Cary Audio

It is well known that using monoblock amplifiers, as opposed to both channels together as a stereo chassis, is the best way to get powerful and lifelike music. By using separate power supplies that can be much more massive, each amplifier can have more dynamic power and be quieter. Keeping two separate amplifiers also makes any inter-channel crosstalk in the amplifiers impossible, so separation is better, meaning your soundstage and musical imaging will be larger and more well-defined. The simple act of separating the two channels provides a lot of distinct advantages, but also increases the investment because of needing to double up on power supplies and chassis parts.Is this extra expense worth it? One listen to the CAD-211FE will convince you that it most certainly is. With over 70 watts of class-A power, automatically transitioning as needed to over 150 watts in class-AB, this powerhouse will effortlessly drive nearly any speaker to realistic live performance levels. It includes a bias meter on the front panel to help you maintain your amplifier at its peak operating level, and offers both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended inputs to match your system. Fully differentially-balanced construction, zero global feedback, and huge reserves of current and power mean that your system will come alive with all types of music and movies.

The CAD-805 Reference Series (CAD-805RS) is the latest edition in the 805 series of single-ended mono block amplifiers that has been in continuous production since 1993.Here is what you will see with a pair of CAD-805RS moving from front to back. The front panel is a handsome thick machined aluminum that is available in either silver or black anodized finish. The CAD-805RS is equipped with a built-in meter on the front of the chassis. The adjustment pot is located at the rear of the chassis along with a bias jack for an external meter. Looking at the amplifier from above, you see a top-plate, which is finished in a handsome Anthracite Black gloss enamel, with white silkscreened lettering. To the left, the main power switch, to the right the ‘standby/operate’ switch which powers up the 211 or 845 output tubes. To the left is a rotary switch with a green jewel-like knob that chooses the appropriate bias for your choice of 211 or 845 output tubes. To the right is a similar rotary knob that dials in ‘negative feedback’ on a global basis and is adjustable from “off” in a continual rotation to a max of 10 dB of feedback. Also, on this top front portion of the amplifier are two 6SN7 input stage tubes, a 300B driver stage tube, and your choice of either an 845 or 211 output tube.Behind the tubes, the main real-estate of the 805 is occupied by two very impressively sized transformers—one power, and one output, and four electrolytic capacitors. Also, toward the rear of the chassis are the aforementioned setscrew adjustment pot for biasing purposes and the quarter inch bias jack for reading the bias of the 300B driver tube. These are the only user adjustments you will have to worry about, other than choosing your output tube flavor.The back panel offers a choice of 4, 8, or 16 ohm speaker outputs that are very high quality and heavy duty. There is a RCA input jack and a XLR input jack with a user selectable switch, and two visible fuses—one for the 300B and one for the output tube. There is also a built-in fuse within the AC power socket. The power cord is detachable.To review the circuit, the single-ended audio input signal from the outside world is passed to the control input grid of the first 6SN7 tube. This first 6SN7 stage is operating in a parallel dual triode conventional resistance-coupled Class A amplifier. This first gain stage is directly coupled to the next 6SN7 dual triode gain stage. This second stage is operating in a series anode constant-current Class A amplifier. This amplified audio signal is passed through a coupling capacitor to the grid of the 300B driver stage.The 300B triode tube operates in a Class A single-ended mode utilizing fixed negative grid voltage on the 300B driver stage. This negative grid voltage is user-adjusted by the screwdriver pot at the rear of the CAD-805RS. The 300B is directly coupled to the grid of either a 211 or 845, 100-watt plate dissipation, triode output tube. The method of coupling at this stage is called an interstage transformer. This is an air-gap design with a flat frequency response from 30Hz to 23 KHz.The audio signal from the 300B interstage transformer will drive the 211/845 output tube to 27 watts Class A output. With additional volume levels, the amplifier goes into a positive grid mode with a power output of 50 watts Class A2. In the case of the 211-output tube, the Class A2 power is on the order of 70 watts at clipping. The high-power output from the 211/845 tube is coupled to the loudspeaker via an air-gapped 150 watt continuous duty output transformer. This transforms the high impedance (8000 ohm primary winding) of the output tube to 4,8, or 16 ohms to drive the loudspeaker.

