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
- Delivers 500 watts into eight ohms, doubling into four
- Offers a powerful, reliable, musically enjoyable amplifier
- Has a hint of Cary Audio's renowned beautiful tube sound
- Possesses better-than-expected bass control and clarity
- Has an overall sound whose welcoming tonal balance, mid-hall perspective, power stability, resolution, and rhythmic drive all integrate into a consistent, musically valid whole
Product Considerations
- Soundstage depth was good, but not quite as well rendered as width
- Images within the larger soundscape lacked the 3-D density that tubes and more expense solid-state amplifiers offer
- An attempt to increase its resolution could result in the amp's sound becoming forced or unbalanced
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Cary Audio projected a marginally wider soundstage, but the Hegel rendered soundstage and image depth more readily
- The Gamut M250i had greater resolution of fine detail and texture, a larger and better focused soundstage, more continuousness depth layering, and greater musical expressiveness
Takeaway: The SA-500.1 ES always sounded musically rewarding and offers commanding output power with a compelling musical groove that nods to the magic of tubes. If a musically valid whole is valued, the 500.1 might be a go-to amplifier.
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SA-500.1 ES
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Circuit Type: Solid State, Class A/B
- Power Output: 1 x 500 watts @ 8 Ohms from 20Hz to 20KHz, 1 x 1000 watts @ 4 Ohms from 20Hz to 20KHz
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50KHz +/- 0.1 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB, "A" Weighted
- Input Impedance: 30K Ohms RCA-unbalanced, 30K Ohms – Balanced (XLR)
- Voltage Gain: 28 dB
- AC Power Requirements: 117/234 Volts AC @ 50/60 Hz
- Break-In Time: 100 hours of playing time
- Audio Input: 1 RCA, 1 XLR
- Audio Output: 1 pair Heavy-duty, gold-plated binding posts
- THD: Less than 0.05% at rated output
- Damping Factor: Greater than 400 from 10Hz to 400Hz
- Remote Trigger: 3.3-24v DC at 5mA or greater
- Finish: Black powder coated matte chassis with silver or black aluminum faceplate
- Weight: 65 lbs
- Dimensions: 7.75" H x 17.7"W x 19.5"D
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.
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Used
Cary Audio
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Offers a remarkably smooth, unforced, and natural presentation with a touch of warmth
- Excels in detail retrieval and textured presentation of instruments and vocals, making the music feel alive
- Presents a wide and holographic soundstage, especially when paired with speakers that are already strong in this area
- Demonstrates agility, precision, and clarity, combined with a naturalness that eluded earlier generations of Chord amplifiers
- Scales dynamically and has the ability to punch hard when required
Product Considerations
- Has a minimalist design with just four line-level inputs, lacking features like phono stages, tone controls, headphone outputs, or DAC modules
- Some may find its sonic signature prioritizes articulation over qualities such as richness and authority, potentially sounding thin if partnered poorly
- Balance control has no center indent or marked position
- The polychromatic lighting may be an issue for the color-blind
- Remote operation can be affected by direct sunlight
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivers undeniably elevated sound in all respects, with greater dimensionality and smoother vocals
- Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, the Chord Ultima Integrated offers a weightier and more thunderous delivery, especially in the midrange and vocals, with more inner warmth in tone
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Chord Ultima Integrated provides a more energetic and fun listening experience, with Thor-like bass impact and overall superior dynamics
- Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord Ultima Integrated is warmer, rounder, more powerful, and refined, with a more fluid and emotionally engaging performance
Takeaway: The Chord Ultima Integrated is a unique and well-built amplifier that combines a visually pleasing design with a captivating sound, full of detail and dynamic precision. It brings music to life with an engaging and immersive experience, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Superior grip on woofers
- Muscular, well-textured bottom end
- Unusually powerful for a class-A amp, outputting a claimed 575W RMS into 8 ohms or 900W into 4 ohms, yet weighing only 70 lbs and having no external heatsinks
- Weight and power were undeniable
