2. amps-preamps
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CARY CAD120s clipping?

Have just bought a cary Cad 120s tube amp and useing my dads old luxman solid state preamp till have enough money for a cary slp-98p preamp. Not really the ideal match, but will have to do for now.

My question is dose anyone had experience with the cad 120s from cary and when dose the amp start into clipping?

What position on the volume knob dose it start clipping?

And if the bias meters in the front go past the 200 gauge dose while playing loud dose this mean it's in clipping mode?

If anyone owns a cary slp-98p and the cary cad120s as there setup it would be really appreciated let me know your experiences."

Thanks you guys.
128x128jakecanada
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree with Brf, the meters show bias adjustments, not clipping. Also different speakers will dictate different levels for clipping depending on their efficiences. The volume knob cannot designate clipping either, since different preamps will have different amounts of gain.

I have the SLP-98P, and I'm using it with a solid state amp. I've looked at the CAD-120S, and it is still under consideration for me. I can't say that I am definitely committed to buying one though.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
Jake I have the exact combo slp 98p and cad 120's the first 35 watts are class A and the bias should be set at 140 to 150 on the meters. In ultralinear you can peg the needles as per the manual. This combo is a match made in heaven. Make sure all your tubes are good. You won't have to upgrade to the mark II with the slp98p either because the pre has plenty of gain in it. Best of luck.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
If any one has the SLP98P and no tube amp the CAD120's will make you happy you bought it. Mono's may be better but maybe not always.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
01-30-14: Polk432
If any one has the SLP98P and no tube amp the CAD120's will make you happy you bought it. Mono's may be better but maybe not always.

Thanks, that may help steer me towards the 120S.
Have you tried any other tube amps with your 98P? Which ones?
Did you try any SET amps?

Cheers,
John
polk432
1,142 posts
 
John, the only other amp I've tried was a Mac275 tube and the MC 7270 SS. Both sounded really good. The 275 has more of a SS sound (but runs cool for tubes) the 7270 also sounded good, but the CAD 120 is excellent. I'm now in the camp of friends don't let friends listen to solid state, even though my 2nd system is ss. Best of luck if you get the 120. Lipinski L707's and Wilson Witt II's sound great and all I now use are Linn IC's I had Nordost Heimdals but there was not enough difference to justify the price. MHO
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