Cary V12i vs V12R???

I heard V12 and it was very good. While not as extended in frequency extremes as audio research, it has better mid range texture and smoothness. I've the ARC VS110.

The R model is marginally better but the upgrade is not too expensive. Buying a used 12i upgrading to R still worthwhile IMHO.

I don't know what type of medication Kevziek was on, but I just purchased an SLP98P preamp, hooked it up to a McIntosh 7270 SS amp and could not believe the difference. Then I bought a V12R Cary amp and sold my beloved McIntosh amp. It is a wonderful combo. I use Krause Cinema Extreme speakers that can handle 1,000 watts and it also sounds great with my Klipsch Quartets. I think some audiofiles try to hear things that are just not there. I've heard and can afford amps that cost 10 times the cost, but there is just not that much of a difference if any, for example Linn that you have to keep upgrading with sound cards. Why not just make it right the 1st time?

No mystery there the "R" version rocks the house.I had the pleasure of owning one for several months.In my system it out performed the "i"I've got an original V12 which I had upgraded by Sounds Good to Me,in Clayton,NC at a very reasonable cost.I'm very satisfied with the results,especially operating in triode in the balanced mode.A perfect match with my Innersound Stats and AH pre amp.Polk432 gets it right.