I've had a 308T for two years and it's never flickered or pulsed whatsoever, not even up close. I can't believe that anyone at Cary thinks such behavior would be normal.
Cary CD308 Display
I just purchased a CD308 and after the burn-in period I finally turned the unit off. The display flickers/pulses. Cary said that this is normal due to the fluorescent display, but I wonder. It is quite noticeable. I can even see it from my listening position across the room (18 feet). Has anyone else experienced this or is it not so normal after all?