- Transient slam and grip on the Wilson Audio woofers took it to another level of excitement
Product Considerations
- Aesthetic design uses a thin, U-shaped cover which is more common for home-theater receivers and processors, suggesting it saves on cost compared to milled-aluminum cases
- LCD screen has a somewhat dated look
- Initial impressions were negative, sounding 'broken: glazed and spatially flat, with weak bass,'—but this was resolved
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs darTZeel NHB-458 monoblocks, the Solo 575 exerted a superior grip on the woofers of the reviewer's Wilson Audio Specialties Alexandria XLF speakers
- Vs Bel Canto Design's Black amplification system, the Krells had a bottom-end whomp that reminded the reviewer of the Bel Canto system
Takeaway: The Krell Solo 575 is a powerful amplifier that delivers impressive bass control and a muscular sound. It could be a great choice for audiophiles looking for a class-A amp with high power output without the need for massive heatsinks.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The H30A is The Orchestra. With its immense power, speaker matching is no longer an issue. The Orchestra can play any "venue", be it large stadiums or small cellar clubs, and with its unsurpassed skill and attention to detail, no music is too challenging. It conveys all music like you never thought possible. No matter what or where it plays, The Orchestra will always perform at its best. The H30A is the best orchestra you will ever experience.
The H30A is our reference power amplifier. We have nicknamed it The Orchestra because that is what it is. The H30A's job is to take command of any music on any speakers and make it sound as good as possible without ever breaking a sweat, and we can think of no more challenging music than a large orchestral piece.
The H30A is an absolute powerhouse of an amplifier. In its mono state it delivers a truly astounding 1100 watts in 8 ohms, and it is completely stable even with 1-ohm loads. To achieve this, we have applied all our skills and knowledge in amplifier design and combined that with the best electronics.
The H30A power supply uses 2 separate 1000 VA toroidal transformers for fast response and minimized transformer hum. With a power bank of 270,000 μF capacitors, the H30A can handle even the most challenging piece of music at any volume, it always has enough power in reserve. In the output stage we use 56 pieces 15A 200W high speed, ultra-low distortion bipolar transistors. With so much power ready at any given time, things like speaker sensitivity and variation in loads no longer come into play. With the H30A you can confidently drive any speaker you like.
Power is however nothing without the details to match. In a large power amplifier like this, the input stage is especially vulnerable to electrical interference distorting the music signal. One troublesome type of distortion is higher order harmonic distortion. It is a type of distortion that is far removed from the original music frequencies and can often make the amplifier sound harsh and unmusical. In the H30A input stage we eliminate this by using single pair FET transistors. These are carefully hand matched transistors that have the exact same values, and therefore they have no higher order harmonic distortion.
Other types of distortion we cancel out with our patented SoundEngine technology. This actively monitors the music signal for corruptions and corrects for distortion using a feed forward design. SoundEngine effectively removes distortion in real time as the signal is amplified. These measures make the H30A sound very smooth and natural, without compromising on the details.
The H30A is designed as a mono power amplifier, but it can also be used as a stereo power amplifier. It has both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs and a 12V trigger input. For the best possible connection, the H30A features high quality, gold-plated speaker binding posts.
Usually, when going from one amplifier to a more powerful one, you experience more of everything. More bass, more details, more involvement - everything is just more. With the H30A we have reached a whole new level of differences. Because the H30A is so immensely powerful and detailed, the concept of "more" simply becomes irrelevant. In the H30A the bass is tremendously deep, but never dominating. The high frequencies are exceptionally detailed, but never fatiguing. And the articulation of vocals in the midrange is just sublime.
At this level, what you experience is simply total control. The H30A is an amplifier that can drive virtually all known loudspeakers with authority and ease. It never sounds forced, only relaxed and musical. The H30A is the spearhead of our amplifier technology. It is the large orchestra that brings life to any music in any venue.
