Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Sounds wonderful, consistently sweet and substantial, but pleasantly soft, with an uncanny ability to pull solo voices forward of everything else in the mix
- Plays melodies with organic, unmechanical, sinewy rightness and flow
- Always at least pleasant and inviting, often compelling and musically insightful—and never fatiguing or uninteresting
- An exceptionally nice-looking thing with a decent brace of user controls, three line-level inputs
- Has a switchable headphone jack that uses the entire amplifier right off the output transformers
Product Considerations
- Can be a bit lacking in detail, sonic pores that connote texture in realistically recorded acoustic music were somewhat smoothed over and filled in
- The range of loudspeakers suitable for SE amplifiers is restrictive
- The amplifier gets warm to the touch when running because the rectifiers are bolted to the chassis top plate
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared with Shindo Masseto preamp and Corton-Charlemagne amps, the Cary integrated was less stirring and a bit lacking in detail
Takeaway: The Cary CAD-300SEI is a consistently pleasant to listen to amplifier, given the right loudspeakers and room size. It offers a sweet, substantial, and musically insightful experience that is never fatiguing.
All
CAD-300SEI
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Circuit Type: Single-Ended Class A
- Power Output: 15 watts
- Input Sensitivity: .42 Volt for full output
- Noise and Hum: -90 dB below full output
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 23 KHz +/- .75 dB
- Inputs: CD, AUX1, AUX2, Headphone jack
- Tubes: 1 ea – 6SN7 Input, 2 ea – 6SN7 Driver, 2 ea – 300B Output
- Power Transformer: 1 ea – EI Laminate, 200% Duty Cycle
- Output Transformer(s): 2 ea – EI Laminate Air Gap, 200% Duty Cycle
- Resistors: 1% Metal Film
- Capacitors: Polypropylene Film with hand-soldered copper terminals
- Power Supply Capacitors: 2 ea – 1200µF@250 VDC
- AC Power Requirements: 117/234 VAC @ 50/60 Hz
- Consumption: 107 watts – Operation
- Warm-Up Time: 3 Minutes
- Break-In Time: 100 hours of playing time
- Finish: Anthracite black chassis with silver or black aluminum faceplate
- Weight: 51 lbs
- Dimensions: 8" H x 14" W x 14" D
Despite its modest 15-watt total output, this amplifier excels where others falter, creating a backdrop of silence against which every musical nuance flourishes. Quiet yet powerful, the CAD-300SEI unveils the true essence of your favorite recordings, allowing you to discern the subtlest details—from the resonant tones of a Steinway piano to the nuanced timbres of a Stradivarius violin. Uncover hidden intricacies and experience music in its purest form.
Praised by Head-Fi enthusiasts worldwide as one of the best headphone amplifiers available at any price, its integrated headphone output offers uncompromising amplification, utilizing the amplifier's full circuitry for a transcendent listening experience. Elevate your audio journey with the CAD-300SEI—a testament to the timeless adage that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Cary Audio's products are often described as possessing a uniquely alluring "musicality" and "vibrancy", making them a favorite among dedicated music lovers.
- They offer a choice of operating modes (Triode or Ultra-linear) in their amplifier designs, allowing listeners to tailor the sound to their preference.
- Cary Audio equipment often provides great value compared to other elite brands, offering high-end performance at a more accessible price point.
Select products
CAD-120S MKII
- Positioning: Entry-level integrated amplifier designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers clear sound output with a streamlined circuit design that keeps the signal path simple; compared to the mid-range and high-end models, it has fewer connectivity options but is ideal for small rooms and budget buyers. Provides a solid foundation for basic use while being less expensive than the more refined offerings.
CAD-300SEI
- Positioning: Mid-range integrated amplifier focused on balanced performance and power.
- Description: Features improved power management and a robust circuit design that deliver a wider dynamic range; compared to the entry-level model, it offers better room scalability. Balances build quality and functionality, making it a strong step up from the CAD-120S MKII yet less complex than the flagship series.
SA-500-1 ES
- Positioning: High-performance amplifier and preamplifier aimed at detail and precision.
- Description: Delivers enhanced power output and meticulous signal control thanks to advanced design techniques that set it apart technologically; compared to the CAD series, it offers a broader soundstage and superior analog clarity.
AIOS All-In-One System
- Positioning: Flagship integrated system combining amplification, digital processing, and modern connectivity.
