2. amps-preamps
  3. 1013921493

Does Cary stack up to ARC

I am considering a switch from ARC (VT50/LS15) to a Cary SLI 80 integrated. The integrated would help simplify my system. I would be able to get rid of the 50 foot balanced interconnects, and keep everything in one place. I like the detail and extension of the ARC system, but sometimes long for a bit warmer sound.

What are some of the things that I would loose or gain with the Cary?

Speakers are Shearwater Hotrods, with an ACI sub.
kettle7830

Showing 2 responses by abecollins

abecollins
219 posts
 
I cannot comment on Cary but I owned ARC VT100MKII and LS16 and found them both to be outstanding but not quite the sound that I prefer. I like a warmer sound and for that reason I kept my CJ Premier 11a amp which I'm presently driving with a passive/buffered preamp. I'm really tempted to try out some Cary tube gear.
abecollins
219 posts
 
Tom, I probably should have tried some tube rolling in my ARC LS16 too. I was using it with the stock Sovtek 6922 tubes. It wasn't bad at all and it had all the qualities I like in a tube preamp except it could have been a little more extended covering the frequency extremes and just a tad bit warmer in the mids. But thats just my preference. Others might consider this unnatural or even criminal. ;-)

As it turns out, my used Conrad-Johnson PF-R solid-state preamp arrived today while I was at work (so I had to come home early. Its Friday, after all!) I placed the CJ PF-R in my system only 30-minutes ago and so far I REALLY like what I'm hearing. Sure, its solid-state but it has that "CJ family sound" that matches very well with my CJ Premier 11a. Back to the sofa for some critical listening.
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