Product Strengths
- A neutral, composed, and powerful amplifier
- Excels with speed and dynamic snap
- Produces huge, well-formed images
- Can drive pretty much anything due to its over-specified design
- Renders bass frequencies with a crackling sense of power through the upper bass and into the midrange, creating corporeal images of instruments
Product Considerations
- Very heavy (104.5 pounds) and large, posing a logistical challenge for placement
- When used in stereo mode, is single-ended, potentially breaking a balanced chain in a fully balanced system
- High input sensitivity may require a low-gain preamp to experience its full potential
- Top plate is sheet aluminum of reasonable thickness, and is somewhat underdamped
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Bryston 4B 3, the H30A juices up realism and pulls the listener more deeply into the performance, especially through revealing speakers, the 4B 3 is a stone-cold bargain though
- Compared to Simaudio Moon 860A v2, the H30A's top end was clear and extended, without the Simaudio's slight softening
Takeaway: The Hegel H30A is a powerful amplifier that delivers a neutral and composed sound. Its ability to create realistic and well-defined images makes it a great choice for those seeking a high-performance listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Experience the ultimate expression of audio artistry with the mono-block CAD-211FE—an amplifier that defines the standard for reference-grade performance. Crafted as a fully balanced reference design, the CAD-211FE delivers a linear sound profile, from prodigious bass to natural mid-range and silky highs, ensuring a superior listening experience across all music genres.
Trusted by professional recording and mastering studios worldwide, the CAD-211FE embodies uncompromising quality and reliability. Join the tube rolling community and customize your sound further with the CAD-211FE, which accommodates a vast array of 845 and 300B tubes, allowing you to tailor your audio experience to your personal preferences.
With 70 watts of pure Class A power and up to 150 watts in Class-AB, the CAD-211FE effortlessly combines power and finesse, providing a sense of ease and scale unmatched by other so-called reference tube amplifiers. Elevate your audio journey today with the CAD-211FE and discover the true meaning of sonic excellence.
Product Strengths
- Impressive beauty as a monoblock power amp
- Zero-feedback design that is an update of the classic 211 model
- Direct-coupled drive system to add 'more depth and slam'
- Tube array features one 6CA7, one 6SL7, two 300B driver tubes, and a pair of 845 output tubes
- Solidly built with a first-rate finish
Product Considerations
- May run out of juice when playing massive orchestral, operatic, or hard rock music, especially with speakers that are hard to drive
Takeaway: The CAD-211 FE is a beautifully designed and solidly built monoblock amplifier that offers a direct-coupled drive system for added depth. This amp could be an excellent choice for music lovers seeking an immersive audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The A35.8 provides eight channels of 'unimpeachable Class D power in a fairly compact and very flexible package'
- Flexible configuration options for power output to speakers are available, such as bi-amping and bridging
- Each stereo pair can be bridged separately to make four times 375 watts (8 Ohms) from the eight times 150 watts
- Fault-free sound quality
- High quality fit and finish
- The A35.8 offers flexible connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The 20-amp power inlet is the seldom-seen variety with three horizontal blades
- The speaker output posts are spaced too widely for dual-banana plugs
- Cabling can be tricky
- A high current power cord is needed
- Lower gain is present, though this doesn't necessarily need to be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M28, the A35.8 gets you one more channel and more versatility for a 10% price increase
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Benchmark presented a more neutral tonal balance and undistorted soundstage
- Vs NAD C 298 stereo amplifiers, the Primare seemed slightly more forward, often conveying an appealing liveliness
Takeaway: The A35.8 power amplifier is a flexible and versatile product worth considering for anyone seeking a high-quality multi-channel setup. Its ability to bridge channels offers many ways to configure your speaker system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The EAR 890 produces 70Wpc in stereo, and can be bridged to 140W in monoblock
- Neutral sound that gets out of the way and lets the user enjoy the music
- Complex and dense music textures are handled with ease, and dynamically demanding passages are sailed through
- Articulate midrange
- Detailed and realistic bass
Product Considerations