- Description: Integrates groundbreaking streaming interfaces and comprehensive digital/analog functions that offer a complete solution and state-of-the-art connectivity; compared to the separate amplifier models, it provides more versatile functionality with features like HDMI support and a unified design. Caters to users needing a full-featured system for larger rooms or varied use cases, and commands a premium price relative to the other products.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
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Used
Cary Audio
What if you spend more?
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Enleum was launched as a new brand with the AMP-23R. While our legacy AMP-13R had already been praised all around the world for its performance and unique design, we pushed the boundaries to create the AMP-23R with a new circuit that truly enhances the existing performance. We have drastically improved the PCB circuit board design, chosen new internal components and upgraded our JET2 Bias design. And the reviews and awards are unanimous. The AMP-23R's physical size and footprint may be compact, but with the all new chassis and thermal heatsink design, we've launched a product that's fit for the next generation reference compact amplifier. The unique design is the DNA of our new Enleum Brand and was already awarded the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021 and iF Design Gold Award 2022. The AMP-23R proudly showcases Enleum's expertise in technology and design.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Addictive sound signature, unlike any other amp, with otherworldly instrument and voice reproduction
- Delivers serious magic with Fleetwood Deville and Klipsch Heritage speakers, revealing obscure details and creating a massive soundstage
- Dynamics for days
- Combines the qualities of a nice SET amp without the downsides, like noise or tube replacement
- Exceptional build quality and design with high-quality parts
- Only has two RCA inputs, no XLR balanced connections
Product Considerations
- Heavy speaker cables can cause the amp to tilt
- The volume dial functions as a gain dial, which may be different than what some users are accustomed to
- May not be suitable for hard-to-drive speakers in the 85db range that dip into 2–4 ohms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AMP23R offers more texture, layering, mid-bass, and vocal presence than Nagra INT
- The AMP23R is more organic, ethereal, and dynamic than Kinki Studio EXM1
- It sounds better than the Vinnie Rossi L2iSE, so long as the speakers are easy to drive
- The Enleum has more delicacy and finesse than Pass Labs and Cary Audio
- The AMP23R stacks up with the finest gear such as ampsandsound Bryce monoblocks
- Pass Labs First Watt SIT-3 offers a bit more organic, warmer presentation
Takeaway: The Enleum AMP-23R is a small but mighty integrated amplifier with a unique and addictive sound signature, and it is built with high-quality components. It's a great choice for those with sensitive speakers looking for a reference-quality system in a compact package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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With the development of the Suolo and Pendant monos, we had worked to push the boundaries of what we were currently offering. The Mogwai SE Rev 2 became the 1st to benefit from the trickle-down development process. The work led to further transformer improvements. We proved that larger transformers yielded increased resolution, clarity, and flatter frequency response.
With a request of a long-time customer who wanted a power amp for his headphone and wanted the widest bandwidth we could produce; we set about resurrecting the Bigger Ben. To improve the Mogwai SE we needed to go bigger with everything. The PS capacitance was increased, the choke nearly doubled its filtering and our output transformers doubled in size. The larger core of the output transformers led to the ability to out even a great variety of output impedances.
Like many of our products, the Bigger Ben is a hybrid product, meant for both headphone and loudspeaker use. Our circuit offers the ability to roll a wide variety of tubes inexpensively and bring increased power to headphones without any sacrifice of design choices that conflict with our values. The Mogwai combines the features of a full-sized two-channel power amplifier and headphone amplifier in a chassis that is suitable for desktop use.
The Bigger Ben utilizes single-ended Class A operation with zero feedback to provide the essence of our Classic Wonder sound; strictly old school SET sound, without having to spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on tubes. The performance of the Bigger Ben is made possible with custom wound ultra-high quality output transformers, which provide excellent frequency extension and a flat response.
The Bigger Ben displays its transformers prominently on the chassis. They're HUGE and frame in the tube complement, which can vary from a 6L6GC to a KT88. Volume control is handled by the ALPS volume pot to allow attenuation and simplify the signal path. The Bigger Ben differs from the Kenzie as it aims to provide powerful output while remaining true to classic tube design.
