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Cary Audio Design Superior Quality and Value |
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#1
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Contrast between Conrad Johnson and Cary
Greetings Cary fans!
I've got Conrad Johnson and the itch to see what might edge them out for my particular tastes. Anyone have experience with both CJ and Cary and can offer some observations of comparison in sound qualities? I don't want to start any "which is better" talk; just differences please! My CJ pieces are somewhere in the middle of their range and from 10-15 years ago: Premier 17LS pre (6922 based) and Premier 11A amp (75wpc - originally 6550's, now using KT120 output tubes). Thanks....... |
#2
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Cannot answer your comparison question, but have been through several different McIntosh tube rigs over the years and find that the Cary SLI-80 Sig that am currently listening to seems to be more sensitive to tube rolling than was the McIntosh gear. Am especially a fan of the 6922 and 6SN7 used in the SLI-80.
Neglected to mention how pleased I am with the performance/sonics of the Cary. At least the equal of the separates from McIntosh (as always, the preamp is the weak point with them) and comparable to BAT.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Greek-stuph Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag Last edited by Formerly YB-2; 06-05-2013 at 09:49 AM. |
#3
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They are both two great brands, arguably some of the best in the industry. I had a Prem 11A for nearly 10 years and replaced it with a Cary 805AE recently. I still have my Prem 16S2 pre paired with the 805's, it's an excellent match. The biggest difference between the 2 brands is Cary does a lot in terms of SET's where as CJ is push pull. If you're a tube purist like me I would definitely try the CJ pre Cary SET route. It's very musical, realistic & neutral.
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#4
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Quote:
I have restored AR2ax speakers. I have no idea about their sensitivity and wonder if SET would be enough power for them. I suspect they are a bit power hungry as they are sealed (acoustic suspension), but I also have heard that older speakers don't need as much power on average since amps weren't all that powerful in the 60's and 70's. |
#5
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Quote:
Did you mean that the preamp is the weakest point for Cary or McIntosh? |
#6
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Preamps are the weak link in a McIntosh chain in my opinion.
Vintage McIntosh tube amps are much warmer then the modern generation/models.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Greek-stuph Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag |
#7
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That's consistent with my impression when I've had the chance to listen.
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#8
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I have an 11a which I love and is the best CJ I've heard. I just got a 300sei and WOW, it sure does sing. The 300 won't run my Apogees so it's not really fair but I understand the 300B cult thing now,
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