Detailed Look at Cary Audio 306/200 CD Player

Hififred, what AC cord are you using on the Ayre? I have had both players. The Ayre is very AC cord sensative. My Ayre can sound absolutely divine to so-so depending on the AC cord on it.

The Ayre has an amazing amount of dynamics. All it takes is the right AC cord. I kid you not... The Cary seemed to me to have an enhanced and almost exagerated midrange (very liquid). It seemed to be rolled off the top and bottom. However, this could have been an AC cord issue. I really did not get a chance to use some real high quality AC cords on the Cary when I had it. The best one I used was a Shunyata Black Mamba, and I would only consider that a bit above a stock cord.

If you want to get outstanding performance from the Ayre the AC cords I recommend (from most to least) Omega Mikro LCX active AC cord (you must hear to believe), Omega Mikro passive AC cord (about 85% of the sonics of the active for 50% of the price) Elrod 3 Signature, Kimber Palladium PK10, Virtual Dynamics Nite, BMI Shark, Audience Power Chord.

Stock AC cord on the Ayre IMHO gets you only about 60% of sonically of what it can do.

Sorry if I sound like a fanatic, but the OM AC cords make the Ayre sound like a $10k+ player (not kidding).

KF

I wonder what they would do for a $10K+ player.

KF-I did use the stock cord when auditioning the Ayre, but I've also been using the stock cord with the Cary. Still like the Cary, but I understand your points. The guy who sold me the Cary speaks volumes about the neccessity of a PC upgrade. He's suggested the Elrod for the Cary. I hope to audition it soon. At some point, I'll plan to grab the Ayre for another head to head.

And yes, you are a fanatic, but if I decide to keep, and eventually pay for that expensive PC, I'll consider myself one too.

I have tried a lot of power cords and interconnects with the Cary 306/200 and find the FIM Gold AC power cord and Quattro Fil interconnects work best in my system (Cat Ultimate MKII preamp, Cary CAD 280 V-12 200w Monoblocks and Piega P-10 loudspeakers with a Rel Storm subwoofer. Not even an NBS Statement AC cord or the Nordost Valkjra interconnects did as well. The FIM Gold adds transient speed and heft while removing a touch of congestion and providing more soundstage depth and air and the Quattro Fil helps in some of these same regards, while not impeding others.