Cary Audio has almost always offered stereo tube power amplifiers, and the CAD-120S MkII is the latest in this long line of award-winning, top-rated amplifiers. The new MkII version of our most popular power amplifier features a boosted sensitivity and reduced level of global feedback, allowing it to be used with a wider variety of other preamplifiers to produce a larger soundstage with more apparent musical detail.Fully differentially-balanced, like most Cary Audio products, the CAD-120S MkII offers both RCA single-ended and XLR balanced inputs to match any associated equipment. Front panel meters continually monitor the bias current to the tubes, helping you easily keep the amplifier operating at its peak efficiency.A huge power supply provides plenty of current storage to handle peak demands of your music. It can be switched on the fly from triode mode (Class A) at 60 watts per channel, to ultralinear mode (Class AB) at 120 watts per channel. This lets you enjoy the greatest possible minute details of your more delicate music, or ask for much more power when you want to turn it up a few notches. The CAD-120S MkII can make almost any system sound its very best in your home.

The introduction of the SA-500.1 ES solid-state power amplifier represents the next generation of the SA-500.1 design. It embodies a modular approach that ensures consistency in performance, and ease of manufacture and serviceability. In implementing the new design, we have dramatically improved performance and current-handling capacity over the previous model while still maintaining the highest levels of sonic quality.The SA-500.1 ES is a 500 watt monoblock amplifier into 8 ohms, (1000 watts into 4 ohms), with balanced and single ended inputs. The amplifier exhibits very high current capability, is stable into low impedance loads, and features 3 dB of dynamic headroom.When we designed the SA-500.1 ES power amplifier, one of our primary goals was to create a product that would give years of consistent and reliable use without any maintenance. To achieve that goal we took a hard look at the design and choice of components. For example, we use high-precision metal film resistors in almost all our circuitry, even in places where their use is not required. We have overbuilt the output stage and increased the heat dissipating capabilities of the amplifier by as much as 50% over previous designs. The changes encompass almost every part of the design, down to the choice of thickness of the chassis sheet metal. The monolithic front end brought major advantages to the amplifier design with improved temperature stability, low offset, and a substantial reduction of all types of distortion across the full frequency spectrum.

The introduction of the SA-200.2 ES solid-state power amplifier represents the next generation of the SA-200.2 design. It embodies a modular approach that ensures consistency in performance, and ease of manufacture and serviceability. In implementing the new design, we have dramatically improved performance and current-handling capacity over the previous model while still maintaining the highest levels of sonic quality.The SA-200.2 ES is a 200 watt stereo amplifier into 8 ohms, (350 watts into 4 ohms), with balanced and single ended inputs. The amplifier exhibits very high current capability, is stable into low impedance loads, and features 3 dB of dynamic headroom.When we designed the SA-200.2 ES power amplifier, one of our primary goals was to create a product that would give years of consistent and reliable use without any maintenance. To achieve that goal, we took a hard look at the design and choice of components. For example, we use high-precision metal film resistors in almost all our circuitry, even in places where their use is not required. We have overbuilt the output stage and increased the heat dissipating capabilities of the amplifier by as much as 50% over previous designs. The changes encompass almost every part of the design, down to the choice of thickness of the chassis sheet metal. The monolithic front end brought major advantages to the amplifier design with improved temperature stability, low offset, and a substantial reduction of all types of distortion across the full frequency spectrum.

The SI-300.2d integrated amplifier is yet another milestone as Cary Audio forges deeper into the new era of sought after premium audio systems. Cary Audio is highly regarded for the rich, warm, yet detailed sound of our components. This includes both analog components and digital components, as we have become a reference standard in both. Combining Cary Audio’s analog preamplifier and power amplifier sound with our spectacular digital section is a natural evolution, and one that is stunning to both hear and see.The SI-300.2d mates a 300 watts per channel stereo Class A/B power amplifier with analog RCA and XLR inputs to a Class A analog preamplifier gain stage. The amplifier itself is biased to run Class A for an extended portion of the power output to deliver that rich, warm, yet detailed sound Cary Audio is known for. The digital section is a chip off our reference products thereby including only the best digital circuit topology, digital to analog conversion process, and technologies like our proprietary TruBit™ Upsampling and OSO™ reclocking features. Digital inputs include; XMOS USB capable of True native DSD up to 256 and PCM/DXD up to 32 Bit / 384kHz, as well as Coaxial (2), Optical, AES/EBU, and aptX® Bluetooth inputs. What’s more, all SPDIF and Bluetooth digital sources offer 10 TruBit™ selectable upsampling or PCM to DSD conversion options. On the analog side, the SI-300.2d includes 4 analog inputs (2-balanced XLR, 2-RCA), with one each of the XLR and RCA inputs offering true Cinema Bypass features.The powerful solid state Class AB 300 watt x 2 stereo power amplifier ensures even the most difficult of loads are tamed while delivering Cary Audio’s famous tube like sound from its solid state output devices. With the SI-300.2d the externals are also something to behold. The center mounted machined aluminum volume control is flanked by a pair of gorgeous analog “Cary Blue” VU meters to the right while the left side text display shows all source information. All this trimmed off by a handsome aluminum frame highlighting its beautiful design elements.Additional features include: a pre/subwoofer output, coaxial and optical digital outputs, IR hand held remote, trigger out, IR sensor input, and Ethernet and Wi-Fi for controlling the SI-300.2d with free iOS and Android apps.

