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Upgrading Cary CAD 300sei integrated

Would appreciate if Cary users could share their expirience please.
The common upgradis are power and output transformers plus caps, but which one to get? I read a lot good things about Tamura brand and may will be prepare to go for it, but are there some others for less?

From caps, Jensen's been advised by a good friend of my, but than again, which one, mean, want to keep the budget healthy:-)

Also, do you think that I have to upgrade all in once or just starting from transformers may give the huge step up already?

And last, but not least, what are the results and the total financial damage? Do you think it was worth to do or you ended up bying another amp after all?

THX
maxmad
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
Well it will only marginally help resale value should you ever go that route ... never come close to re-couping the cost of the modifications. Probably even less so if you do the mods yourself rather than a well known tech.

The AirTight ATM-300B has many of the things you are considering changing in the Cary, most notably the Tamura transformers. Might be a batter way to go if you can track down a used one.

Also SAC Thailand custom makes some BEAUTIFUL amps that could be built to exactly the standard you wish ... no experience with them other than visiting their website though

decisions decisions

Jeff
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I agree with Jrin..dnet. The cost of mods can be prohibitive. IMHO you are considering taking the heart and soul of this amp and by changing the the Trannies.
I can't imagine that such a major mod would sell well unless someone really just wants the highly reputable Tamuras. I would do as little damage as possible -replaced caps are generally better accepted mods.
The resale on heavily modded units not only seems to impact what you can ask but almost never recoups your modding costs. Just browse the for sale section and you will see.
I echo the above if you really want better trannies I for would get a different amp.
Post removed 
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
cap upgrade may be worhtwhile ... I would certainly CONSIDER having it done by Cary Audio though IF I was concerned about re-sale value at all
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