- Removing/installing tube cages is difficult and time-consuming
- The loudspeaker binding posts are positioned too close to the output transformers, making it hard to tighten them properly
- Some assembly work appeared amateurish, specifically the use of silicone in various locations, such as fastening chassis wires
- The amplifier can operate quite hot
- May not have as much bass impact compared to solid state amps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The EAR 890 monoblocks achieve SET-like definition along with the authority and swagger necessary for most full-size speaker systems, when compared to Cary Audio 300B SET amps
- The EAR 890 is as textured as the top LAMM designs, but with noticeably better neutrality and more power
- The EAR 890 surpassed the deHavilland KE50As with a more articulate midrange, producing more color and separation in the microtones of instruments
Takeaway: The EAR 890 is easy to set up and sounds good with very little tweaking, making it easy to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. It's a good choice for people who want a tube amp that is both musical and powerful for their home listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers amazing quality of sound and detail
- Bulletproof amplification
- Has a rhythmically soulful sound with a tremendously rich and natural midrange
- The A51's bass is well-defined, extremely textured, and robust
- With 250 watts on tap, the Parasound A51 will power virtually anything
Product Considerations
- Due to its class A/AB design, the A51 does get a bit warm and should be installed in a properly ventilated space and/or rack
- The A51 is large and heavy, and is best moved and/or positioned by two people
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Rotel, the Rotel makes the M&K Sound system slightly bright with a bit of sibilance, while the Parasound is more neutral
- Compared to Acurus A250, the Parasound had tighter bass, which is probably attributed to a better damping factor
Takeaway: The Parasound Halo A51 is a high-performance amplifier with great sound quality, detail, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Its ability to deliver power and control to speakers makes it a valuable addition to any high-end audio system.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- GaN technology allows for efficient power usage, with 94% of energy being turned into sound
- Compact size challenges the notion that high-quality amps need to be large
- Design and packaging create pride of ownership
- It can be run in bridged mode to deliver 400 watts into one channel
- Stability and ability to handle complex impedance loads
Product Considerations
- The slight sonic signature may not be for everyone
- If truly outrageous amounts of power are needed to drive speakers, a second AGD Tempo amp might be needed to run in a bridged configuration
- High-frequency noise was discovered when XLR cables were not connected between them
- Power cords can make a large difference, the included power cord doesn't flatter the amp
- Some traditionalists may find it hard to accept that it's a Class-D amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Peachtree Audio GaN400, the AGD Tempo reports to have better overall specifications
- Compared to Parasound Halo A21+, the AGD Tempo is simply superior
- Compared to Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers, the level of which the most subtle detail exists approaches reference Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers
Takeaway: The AGD Productions Tempo is a cutting-edge amplifier that offers a new take on audiophile amplification and rivals more expensive amplifiers. It can drive speakers easily while being energy efficient.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive parts quality uses FR408 circuit boards and an R-Core transformer to suppress power line noise
- The amplifier has a harmonic richness and bloom to the sound that's seductive
- Bass was tight, controlled, very extended with pitch definition and detailed
- The amplifier's ability to resolve low level spatial cues is amazing—sound stage layering, image specificity, size and shape are outstanding
- Excellent build quality includes a heavy duty chassis and heat sinks
Product Considerations
- It is only available in black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The JCM250s give a performance very similar to Cambridge Audio JC1 Plus
- The JCM250 is a bit warmer than the Cambridge Audio Edge M, and includes controls to set bias and gain
- With the JCM250 monoblocks having a separate power supply for each channel, it has lower noise compared to the Cambridge Audio JC5
Takeaway: The JCM250 is a high-quality amplifier that uses the best components. It offers great versatility, fitting well with any preamp and speakers.
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