Cary V12i vs V12R???

I frankly can't understand how anyone could consider the V12 a good sounding amp. I had both a new one, which was burned in only about 50 hours, and I much preferred my ARC VT100 to it. A year later, an audiophile friend with a very revealing system (B&W Signature 800's -- keep in mind Dennis Had uses B&W N802's) borrowed a well-burned in V12 from a local dealer, and it sounded exactly the same -- anemic bass, a thin, piercing sound. The imaging & soundstaging was poorly defined, and the whole sonic picture was a congealed mess when playing complex passages. We both hated it, and frankly couldn't believe how bad an amp it was.

I just purchased a Cary v12i and find the amp to be just as good as it is supposed to be. My system consists of a BAT VK50SE preamp and Electrocompaniet CDP, and a pair of Verity Audio Fidelio speakers. I swapped the stock 6922's for some Telefunkin's and the EL 84's are Mullards with EH EL34's. Very tight bass, great midrange. So transparent and lifelike. I much prefer it over my BAT VK75SE and my RM-200 which I really liked. I would love to hear from someone who has done the R upgrade.

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.