 5g (latest generation), Classe Sigma Amp2 class D power amp, Classe Sigma preamp, Cary Audio CD 306 SACD player.
My speaker cables & XLR balanced analog interconnects are Cardas Clear Reflection. Power cables : Shunyata Delta NR, Transparent Reference PowerLink MM1, Audioquest Blizzard, Shunyata Venom V10 NR (20 Amp / C19) from wall to my Shunyata Venom PS8 AC power line distributor. AC power line distributor: Shunyata Venom PS8 with Venom Defender.

I’m about to pull a trigger on the new Cary Audio SA 200.2 SE power amp (latest version) to replace my existing Classe Sigma Amp2 class D amp. The Cary is a class AB amp. Which amp do you think will be a better choice for my system? Have anyone compared these two amps before and what are your thoughts? My Monitor Audio Gold 200 5g speakers (latest generation) are very laid back warm smooth refined sounding speakers. The highs and mids are very smooth. These new MA Gold 200 5g are complete opposite sound profile than the previous MA Gold 4g series, which are very forward and somewhat bright. And I’m using warm sounding speaker cables and analog XLR interconnects throughout.
Your advise, inputs and thoughts will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

dilatante
mitch2
3,967 posts
 
So these newer SA 200.2 & 500.1 amps were designed by Dennis Had then?
Not sure, but I don't think so.  The older CAD 500MBs and CAD 200 were designed by Dennis Had but I believe the newer SA 200.2 & 500.1 amps may have come out after he retired.  The design may have been based off of the original but IME with the 500 wpc monos, the older 500MB amplifier displayed more of the body and warmth that people sometimes associate with tubed equipment. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
yowser
97 posts
 
Never experienced any hum or buzz coming from speakers.  I also just checked and pressed my ears against the drivers.  Dead quiet.
dilatante OP
76 posts
 
@yowser 

Perhaps Cary has fixed the issue with the ES model.
dilatante OP
76 posts
 
@yowser

Do you normally leave the SA 200.2 ES amp on standby when not in use? Or do you normally turn off the main power switch on the back of the amplifier completely when the amp is not in use? Or simply just turn off the power button on the front panel would be good enough when the amp is not in use?

The reason I ask is because my current Classe Sigma Amp2 power amp doesn’t have a main power switch on the back of the amplifier, so the amp is always on standby when not in use by just turning off the power button on the front panel of my Classe Sigma Amp2.
Thank you again
Ag insider logo xs@2x
yowser
97 posts
 
Actually, I had forgotten there was a power switch in the rear of the amp! So, yes, I leave it on 24/7. It’s also kind of hard to access it on my rack.

Following is from the manual:

Press front panel power button to turn on and off. Button will blink while powering up. When button stops blinking, unit is ready to operate.

• Protection against short circuits, device failures, miswiring, and internal faults.
• Thermal as well as DC offset protection
• Stable with mismatched, reactive or unusual loads
• Soft start circuit prevents “Brown outs” when amplifier is turned on

Also, if you haven't already, the white paper is an interesting read on Cary's design philosophy of the ES series.

More to discover