AES/CARY Sixpac Mono Amps,Anyone have these?

Though there is a lot in the way of rumor that the AES Sixpacs are in essence a lower cost version of the Cary V12, on mono chassis, they are not.

I was also under the impression that this was the case, but a thorough audtion will reveal the sonic differences between the two.

The Sixpacs are less resolving, more tubey, with less bass control and ability to drive a loudspeaker. The V12 is more refined and open sounding. Both products are excellent in absolute terms, just that one should be aware that you are not getting a V12 for a lower price when you buy the Sixpacs. Personally, I heard the Sixpacs to be kind of a product to place between the Rocket 88 and V12, one should give a listen to find what flavor they like best and what present the best value to them.

Thanks for your perspective, Sburton.

Were I at the Cary factory, perhaps my experience would have paralled yours. However, with the Cary CDP, preamp, and DeVore Fidelity speakers I heard them with, the sound between the two amplifiers was markedly different. I am not sure if the statement quoted to you was 100% true, as the only component changed out was the amplifier itself. Perhaps they are more load dependent via transformer and coupling cap differences, etc., and the speaker I listened to showed that more than what you one heard? Again, nice to have your insight.

Hmm, Sburton, excellent question. Actually, I have to plead stupidity and say that I do not know.

Though, with my own Granites, which I can also switch between triode and ultralinear, and as you pointed out, the differences are immediately obvious. And, I am much more keen on the sonics in triode; very much sweeter, more immediate and alive, taking only a step back in power (more noticeable on some speakers than others - again, load may play a role here). Also, I much prefer the bass in triode mode, which very much goes against conventional wisdom, but there I go again...

If I had to venture a guess, I would say the V12 was in triode, as I found its sound to be immediately superior to the Sixpacs, but again, this goes against your experience. The resolution, refinement, and openness really jumped forward when we tried the V12, and ultralinear NEVER does that for me. My dealer and one of his assistants felt this was just the way they always heard it as well. He was willing to sell a demo V12 for something very much in the neighborhood of the list price of the Sixpacs, though he also would give me a nice deal on the Sixpacs.

In the end, I ended up with the Granites, as I felt them to be soncically superior to both of them, though I still recommend the V12 highly, as well as the Sixpacs. Also, from the one complaint I have heard regarding the V12 was from people trying to run it with KT88, and the Granites do so swimmingly.

Thank you again for this discourse!
Joe