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Cary CAD-211AE tube rolling

I have done a search but have been unable to find a similar thread. I am after opinions from people who have tried tube rolling their CAD-211's.

I have replaced the standard Chinese output tubes with a quad matched set of Shuguang Psvane 845's from Grant Electronics. They took a long time to burn in, but once they did they are a definite improvement over the stock tubes. Wider soundstage, more detail, and better dynamics.

I have also replaced the no-name 6SC7 input tube that came with my amp to an Electro-Harmonix 6SC7, and then a vintage RCA 6SC7. The EHX was a downgrade from the standard Chinese tube, sounding muddy despite burn-in. The RCA is a definite improvement, with much better micro-dynamics, resolution, and a more lush presentation.

I am now after a new 300B. I would like to try the KR, but these are now very expensive. Emission Labs make a few (including a drop in replacement for the Western Electric 300B) - these are available in plate and mesh forms.

Cary 211 owners - what 300B's have you tried in your amp? Or for that matter, what tubes have you tried?
amfibius
no_regrets
532 posts
 
I realize this is slightly off topic, but I was wondering if you could characterize the differences between the Cary 805 and the 211M.

Thanks much!
amfibius OP
282 posts
 
Hi No Regrets - certainly.

The 211AE comprehensively beats the 805 when it comes to bass, macrodynamics (though not microdynamics), and versatility. Beyond that, it is much of a muchness. The 211AE's bass is more plentiful, and it is much better controlled. Because there is more power on tap, you can use it with more types of speakers. With my speakers, the 805AE always seemed to run out of juice, and it would sound compressed whenever the orchestra reached a fortissimo. The 211AE is a much more impressive sounding amp.

In the midrange and top end, you can take your pick. The 211AE sounds richer and fuller, but the 805AE sounds more transparent, ethereal, nimble, and light. The 805AE also has a beauty of tone that absolutely kills the 211AE in the midrange. Not to say the 211AE is bad, but the 805AE is better. Microdynamic shading is better on the 805AE (provided it is not being run too hard).

With the 211AE, tube matching is critical. If you use a pair of mismatched tubes, you will run into all sorts of weird problems. The soundstage will never sound centered - adjust it to center with a mono disc, and it will pull to the left or right with the next disc. Carefully matching tubes is essential.

Both are fine amplifiers, but for me the 211AE won out because I can listen to more types of music with it. The 805AE is a small ensemble / vocal specialist - if your music is of this type only, the 805AE will slaughter the 211AE. But with anything bigger, the 211AE has it all over the 805.
no_regrets
532 posts
 
Thank you for the excellent reply. Your comparison between the two amps was very helpful!
amfibius OP
282 posts
 
You are welcome, No_regrets :)

For everyone else - I am curious what 300B's you are using in your 211AE's or 805AE's. Surely the sample on A'gon can't be that small. What 300B are you using, and how does it compare to the standard Cary 300B's?
ebagrivet's avatar
ebagrivet
6 posts
 
I know this is an older post but I was also hoping for some experience or suggestion on the 300 B for the Cary 211 FE
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