CAD-300 SEI Review
We have previously tested Cary Audio’s excellent DMS-650 network player as well as its SI-300.2d transistor amplifier. While these two devices show that the American brand knows how to diversify, we must not forget that it has mainly built its reputation on tube electronics. With the CAD-300 SEI stereo integrated amp we are testing here, we therefore return to its fundamentals. The device uses a 300B triode design in Single Ended, biased in Class A, among the most emblematic of its tube-based genre.
by Pierre Stemmelin
A luxurious, locally crafted Hi-Fi amp built in the USA
The appearance of the Cary CAD-300 SEI leaves no doubt about its approach and ultra-audiophile vocation. It is relatively compact, with a tight footprint, yet quite heavy and very dense (close to 25 kg on the scale). A few finishing details attest to its artisanal manufacturing. The beveled edges of its aluminum front panel are somewhat too sharp, while the centering of the control knobs and the headphone jack is not perfect. However, it is unquestionably a high-end, even luxury, device, which, moreover, is manufactured in Apex, North Carolina, in the United States (not far from the cities of Cary and Raleigh).
It is built around a very rigid chassis made of thick steel plates. On the top of its cover, at the front, sit the tubes. These Russian-made tubes are divided among three Electro-Harmonix 6SN7EH for input and driver stages, and two PX300B Gold Lion Genalex for amplification. Behind them, on the right and left, are the two potted output transformers required for this type of design. They flank the EI-type power transformer with laminated metal plates and its two large 1200 µF/250 V power supply filtering capacitors.
We took a look under the hood of the Cary CAD-300 SEI. The view is impressive because everything is wired point-to-point, without any printed circuit boards, which is a mark of quality for this type of product. It may appear chaotic, but it follows a very precise logic, and we note the presence of high-quality components (1% metal-film resistors, polypropylene capacitors including some ClarityCap models).
An experiential audiophile approach
In terms of practicality, the Cary CAD-300 SEI confines itself to minimalist functions and features. Its controls are limited to a volume potentiometer, a source selector, and a balance control. The connectivity includes only three Line inputs, with the right and left terminals on the rear panel being spaced apart.
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The only small extras are a headphone jack and a remote control for volume.
Due to its Class A operation, the Cary CAD-300 SEI constantly draws more than 100 watts (when it is turned on). With this current, it provides only 2×15 watts of amplification. Everything else is dissipated mainly as heat, and a small part as light. When the device is powered on, you can hear the tubes clicking as they warm up, and you gradually see the glow of their filaments.
These tubes do not come with a protective grill. They are shipped separately, each packed in a small cardboard box. During installation, after putting them in place, you need to adjust the bias between 150 and 160 mV. At the back of the device, there is a small adjustment screw and a 6.35 mm jack into which you plug the provided analog voltmeter to do so.
The legendary musicality of the 300B triode is indeed present, without noise or interference
Because of its limited power, although fairly generous for a 300B Single Ended tube amp, it is recommended to pair the Cary CAD-300 SEI with speakers that have good sensitivity.
In this regard, our usual Kelinac KEL 714 MG speakers, with a sensitivity of 93 dB, were perfectly suitable.
In practice, we were first pleasantly surprised by the great silence of the unit’s operation. This is quite remarkable for a tube integrated amplifier. We did not have to switch off the WiFi, unplug the Internet box, or move smartphones and other wireless phones away to achieve serene listening sessions. With the Cary CAD-300 SEI, it was only by turning the volume all the way up and pressing our ear against the speakers that we detected a slight hum. Even more so, while we are far from being big fans of tube electronics, we were quickly won over by the sound reproduction. We did not find those overly brilliant, sparkling highs or those cottony bass notes that are often the downside of 300B triode designs.
Although the extremes of the spectrum are somewhat shortened, we were charmed by the smooth musicality of the Cary CAD-300 SEI, with a very lively yet supple rendering. The articulation is excellent on electric bass and double bass, without drifting into excessive warmth. The midrange has a beautiful presence. Voices materialize and stand out wonderfully, front and center, without losing any consistency. They have an almost tangible character.
The stereo image is particularly successful. It has an almost holographic feel, with plenty of depth and dimension. It stands out extremely well beyond the frame formed by the speakers. It creates a sense of surround-like effects without becoming ethereal or harming the clarity of the musical message, but instead preserving a superb texture and substance.
The Cary CAD-300 SEI sometimes errs with a touch of coloration and distortion in the highs. But that did not spoil our enjoyment. We allowed ourselves to be carried away listening to our entire playlist of two-guitar pieces by the Hermanos Gutierrez, so captivating is the sound of this Hi-Fi amp.
Specifications
- Type: 300B tube amp in Single Ended Class A
- Power: 2 x 15 watts at 4 or 8 ohms
- Inputs: 3x Line on RCA
- Outputs: 6.35 mm headphone jack, binding posts for one pair of speakers
- Noise level: <-90 dB
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 23 kHz at ±0.75 dB (tubes: 6SN7 in input, 2x 6SN7 in driver stages, 2x 300B in amplification)
- Dimensions: 35.56 x 20.32 x 35.56 cm
- Weight: 23.13 kg
In summary
They performed very well.
The Cary Audio CAD-300 SEI is a proud representative of tube amplification, based on 300B triodes in a Single Ended Class A configuration. Artisanally produced, designed with undeniable expertise, it avoids the pitfalls and stereotypical approach often encountered in this type of setup. With moderate power and fairly minimal features, it is a luxury Hi-Fi amp aimed at purist audiophiles, a gem of musicality to be paired with speakers that have good efficiency.
Cary Audio CAD-300 SEI The Tube Magic #amp #tubeamp
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