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Theory about Cary amps and their reviewers

Cary is now one of the older tube companies around from the tube boom in the'90s. My experience with them has been very positive. I wonder if some of the criticisms of them - fat, not extended, slow, etc., are in fact relics of the first reviews in magazines which were so used to solid state and still in the "wattage race". I have heard Rockets and V12's in rock and home theater setting pulling duty that would put solid states to shame. I also notice you never really see those sorts of reviews anymore. Other than making the amps compatable with higher gain devices, so that they can have direct inputs from things like CD's with volume controls, have there been any fundamental changes though? I prefer the slightly older versions with the lower gain input myself, but I understand the rationale.
biomimetic
duane
189 posts
 
They sound very good but there are several that sound as good just different. My only opinion is they tend to be unreliable and the owner is unreliable. One or the other is normal but to have 2 strikes against them scares me.
biomimetic OP
252 posts
 
Interesting. I have actually had quite a few over the top positive experiences with Cary - shipping an MA plug to me when it wasn't included in a used amp, when their site says not even to ask, complete wih funny stories about people taking their amps apart and getting stranded, unable to get the back together. I have never heard anyone call Dennis unreliable - busy, but not unreliable. Has anyone had a serious problem with a Cary amp? Please do not say: "A mysterious buzzing with a single-ended amp and [you] went back to a Levinson and there was no buzzing". 1. Fix your power supply. 2. Don't compare apples and oranges. Anyone have any first-hand accounts either way? Not,"I know a guy who has a friend who.."? Which is what I have heard and seen repeated from over at the asylum. I am actually curious. Positives okay too.
mattybumpkin
590 posts
 
I completely disagree with Duane, both owner and product are very sound.

Regards,
clio09
3,355 posts
 
I would have to say I have had nothing but positive experiences with Cary equipment. Currently I own the V12i amp, SLP-98L preamp, and PH-301 phono stage. All have been very reliable, no breakdowns or other issues, and when I call Cary to ask questions about my gear I get great service. Occasionally Mr. Had himself is the one assisting me, so I don't understand the "unreliable" tag on this man, although others may have had different experiences, these are mine FWIW.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
In my experience, they are second to none. One of my good friends turned me onto them and has probably owned 7-8 of their amplifers with ZERO problems. I have owned a CD-308 CD player and my current SLI-80 and have had nothing but success and enjoyment.

My dealings with Cary in NC have also been top notch. Anyway, some one always has a bum experience or product that they would not buy again. I think you will find very few that will say that about Cary.

Chris
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