Cary sound?

Pwr tubes for 300B and 805 series (of Cary) will only half life that normal condition. Tubes biased at 2 times higher than normal condition. That's why they have big power output compare to same model amps from another factory.

I compared : Cary 300B SEI (1,5 years old) sounds bass shy and have smaller soundstage when compare to Opera Audio/Consonance Ref 5.0 (20 hours burn in only since new).
Of course new Ref 5.0 still lose on musicality , noise floor , depth. Ref 5.0 still need more burn in (at least 200 hours). Anyway 5.0 is much more cheaper.

My 2 cents.

Riwin

I have Cary 300B SE monoblocks with WE 300B tubes. I have listened heavily for 3 years with great joy and without a problem. I have had no issues with tube longevity except to replace the 6SN7s x 4.

As, for the Cary sound, it is to die for in my humble opinion. Last night a dealer for Audiopax/Avantgarde was at the house listening to my system. He owns Quicksilver's as well. He repeatedly commented upon how clear and rich the SET sound was. I will not put down any other amps but I endorse the Cary products without reservation.

I also have a Cary SLP-98P, and my comments are ditto for that pre-amp as well.

Since I have high efficiency (103dB) horns, the Cary's are not overly worked. The key to tube longevity could also reflect the speaker - amp match.

My CAD2A2-SE is my second Cary amp, the first being the V12. I have been an Audio Research supporter for well over 20 years never thinking I would want something else.

My speakers (Coincident Victory’s) are 97db efficient, so 3 1/2 watts is plenty. As far as the Cary “sound” it is quite amazing, female vocals are to die for. Sound stage hasn’t been bettered by any other amp that I have listened to in my system whether it be friends SS amps or amps including some SS and tube amps that I have owned since the Cary was brought in. As far as base shy, as the above stated was missing, I guess that is subjective. Even my 3 ½ watt 2A3 amp has enough base for my room and occasionally I like a little Dire Straights. Audition if you can, again as stated above it may not be for everyone, however, my vote is a true thumbs up. Good luck........Bob

Cary sound? Liquid, immediate, delicate, involving, holographic, with best female vovals I've ever heard. Macrodymamics could be a little better, but than again, it's not a monster solid state Krell... As far as the tube life goes, the KR 300B in my 300B SE signature monoblocks still work great after almost three years of heavy use. All the 6sn7's test good too.