Tube aficionados have long known that the best possible realism and detail comes when an amplifier is run in SET mode, or Single-Ended Triode. This lets one power tube handle both sides of each musical waveform, eliminating some of the most fatiguing distortions. It results in lower output power, naturally, but with high-efficiency speakers played at reasonable levels, its ultimate simplicity means the ultimate in musical naturalness.While only offering 15 watts per channel of pure class-A remote-controlled power, the CAD-300SEI does things that almost no other amplifier today can achieve. Its careful attention to design and construction means that it is extremely quiet, allowing the tiniest musical details to float against a background of dead silence. This will help you perceive more accurate soundstaging and imaging cues, as well as the most realistic harmonic structure of each instrument. You can tell a Steinway from a Bösendorfer piano, a Stradivarius from a Guarneri or Amati violin, or a Fender from a Gibson guitar. You’ll hear inner details of musical groups that you never knew were there. Sometimes the simplest IS the best, and the CAD-300SEI is a testament to that philosophy.

For many years the SLI-80 integrated amplifier has been the standard by which all other vacuum tube integrated amplifiers are judged…period! As Cary Audio’s entry into the magic of vacuum tube music systems, it’s nothing short of stunning. Thousands of music lovers all over the world have heard and seen the virtues of this spectacular vacuum tube integrated amplifier.The new SLI-80HS (Heritage Series) maintains the integrity of its past. Its circuit uses very little feedback which gives it incredible transparency and detail in the music while providing bass texture and impact that belies its rated power output. Solid-state rectification adds excellent pace to the music and offers improved dynamics and bass detail over earlier versions. The depth of sound and transparency will cause you to snap your head in disbelief as you look to see the musicians performing in front of you. A pair of toggle switches select either triode mode producing 40 watts per channel of pure Class A power, or ultra-linear mode which doubles power to 80 watts per channel in Class AB. If you’re listening to more subtle music and want to hear all of the inner detail and richness, select triode mode for the most lifelike imaging and tonal accuracy. Or, if you want to really let loose, switch to ultra-linear mode and enjoy the extra power and dynamics. Your choice!For several years now, the world renown loudspeaker company, Klipsch, has been using the SLI-80 at various audio shows around the world in combination with their award-winning Heritage Series product line. From the famous Klipschorns to the Heresy III and all models in between, the combination is amazing. As a result of this collaboration, Cary Audio has partnered with Klipsch to design a version of the SLI-80 to directly complement their Heritage Series product line. Black Ash, Cherry, and Walnut wood side panels are available below as an additional accessory of the new SLI-80HS (Heritage Series) integrated amplifier to match the various finishes of the loudspeakers in the Klipsch Heritage Series. The visual effect is amazing!

