2. amps-preamps
  3. 170308-138596

Cary Audio SA 200.2 SE power amp (latest version)

Hey there,

I need some advise and opinions on something. My current setup includes : Monitor Audio Gold 200 5g (latest generation), Classe Sigma Amp2 class D power amp, Classe Sigma preamp, Cary Audio CD 306 SACD player.
My speaker cables & XLR balanced analog interconnects are Cardas Clear Reflection. Power cables : Shunyata Delta NR, Transparent Reference PowerLink MM1, Audioquest Blizzard, Shunyata Venom V10 NR (20 Amp / C19) from wall to my Shunyata Venom PS8 AC power line distributor. AC power line distributor: Shunyata Venom PS8 with Venom Defender.

I’m about to pull a trigger on the new Cary Audio SA 200.2 SE power amp (latest version) to replace my existing Classe Sigma Amp2 class D amp. The Cary is a class AB amp. Which amp do you think will be a better choice for my system? Have anyone compared these two amps before and what are your thoughts? My Monitor Audio Gold 200 5g speakers (latest generation) are very laid back warm smooth refined sounding speakers. The highs and mids are very smooth. These new MA Gold 200 5g are complete opposite sound profile than the previous MA Gold 4g series, which are very forward and somewhat bright. And I’m using warm sounding speaker cables and analog XLR interconnects throughout.
Your advise, inputs and thoughts will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

dilatante

Showing 3 responses by avanti1960

avanti1960
1,405 posts
 
I had the previous Cary SA 200.2 amp and I liked it with my Harbeth speakers.  
Compared to other amplifiers I have owned it was midrange forward with a slightly unrefined top end and deep extended bass.  Overall very forward (think jazz horn that fly out of the speakers) and extremely dynamic.  turned my box speakers into HE horns.  
avanti1960
1,405 posts
 
@dilatante     I used the SA200.2 with a Rogue Audio tube preamp.  my sources are all excellent.  
My findings of a dynamic, forward sound with unrefined top end come after using a Rogue Cronus Magnum II integrated.  The  Cronus mag sounded better overall.  
My next stop was a Rogue Audio Stereo 100 power amp which sounded just as powerful as the SA 200.2 but less forward and definitely more refined.  I cannot comment on the new model.  
However when a solid state amp is said to sound like a tube amp, it depends greatly on what is meant by tube amp sound.  
Many if not most modern tube amps sound neutral and slightly forward to bring out the midrange bloom.   
Long gone are the days of exaggerated midbass and radically rolled off treble. 
avanti1960
1,405 posts
 

try using balanced connections if you can

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