I've had the both 303/100 and 303/200 liked them a lot, definitely in the same fmaily, but the 200 is an improvement. I've found the bass and dynamics on either to be excellent. Both have a very wide and tall soundstages (though perhaps not as deep as some), excellent detail and resolution, and are very smooth sounding. The Cary 303s have a dynamic and vivid presentation that's quite appealing. Not exactly laid back, but not digital or fatiguing either IMO, at least not the 303/200 in my system (Alon speakers, Herron elctronics, Nordost Quattro Fil ICs).
I've found digital equipment sensitive to power - I use a TG Audio SLVR and plug it into a dedicated line (straight into the wall) - if you're getting grain from the system be sure your other gear is plugged into a separate circuit from your digital. I've found this makes a difference. (My 303/200 is not grainy sounding.) I've also noticed Cary players also take a long time to settle in - break-in when new took over 200 hours. If you;re trying brand new cables or PCs, you need to give everything time to settle in. (Yes, dump the straightwire.)
For $1500 used the 303/200 is a great buy.
I've found digital equipment sensitive to power - I use a TG Audio SLVR and plug it into a dedicated line (straight into the wall) - if you're getting grain from the system be sure your other gear is plugged into a separate circuit from your digital. I've found this makes a difference. (My 303/200 is not grainy sounding.) I've also noticed Cary players also take a long time to settle in - break-in when new took over 200 hours. If you;re trying brand new cables or PCs, you need to give everything time to settle in. (Yes, dump the straightwire.)
For $1500 used the 303/200 is a great buy.