Cary V12 opinions wanted

I auditioned a V12 connected to a pair of B&W Nautilus 803 speakers. I hoped the amp would sound as good as the pictures of the amp look in magazines. I planned to trade my Cary SLM-100 monoblocks on a V12 if the V12 met my expectations.

Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in the amp. The demo at my local dealer did not have the build quality I have come to expect from Cary. The tube sockets were crooked,
causing the tubes to point off in different directions.

The sound, too, was a disappointment. I auditioned the amp in triode mode, and the sound was much harsher and thinner than I expect from a Cary amp. I have always loved Cary's for having a warm, rich, full sound, and this amp didn't seem to have any of that.

After hearing the amp, I suspected that it could just be a poor set-up, so I had the dealer substitute 805c's for the V12 in the same set-up. The 805c was pure heaven. I have never heard and amp as good as the 805c, and it is still my favorite.

I read the review in Stereophile, and I admit that it is possible that my dealer got a bad V12. Unfortunately, the sound of the V12 was so bad that I don't plan to give it a second chance. I am going for 805c's even if it means I have to wait for a while until I am ready to spend the extra money.

My advice??? Spend the extra money for the 805c. That's what I plan to do. I know that the 805c's are double the money, but they are worth every extra penny.

I recently bought the V12. In triode mode I cannot imagine a better sounding amp (I do not like the sound in Ultra-Linear). Like all amplifiers, the sound will depend on the speakers. I am currently using the V12 to drive a pair of Martin Logan SL3. Electrostats are very revealing. The V12 takes the harshness out of the sound while still leaving the detail. I have heard many amps, including the ARC 100.2 and Krell FPB, with the Martin Logans. Nothing I have heard compares to the sound of the V12, especially for $4,000.

The 805C should sound better, but at more than twice the cost of the V12 I do not see how anyone can justify the cost for a minor improvement in sound.

I don't suggest comparing solid state amps to tube amps. Assuming your speakers are efficient enough to live with 50 - 100 watts, you must decide whether you like to sound from solid state amps or the sound from tube amps.

If you like the tube sound, I do not think you can go wrong with the V12.

Hi,

I heard the V12 and 805C in the same set up and defintely the 805C sound better. Bigger sound, image, more rich tone, better soundstage and focus.