Original Cary 300B Monos Reliability?

@leahy

I really like my CJ CAV45 S2, but I still want a little more of the reach out and touch them midrange that I recall from the Carys. 

I do not doubt  that  your CJ CAV 45 amplifier is serving you very well.  However the "reach out and touch " tactile quaility you're seeking is in my experience a true strength of good quality output SET amplification. 

As good as my  previous push pull amplifiers were, my Coincident Frankenstein 300b SET just took this characteristic to an upper level.  I'm curious to see how this plays out in your audio system given the inevitable variables and the Spector of component/system synergy. 

Charles 

Update: somewhat disappointed with the Cary monos/ProAc R2 combo, BUT, my 16 ohm single driver speakers (Finale Audio: Vivace Mini) are an excellent match. I'm missing a little bit of the mid-bass weight from my JBL L112 along with ultimate volume. For most daily listening, these Cary's are just what I was looking for. 

I am looking to max out the 6SL7 and 300B tube options. I'm thinking new WE 300B ($1,500!!!) and some nice NOS 6SL7 tubes. Any thoughts on these options would be appreciated.

Charles, what's your preamp with the Coincidents?

@leahy 

Congratulations with the Cary SET and Finale Audio speaker pairing. I use the Coincident Statement Line stage (101D tubes). You are wise to consider the upper tier quality 300b tube such as Western Electric. I'd also recommend you consider EML XLS and the Elrog 300b as well.  There are very good word of mouth reports  in regard to the Lanlai Elite 300b tubes.

Charles

@leahy For many years I ran a Cary CAD-301SE (a little-known model) with ProAc Response 2.5’s. I used the first reissue WE300B’s that came out in perhaps the 1990s--not originals, and not the new ones. I found the combination excellent. It didn’t plumb the bass (just as much the ProAc’s "fault" as the Cary’s), but with the midrange it provided it was easy to forgive.

Here’s one of the few photos I’ve found of a 301.

Charles - I found the information regarding concerns with the Carys running the 300Bs near their limits. It came from the EML web page. They suggested the XLS as a best option for Cary. Those tubes may draw more amperage, so I would check with Cary to confirm that the power supply will have no issue. Might also be a question about the base fitting into the tube cutout (a little on the lean side). I know the WE will fit and be a great tube, but I wouldn't mind paying a bit less.

Current preamp is a Croft 25 w/ phono. It's quite good without complaints, but other options might bump things up another notch.

Two-Left - thanks for taking the time to reply. I won't go wrong if I get the WE, especially based on your experience. If they last 10-15 years, it will be a great investment!