2. amps-preamps
  3. 127407-2164

Cary CAD 120S Mk II amps

I've been listening to a pair of Cary CAD 572 SE (20 watts into 8Ω) driving a pair of KEF LS50s.  I really enjoy the "warmth" of the sound except for a bit of bass heaviness.  The Parasound A 21 I've been using to drive the LS50s sounds flat in comparison.  I'm surprised the pairing of a 20 watt amp with speakers with only a 85 dB sensitivity rating sounds so good.  I'm wondering if a CAD 120S (60 watt in Class A triode mode) might be a good choice -- Cary lists one at a large discount.  Would the higher power control LF better and eliminate the bass heaviness?
Ag insider logo xs@2xdbphd
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
The 572 monos are special amps if you hook up a 90 db set of Vandersteen 1 CIs you will be in paradise 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd OP
1,631 posts
 
Interesting idea.  Wonder how the 572s would sound with my KEF Reference 107/2s, also rated at 90 dB sensitivity?  I'm driving the 107/2s now with a pair of Parasound JC1 monoblocks in low bias mode so the first 10 watts is Class A.  I added Cardas spade-to-banana adapters to the 572 to make switching among speakers easier.  The JC 1s have two pairs of speaker lugs to facilitate biwiring, but I suppose I could double up the spades under the 572 binding posts.

db 

wolf_garcia
6,737 posts
 
I think Anthony Cordesman is a Cary 120sII user…at least he used to be, and reviewed it a while back. He loved the thing.
More to discover