The SLI-100 is one of the most exotic integrated stereo audio amplifiers available. Within its power range, the SLI-100 displays the operating characteristics of a true “high-end” amplifier. Careful design, parts selection and proper circuit topologies contribute to incredible reliability and enjoyment. The SLI-100 integrated stereo amplifier operates in a Class AB1 mode utilizing a negative fixed bias supply. The KT150 output tubes are configured in push-pull and yield 100 watts/channel of output power. The output transformers in the SLI-100 are the most important component in the amplifier and have been specifically designed by Cary Audio for use in the SLI-100. Negative feedback is derived from the 8 ohm tap on the output transformer secondary. This feedback circuitry is used to reduce the noise floor and improve the speaker damping characteristics. Only 4 dB of feedback is utilized. The phase inverter is a self-balancing split load configuration utilizing the 6SN7 octal base dual triode. The preamplifier circuit is a Series Regulated Push-Pull (SRPP) Class A triode voltage amplification stage direct coupled to the phase inverter. The power supply in the SLI-100 features a 200% duty cycle EI laminate power transformer.Another feature of the SLI-100, aside from how compact and gorgeous it looks, is the delightful, sensual beauty of the music it recreates. The first thing that will strike you about the SLI-100 integrated amplifier is the incredible transparency and resolution of detail in the music. The SLI-100’s sensual nature is best revealed in the sense of life it displays in female vocalists. The SLI-100 integrated amplifier presents music with such presence and directness, you’ll be drawn into the music hour after musically satisfying hour. This is the result of circuit techniques, which eliminate any discernible crossover notch at low levels, and also contributes to the freedom from listening fatigue. The SLI-100 will draw you in even further as you realize how lucid and utterly uncolored neutrality reveals delicate nuances in the sound stage.

Cary Audio has always supported playback of vinyl records, and today there is a revival of the LP as a serious format, both for audiophiles and for the general music public. With the new VT-500, even the most demanding vinyl enthusiast will realize this exotic unit is dedicated to nothing short of incomparable vinyl playback.The VT-500 is a vacuum tube stereo phono preamplifier utilizing four (4) 6SL7 dual triode tubes. The RIAA equalization curve is derived from a passive RC circuit located between the two gain stages. The VT-500 uses a fully regulated power supply housed in a large separate heavy-duty external power supply chassis ensuring an extremely quiet operation. The MC section uses two high quality step-up transformers providing enough gain for use with any MC cartridge with a very low noise floor. The VT-500 offers inputs and selectable loading to match almost any moving-magnet or moving-coil phono cartridge. This will optimize the response to best match your cartridge.For the analog lover, the VT-500 is a magical blend of art and technology that will add to your music listening enjoyment hour after hour. You’ll hear subtle shadings and exciting dynamic contrasts on all types of music. If you are serious about your vinyl music collection and your turntable, the VT-500 should be part of your system.

Cary Audio has always supported playback of vinyl records, and today there is a revival of the LP as a serious format, both for audiophiles and for the general music public. With the new VT-500, even the most demanding vinyl enthusiast will realize this exotic unit is dedicated to nothing short of incomparable vinyl playback.The VT-500 is a vacuum tube stereo phono preamplifier utilizing four (4) 6SL7 dual triode tubes. The RIAA equalization curve is derived from a passive RC circuit located between the two gain stages. The VT-500 uses a fully regulated power supply housed in a large separate heavy-duty external power supply chassis ensuring an extremely quiet operation. The MC section uses two high quality step-up transformers providing enough gain for use with any MC cartridge with a very low noise floor. The VT-500 offers inputs and selectable loading to match almost any moving-magnet or moving-coil phono cartridge. This will optimize the response to best match your cartridge.For the analog lover, the VT-500 is a magical blend of art and technology that will add to your music listening enjoyment hour after hour. You’ll hear subtle shadings and exciting dynamic contrasts on all types of music. If you are serious about your vinyl music collection and your turntable, the VT-500 should be part of your system.

Cary Audio’s finest preamplifier has been the recipient of many awards and glowing reviews. It consists of one enclosure housing the preamplifier itself, and a second separate power supply to keep noise out of the musical signal path and provide a more stable electrical foundation. Like most Cary Audio products it is fully differential-balanced in construction to further reduce electronic noise, and uses no global feedback for faster response. The SLP-05 features three pairs of RCA inputs plus a tape loop, as well as two pairs of XLR balanced inputs, and includes a Cinema Bypass mode so you can share sources between the music system and a home theater processor without worrying about degrading the signal path or having to readjust volume.A set of hand-matched tubes is provided with your SLP-05, as well as a matched pair that simply power a built-in headphone amplifier. All of this technology simply means that you will be listening to music that is lifelike in its richness and clarity, and full of the tiny details that raise the SLP-05 from simply good to world-class. Cary Audio’s attention to detail in circuit design, parts quality, and a superb finish, makes this truly an investment in musical enjoyment and pride of ownership.