I’ve just about settled on VAC. I hope to have my bass question solved when I go to axpona next week, where vac will have 3 or 4 rooms. I assume they extend low, but I have seen a couple of posts suggesting maybe not. Cary will be represented too (and I saw something along the lines of 20% off Cary products if you buy at axpona...).
Cary CAD-120S MkII vs VAC Signature 200 iQ
I have narrowed my search down to the two amps in the title, and I am wondering what (and why!) people's opinions might be if they were to choose one of these two for themselves.
These amps will be powering, for now, Focal Sopra No 1s.
Pros of the VAC:
http://www.vac-amps.com/productPages/Signature200.html
iQ technology is probably unparalleled, perfect bias at every volume
VAC build quality
Can be paired with another 200 iQ down the line to form a pair of monoblocks
Compatible with KT120s and KT150s
Has a 12v trigger
Better resale value, I assume
Pros of the Cary:
https://www.caryaudio.com/products/cad-120s-mkii/
Better looks
20 more watts (120 vs 100)
Ability to engage Triode mode (60 watts) for jazz and vocals
4 year warranty (compared to VAC's 2)
While the extra 20 watts does not sound like much, I do hope before too long to convert my Sopra 1s into floorstanders, and at that point the extra wattage would likely come in handy.
So, which would you choose, and why? They are quite similar in many regards.
These amps will be powering, for now, Focal Sopra No 1s.
Pros of the VAC:
http://www.vac-amps.com/productPages/Signature200.html
iQ technology is probably unparalleled, perfect bias at every volume
VAC build quality
Can be paired with another 200 iQ down the line to form a pair of monoblocks
Compatible with KT120s and KT150s
Has a 12v trigger
Better resale value, I assume
Pros of the Cary:
https://www.caryaudio.com/products/cad-120s-mkii/
Better looks
20 more watts (120 vs 100)
Ability to engage Triode mode (60 watts) for jazz and vocals
4 year warranty (compared to VAC's 2)
While the extra 20 watts does not sound like much, I do hope before too long to convert my Sopra 1s into floorstanders, and at that point the extra wattage would likely come in handy.
So, which would you choose, and why? They are quite similar in many regards.
- ...
- 19 posts total
| Post removed |
Having owned a VAC, the wattage will not mean a thing. Solid State wattage requirements mean nothing when compared with tubes and speaker wattage requirements are always stated in terms of solid state. And triode is not required for vocals and jazz. VAC any day versus Cary! And are you suggesting that Cary is selling direct to you at 20% off? If price is an issue.... |
http://www.axpona.com/expospecials.asp
"For Axpona show attendees, we will offer a 20% discount for all Concierge Price Levels during the show." threeeasypayments, these two amps are very highly comparable, as far as i can see. They are both: a stereo, tube amplifier, producing about 100 watts per channel, using KT88 tubes, made by highly respectable brands that have been around for a while, and both brands have loyal followings. I imagine there are people out there who would take the Cary, maybe because they prefer its sound. I have heard people say Cary makes a warm sound. On the topic of warm, I have also heard that this amp in particular can run very hot. Have you had that experience? I would take a Ferrari over a much more expensive Bugatti any day... or bread and butter over the foie gras...just trying to make a point that VAC being more expensive means little to nothing to me in terms of what is best. dobnbav, thanks for the input! 100 watts will be more than sufficient for the Sopra 1s, but I wonder about powering, say, Sopra 2s. did you enjoy your VAC amp? |
- 19 posts total