Product Strengths
- Very powerful amp with crazy headroom, capable of driving most headphones, including those that need a lot of power, and can grow with you as different headphones
- Delivers clarity, separation, detail, and impact, making every pair of headphones sound better
- Multiple impedance outputs allow dialing in the best sound for a given pair of headphones
- Super black background—very low noise floor
- A ton of different tubes can be rolled, including EL34s, KT66s, KT67s, KT88s, 6550s, and KT90s, making it very versatile and allowing customization of the sound to exact taste
Product Considerations
- Only one input via a pair of RCA connectors
- Requires a pre-amplifier or DAC with volume control if obtained without the volume pot
- May lack convenience features because of ampsandsound's minimalist philosophy
- Can be very heavy
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Linear Tube Audio's Z10e: Z10e seemed more focused and brightly lit through the midrange
Takeaway: The Bigger Ben is a hugely versatile and powerful amplifier that could be an end-game amp, especially if you want to experiment with tube rolling. Its sound is detailed, clear, and engaging, making it a great choice for anyone who loves listening to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The New Simply 845 ranks at the top of Unison Research’s line of integrated tube amplifiers, second only to the historic ABSOLUTE 845. The SIMPLY 845, like the ABSOLUTE 845, also employs the famous 845 direct-heated triodes, tubes well known for remarkable durability and extraordinary sonic qualities. The great advantage of integrated amplifiers is the incorporation in a single chassis of the preamplifier and the power amplifier. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for high-cost interconnect cables that are never truly neutral to sound reproduction. It should be noted that in the renewed production of the Simply 845 its size has been reduced by bringing all input and output connectors, strictly gold-plated and of a new type, to the rear of the amplifier.
Product Strengths
- Wide and deep soundstage, with a depth extending as far as 70 feet in one test
- Music reproduction is natural and realistic, creating a sense of instruments and voices being present in the room
- High frequencies and cymbals shimmer and crash realistically
- Impeccably constructed and manufactured with original circuit solutions
- Capable of drama, delicacy, and danger which transcends reproduction — turning the act of listening into a full-fledged experience
Product Considerations
- Selector knob on top of the unit is difficult to access when the tube cage is installed
- Speakers need to be a good match for the amplifier's 23 watts of power
- Bass was shy and ill-defined when used with the Dynaudio Contour 60i speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Conrad Johnson Premier 10 & 11A, the Simply 845 has a wider and deeper soundstage and better reproduction of high frequencies and cymbals
- Compared to PrimaLuna (top-of-the-line), the Simply 845 sounds better sonically
- Compared to Line Magnetic Audio LM-845iA Integrated Amp, the Simply 845 does delicate better
Takeaway: The Simply 845 is a revealing integrated amplifier that makes music sound magical and is an excellent choice, especially for horn speaker lovers. This amplifier transforms speakers into something wonderful and will enhance the music experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Refinement and smoothness in sound
- Exceptional build and finish, including exquisite woodwork
- Seductive midrange and overall musicality
- The Sinfonia has a romantic, addictive sound that's better suited to classical music
Product Considerations
- Not the last word in slam
- Needs careful system partnering to sound its best
- Dynamics were very good, although not exactly of the same caliber as with the ModWright preamp and amp
- When pushed to the extremes, during the most dynamic passages, the Sinfonia began to reach its limit—compressing gently and giving up some of the low frequency control
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Sinfonia offers a smoother, warmer, and more seductive sound, while the S6 amplifier sounds a little 'faster' and more linear
Takeaway: The Sinfonia is a fine amplifier with a beautiful build that delivers a refined and smooth sound. It's a good choice for enjoying music and will make your eyes smile with its hand-made Italian design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Pellucid sound, rich tone, and textural detail are characteristic of a well-designed single-ended triode (SET) amplifier.
- Forceful and tuneful bass defies the stereotype of slow or puffy bass in SET amps.
- Expansive soundstage allows instruments and voices to float free of speakers.
- High build quality includes point-to-point wiring and quality components, such as an ALPS potentiometer and RealCap capacitors.
- Dynamic slam and a physically involving sound
Product Considerations
- The 845 tubes operate at high temperatures, potentially causing burns if touched and significantly increasing room temperature.
- No balance control
- Some found the stock tubes to impart an aggressive or steely tone that could be improved with tube rolling.
- Careful matching with speakers is required, one reviewer noted inexplicably harsh sound when paired with certain speakers.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The LM-845IA has changes to internal components and redesigned output transformers, compared to the LM-518IA.
- The LM-845IA has a lighter touch and more refinement, while the Gold Note PA-10 monoblocks sound more solid in the bass.
- The LM-845iA offers a more powerful punch, while the Kora TB140 sounds lighter on its feet and faster.
- The Ayre EX-8 edges out the LM-845iA in clarity and detail.
- The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ sounds similar, but can't quite match the realism or the directness of the Line Magnetic.
