Detailed Look at Cary Audio 306/200 CD Player

I have cracked a Cary 306/200 before, and the build quality is first rate. My only problems with the unit are Cary's rather limited 1 year warranty. With such high build quality, why only warrant the product for 1 year? Another issue I had was getting the case/top back on. Removing the top is not too hard... Screwing back in the screws is a nightmare (take my word for it, I think one needs a special screwdriver to do it properly/effectively). My final issue with this player had to do with the whoping 6v it outputs through XLR outs. This can pose serious system matching problems depending on one's preamp (and rest of the system to some degree). If you have a stepped preamp that does not have really fine control over the volume, this can be a big issue.

KF

One more thing... the glaring display on the unit is about as ugly as blue displays come (and I love blue lights and displays). The same with the overall aesthtics of the player. My theory is if you are going to design a $5k player, you should at least make it look cool (IMHO).

Sonically, I think the Cary competes well with the EMC-1 mk2, but I think other newer technological players have surpassed the Cary.

KF

KF-I agree with everything you have written more or less. The bright blue light thing is a turn off and I am also not fond of the warranty. And, I know the Cary has worn out its welcome on Audiogon. Yet, I'm compelled to keep loving it! One new player that's getting a lot more love than the Cary right now is the Ayre. I recently brought it home for a comparison. The Ayre is fantastic. It seems to do a better job with the highs and the lows. The lows are particularly well defined. But one thing that really bothered me was the Ayre's lack of speed. One reviewer characterized it as "dynamics," or lack there of. The Cary has much speed (or dynamics), which I really think speak to its musical nature. And, the fact that its built like a brick makes me feel better about that damn warranty.