I see that audio research and conrad johnson are posted afew times as top manufacturers. Cary has been my chose until now. Over the years I have purchased many items from cary products: slp-30,sig 70, slm-100, slam-100 and now 805c. When there has been a problem with a product,(ups crushed a slm-100, no fault of cary) Cary built another to match the old slm-100. $2,800 later, I hooked up only only to hear a bad ground hum that I did not have with the original amp. Upon comparing amps, I found that they were wired alittle different. It did not seem that monoblocks would be wired different. so, I called Cary. They were nice to help guide me thru the rewire so the amps matched. I would rather not have spent my time and money doing so, but it was nice not to hear the hum and have my system back. When I purchased a pair of prototypes slam-100, now available, they arrived with a broken kt90(from yugo)in boxes they did not fit in(cardboard boxes that could not be shut for the transformers were too tall. The broken tubes were one the bottom. I did not expect them to be delivered to the dealer in such a condition, but they were prototypes and I did not pay full retail. I only asked to replace the broken tubes and to send me a manual. I did not complain. Now with 805c I expect more from the amps and Cary. Cary has not been helpful. After trying a slp-98(a dirty old noble pot in a passive unit beat it using my theta gen 5a), I wanted to inquire more about possibility of passive device options for the 805c. This is were the help ended. With a customer not wanting a new product, nor a problem that they created and were responsible for, Cary was not helpful. I have been inconvenience afew times by them and do not wish to feel I am putting them out when asking a simple question. First, I asked if the 805c was prime of a passive attenuator, which after having good luck with a passive pre with a dirty old noble pot, did not seem like a crazy question, Cary said no and that the slp-98 was the best match. I considered the source, but felt that I was getting half truths for the sake of maybe a sale. This is what I expect form dealers and not top notch manufactures. After doing more research it seems they are prime for passive attenuation. I called back a week later and asked if they have ever installed attenuators in the 805c with any success(on my pair the ohm switch is not hooked up and the attenuator could be installed in this spot 4" for the input tube, perfect for a passive attenuator). Now they say they have installed them with success(I have been talking to the same person, just a different day). truthful and truly helpful info has been like pulling teeth. This is not the service I wish after spending thousands. I will look for a new top notch manufaturer for my next system. I am in my 30's and love music. I wonder what my 40's will bring, not a cary that is for sure. Theta, dunlavy, proac, and even rotel were always more helpful. They have my vote.