Takeaway: The Line Magnetic LM-845IA is a powerful tube amplifier that offers a unique and engaging listening experience. It's a good choice for audiophiles who want a robust and resolving sound with dynamic contrasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Produces 48 watts of pure single-ended Class A power, suitable for low to medium sensitivity speakers
- Superbly well constructed with heavy gauge metal and no plastic; even the remote control is all metal
- Has a warm tonal balance with a full, harmonically rich midrange and no electronic glare, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue
- Delivers a huge, massive soundstage that extends way beyond the speakers left and right—with immense soundstage depth
- Tube rolling can significantly improve its performance
Product Considerations
- The amplifier is quite heavy, weighing 42 kilograms (around 100 pounds), making it difficult to move
- Generates a lot of heat due to its Class A operation, requiring good ventilation and potentially increasing electricity bills
- The remote's volume adjustment jumps too much, making fine-tuning difficult
- Willsenton is not a brand with a long history, so long-term reliability is unknown, but the unit can be serviced in the owner's country
- The signal-to-noise ratio is higher compared to some other amplifiers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Willsenton R8: The R800i is better in all regards, more refined, with more midrange clarity and nuance in the bass
- Vs Hegel H190: The R800i has a thumping bassline, a colossal soundstage, and an acoustic mass in the midrange, while the Hegel H190 has greater clarity and tighter control in the bottom end
- Vs Sugden A21 Signature: The R800i is very Sugden-esque in its sonic character, and it reminds the reviewer a lot of the A21 Signature but with more power
- Vs Exposure 21 pre and 18 super monoblocks: R800i has bigger scale, adding harmonic richness
- Vs Luxman SQN150: The R800i's soundstage is double the size of the Luxman
Takeaway: The R800i is a powerful, well-built tube amplifier that delivers a warm, engaging sound with a massive soundstage, making it great for those who love a classic tube sound. With its ability to drive most speakers and potential for tube rolling, it is an amplifier that could be enjoyed for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sweet sounding treble and expressive, emotional midrange
- Detailed across the board, and remarkably easy to listen to
- Strong rhythm, lively sound, excellent articulation, and a very good sense of being there
- Fast dynamics and good three dimensionality
- Voices and instruments are very naturally reproduced
- Connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- Fussy about speakers, ideally speakers should have a sensitivity rating of at least 90dB
- Outputs only 14W per channel, so partnering speakers must be compatible
- May lack a little bass and absolute power
- Not necessarily going to suit everyone's needs, it still has limitations, and will probably not suit those looking for a powerhouse amplifier or for playing rock or classical music at high levels
- Can develop a trace of hardness in loud passages that seems to restrict dynamics a little
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Simply Italy, the Preludio is superior and is worth the extra over the cheaper model if funds permit
Takeaway: The Preludio is a well-built amplifier that offers a classy sound with good detail and natural voice reproduction. If partnered with compatible speakers, it can provide an intimate and emotive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully constructed with a distinctly vintage look and high-quality components, offering pride of ownership
- Sweet sounding amplifier with a lovely clear presentation and great tonal character
- Provides a rich valve fluidity and charm, making music a wonderful experience from any angle
- Has a bass boost selector which gives users the option of boosting the bass response by 0, +3 or +5dB
- Point-to-point soldering
Product Considerations
- Only 15W of power, requiring careful speaker selection based on sensitivity and room size
- Does not have a phono stage built-in, so a separate phono stage is required for vinyl
- Lacks remote control
- Some audiophiles might find it 'dull', 'lacking detail', or even 'sluggish'
- Gets quite hot, so needs space around it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Leben CS600: Noticeably lacking the CS600's wide-open presence and rock solid imaging
- Compared to a similarly priced solid-state amp, instruments had a depth and sense of solidity, fullness and presence that simply made them seem more real
- Vs Unison Research amp: The Unison Research sounded faster and more open and dynamic
Takeaway: The Leben CS300XS brings valve goodness to music with its beautiful design and clear sound, making it a great starting point for a cracking system. It focuses on the music, offering a wonderful listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Single-ended, class A amplifier with EL34 tubes
- Optional remote control for volume
- Three RCA inputs and a pre-out for a subwoofer
Product Considerations
- May not be considered a 'real SET' amplifier because it converts a pentode to triode operation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Exposure, Weston Acoustics, and Dayens, the Trafomatic Aries SET was tested with Hoyt Bedford Type 2 speakers
- The 6wpc output rating falls between a 2A3 and 300B
Takeaway: The Aries is a unique amplifier with a specific design and sound that could be perfect for listeners who want something different. It offers a unique take on single-ended amplification with the EL34 tubes.
Video review
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