I may be wrecked forever? Cary Amp on the way home!

bobsauto49
bobsauto49 Posts: 973
edited August 2013 in Electronics
On my way home with a Cary CAD120. Brandy new in the sealed box! Awesome fellas at Sound World in Appelton let me demo this for a few weeks! I'm excited! The rabbit hole may get deeper;-)
"Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,711
    edited August 2013
    That sure is a pretty amp!! Good Luck.
    Hopefully this one will end your amp search for a while.
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,567
    edited August 2013
    I'm sure you are excited, congrats. Pics would be nice. :smile:
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited August 2013
    3 hrs of listening,and, G*D Da*n Mo**er F**ker!! What am I gonna do now?? :eek: This thing sounds amazing! It easily competes with my BAT,and is just a pure joy to listen to! My wife loves it. Its a little smoother than my BAT,slightly less detailed,maybee a little less punch! But it has that room filling sound that the BAT does,and the D-sonic didn't! Very hard to tell the difference in the mids over the BAT,overall they are VERY similar sounding! This thing rated at 120w,but plays at 96-100db without any strain,grain,or harshness,also like the BAT! Im seriously puzzeled:redface: Maybee,in a perfect world,I could keep both:smile:
    photo (7).JPG
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,567
    edited August 2013
    3 hrs of listening,and, G*D Da*n Mo**er F**ker!!

    :lol: and she's pretty too.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,640
    edited August 2013
    Awe man that is beautiful. Congrats Bob. I know i would love to hear that. Break it in & enjoy your new tubes :)
    ..
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited August 2013
    Have to agree with Jesse, that is a very clean and nice piece od gear!
    Home Theater
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    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited August 2013
    Man, if that doesn't give you an audio boner, I don't know what would then. Gorgeous Bob.....simply stunning. Now for your dilemma, the Bat or the Cary.

    The Bat is plug and play, no fuss turn it on and away you go. The Cary needs to warm up some, may cost more with tube rolling, but the advantage is you can customize the sound with tube rolling as with the Bat you get what you get. Tell ya what, if the Cary sounds so close to the Bat, that's a good testament for the Cary. Congrats man, I know it's a trial but hell man, once that beautiful piece hits your home It's hard to kick it out the door.

    Let me add that both those amps are get off the merry-go round amps, keepers for life. Consider yourself lucky my friend.
    HT SYSTEM-
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    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited August 2013
    I've got a lot of thinking,and listening to do! Last nt was my 1st listen to a tube amp,and I was floored:-) I figured it would sound good,but didn't expect the power,and room filling rich sound! VERY similar to the BAT I've have!
    Big props to Sound World for letting me try this risk free! I have a bead on a BAT VK600SE,that is very close to this in price,and may reconsider that now!
    I knew this thing was gonna be trouble,as soon as I saw it! That's it, I'm Fu$kin wrecked now:-)
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited August 2013
    There is not much that can compare to the Holographic, 3 dimensional presentation that a well built tube amp. can bring to the table. Either brand is "top shelf" equipment. Tough decisions fo sho.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited August 2013
    Absolutely Mike, but if this thing sounds that good with the stock tubes......heck man, he's in for a real treat down the road.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited August 2013
    tonyb wrote: »
    Absolutely Mike, but if this thing sounds that good with the stock tubes......heck man, he's in for a real treat down the road.
    U guys scare the chit atta me! And my wallet:-)
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2013
    Awesome amp, have fun with the comparison...

    BUT!

    In either case, your power amp is not the weak link in the chain right now. You need a real DAC, then you can just use that Rega as a transport. Your DACs (both in the CA and the Rega) are your bottlenecks right now.

