ProAc Response 2: CJ CAV45, Cary SEI 300B, or Cary Rocket 88?
Looking at the amps listed in the title to pair with my newly acquired ProAc Response 2: CJ CAV45, Cary SEI 300B, or Cary Rocket 88
Looking for the best tone and most in-the-room presence possible. Also want tuneful/rhythmic bass vs depth/authority.
Any feedback from those who have heard any of these, especially with ProAc would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi Charles - I don't have the AI yet, but I just accepted a counteroffer to purchase an M3B. My plan is to find a pair of 300B Cary monos with the AI and compare with the CJ45. I'd really prefer a one-box setup, if the sound is close enough. I also think the extra power may be handy when I turn the dial up a bit. |
@leahy a friend bought one of my former fully upgraded Cary strapped triode/ultralinear amps (el34s), and right afterwards he sent his other CJ tube mono amps (6550s) and CJ mosfet ss amp out for full upgrades; selected a real expert master level tech. Upgraded all caps, resistors, diodes, and more - same as the Cary units had. He just had to know if upgrades really made a difference in the units. Both the Cary units and CJ units were brought to an entirely different level. In all cases the fully upgraded preamps and amps won over one brand vs. the other. Another consideration path for your CJ45 if its not already upgraded. I'm a Cary owner myself, if you go 300B Cary's plan on higher sensitivy higher impedence speakers too in order to get the most out of the amps and pricey 300b tubes, fwiw. Other fleawatt owners may chime in for other references if you go this route. |
@leahy , This is going to be an interesting direct comparison you plan to do. 1 Active tube preamplifier paired with a 300b SET circuit (Class A) DHT output tubes vs 2 Integrated amplifier with a passive preamplifier section, push-pull (Class A/B) circuit using pentode el34 output tubes. I have no doubt that you will hear distinct differences between these two. This will be fun and informative. Charles |
