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Cary Audio Design CAD 50 M Mk II
Cary Audio Design CAD 50 M Mk II
MSRP: $

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Rating
Reviewed by:

mg16

(AudioPhile)

Review Date
May 11, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

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Review 1 of 2

Price Paid:  $1000.00 from Audiogon/preowned

Summary:
I agree with Omer . I mainly use these amps in triode mode only. Soundstage width, depth, and especially inner detail are outstanding. In triode mode, it sounds very similar to my JE Labs 300B Single ended triode monoblocks, but with more "grunt" to power the speakers better. I previously owned Quicksiver Silver Monos which sounded wonderfull, full, and 3 dimensional. With the Carys I get all of the same, but am hearing details within the soundstage that the Quicksilvers missed. To use an overused phrase that really fits: "Its as if I am hearing my music collection for the first time". They get the harmonics right which Quicksilver did also. Voices and instruments sound very real in the room. Bass is excellent. Midrange is truly wonderfull. High end is slightly soft, but subtle details are all reproduced realistically within the soundstage. Soundstage exists well beyond the speaker boundries, and is very enjoyable. I constantly get lost in the music while listening. I bought these amps used on Audiogon . The previous owner had a hodge podge of KT-88's included. Chinese, SED. After reading some web reviews on KT-88 tubes, I bought a matched quad of Electro Harmonix KT-88 for $100.00. There are probably better tubes for these amps, but the EH tubes sound great after a 2 week breakin. Input tubes are Sylvania JAN 6SL7. Amps are great looking chrome chassis with brass/gold? faceplates. Seperate power switches for heater and High voltage. Saves tube life. Build quality is excellent. I couldn't be happier with these amps. Originally $2500.00 new in 2001. A great buy at $1000 if you find them used. Happy listening!

Strengths:
Soundstage, inner detail, harmonic truthfullness

Weaknesses:
Not the last word in dynamics, but still good.

Similar Products Used:
Quicksilver Silver monos, Mesa Baron, Dynaco St-70, JE Labs 300B diy monoblocks


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Rating
Reviewed by:
Omer
(Audio Enthusiast)

Review Date
January 16, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3.00 votes

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Review 2 of 2

Summary:
Perect match to the SLP50 preamp, with the polished chrome chassis. Liquid smooth 30 watts in triode mode, but still has bass weight and definition. Solid image/soundstage. Build quality is unequalled at this price range for mono blocks. This product may not be in everybody's price range, and it's shame it's discontinued. Being a dealer has it's perks!

Strengths:
sex appeal, effortless controlled sound, built like a tank.

Weaknesses:
are you kidding?

Similar Products Used:
Jolida, Antique Sound Lab (ha!)


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