    Seriously congrats on that Cary piece though... that thing would be very hard to return...
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2013
    And FYI, I am NOT trying to scare your wallet anymore than it already is, in fact I'm trying to do the opposite. A "real" DAC will be MUCH cheaper than either the Cary or the VK600. :biggrin:
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited August 2013
    It's a good dac, certainly his level of gear deserves better though. His wallet may not agree with either of us.:lol:
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited August 2013
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    And FYI, I am NOT trying to scare your wallet anymore than it already is, in fact I'm trying to do the opposite. A "real" DAC will be MUCH cheaper than either the Cary or the VK600. :biggrin:
    This amp hunt is a long story,that I haven't told! The BAT's left channel has been sent to BAT twice,in the last few month's,and has failed again,after just getting it back! They are trying to find me a new left channel,as I'm increasingly frustrated in the $600 I spent to fix it,and still doesn't work! Not to mention,packing/shipping,and not having my amp in between fixings,then to get it back,and still not work. The D-sonic,was just to fill my curiousity,and will be shipped back,as it did not meet my expectations! The Cary was just a very nice jesture by my friends @ Sound World! If my VK500 never failed,I would've already purchased the Cary DAC100t ,that they have waiting for me at Sound World. Just need to get a solid foundation before I start upgrading components! The BAT VK600SE,is just an upgraditis,caused by the unbelievable sound of the VK500(when it works) Hope this helps u guys understand,that im not as schitzofrantic as PFB:lol:
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,047
    edited August 2013
    That is such a cool looking amp! If it sounds that good then for me keeping it would be a no brainer. A tube amp is "next up" on my list of upgrades. I'm jealous/happy for you.
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited August 2013
    Bob, that Cary amp is beautiful and the way you describe how it sounds, is outstanding. Sorry to hear you are having the problems with the BAT500.
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited August 2013
    Thanx polkie! It very frustrating! I absolutely love the Bat when it works! Which is why I was considering upgrading to the VK600se! It truly is the best amp I've ever heard! The Cary's nipping at its feet though:-)
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2013
    Bob, do you still not have the BAT back? I thought you were getting it back last week or something?
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited August 2013
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    Bob, do you still not have the BAT back? I thought you were getting it back last week or something?

    I think he just got it back last week and it went out again for the third time.
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited August 2013
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    I think he just got it back last week and it went out again for the third time.
    This is exactly correct! Arrgggghh:evil:
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2013
    bobsauto49 wrote: »
    This is exactly correct! Arrgggghh:evil:

    3rd time??? Holy ****. I'm glad your dealer hooked you up with that Cary! That really is a beautiful amp, I'd love to hear it.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited August 2013
    bobsauto49 wrote: »
    This is exactly correct! Arrgggghh:evil:

    It's an off brand piece of crap anyways. Just send it to me and I'll throw it away for you.:cheesygrin:
    Did you receive any kind of warranty?
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited August 2013
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    It's an off brand piece of crap anyways. Just send it to me and I'll throw it away for you.:cheesygrin:
    Did you receive any kind of warranty?
    No,but they're not gonna charge me to fix it again
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited August 2013
    Man, that really sucks and I'd be asking to talk to the head honcho pronto. Maybe Victor is trying to break in an American in the shop who doesn't understand Russian....yet.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited August 2013
    That amp is much prettier than any BAT, so congrats on a great piece of gear. I never had problems with my BAT, but I did come across a DIY buddy who couldn't stay far enough away from them for similar problems.

    Good luck!
    Jake
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited August 2013
    Sounds like Bat has a few lemons in their bushel. I wasn't aware of them having such problems until you guys started talking about it. Definitely makes one stop to ponder future purchases.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • bobsauto49
    bobsauto49 Posts: 973
    edited August 2013
    Well I just bought a minty VK600SE,lets hope this is an isolated incident!
    "Everything I ever did in my life worthwhile I caught hell for"
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited August 2013
    tonyb wrote: »
    Sounds like Bat has a few lemons in their bushel. I wasn't aware of them having such problems until you guys started talking about it. Definitely makes one stop to ponder future purchases.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/BAT-VK-200-Balanced-Audio-Technology-Stereo-Amplifier-USA-Audiophile-/350854860373?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item51b0944e55
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited August 2013
    While I feel for Bobs issues, after 3 failed repairs I would most likely be looking elsewhere to give another company a chance at earning my money..
    I would not be buying another one..
    tonyb wrote: »
    Sounds like Bat has a few lemons in their bushel. I wasn't aware of them having such problems until you guys started talking about it. Definitely makes one stop to ponder future purchases.
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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