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Cary v12 vs. Vac 80/80 vs. Music Reference RM-9

Seeking sonic comparisons between these three amps, one of which I'm considering buying used. My priorities are a rich, textured midrange, smooth treble (allergic to brightness), not too forward sounding, and given the first three, soundstaging. Bass is not a huge priority. My system is a Primare CD31 player, CJ Premier 10 pre, and Snell Type A speakers. I'm not about accuracy since many recordings are less than ideal. Looking for realism and richness/emotion of the music.

Does triode operation give that goosebumps midrange like no other? Or is it all about execution? Can an older RM-9 compete with the Cary and VAC?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
montaldo
bradluke0
163 posts
 
Hi all ! cant help with the vac or m r but I really like my v12 . I always use the cary on triode mode and the 4 ohm taps although my speakers are 8 ohm . It is a very nice amp and they can be had for under $2000 . Also , many different kinds of output tubes can be used . It is very smooth in the mids with sweet highs and good bass . Can sound a little dark at times with some cables and such .
grimace
624 posts
 
I can't speak to the other two, but I have a Cary V12R driving a pair of Spendors and it sounds very nice. Deep and wide soundstage, really good instrument timbers - that sweet EL34 midrange everyone seems to love - and no harshness in the treble. I've had a minor hum problem with it, although it appears to be an external issue. Moving the pre to a different power supply and switching to the 4 Ohm taps fixed about 99% of it. Cary offers an upgrade to Cardas caps which was an audible improvement, but pricy. It's build like a tank and very heavy. Don't drop it, you might hurt your house. I don't see myself changing amps anytime soon.
mikirob
955 posts
 
Agree with Bradluke0 description, my v12 is awesome with Infinity Prelude Compositions or Tekton Lore. Fabulous all around. Rolling tubes with this amp is fun, albeit expensive.
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