2. amps-preamps
  3. 162703-141023

Amp recommendations

Looking for some advice. My 25 year old amp has given up the ghost and I haven’t kept up with what’s good out there. Instead of sinking money in my existing amp, I’m thinking of replacing it. The amp that went bad is a Cary Audio CAD 300B (none of the tubes are working, one of the rectifiers flashes when turned on, I checked the tube fuses). The preamp is a Cary Audio SLP-70 (I recently had it checked out and retubed it). The speakers are Chapman T-7. I also have a Creek CD-60 and Project 1.2 turntable. Music Meter inter connects. My budget is around $4000 for a new amp. Is this a reasonable budget? What amp recommendations do you have? I’d prefer to stay with vacuum tube but if there are solid state amps that you’d recommend, please do so. I can provide specs on the components if needed. Thanks for your advice.
z32kerber

Showing 1 response by robones54

robones54
6 posts
 
Given the amplifier gave you 25 years on those speakers says something to your listening preference. You enjoyed the combination. I would repair 300B or sell the core to someone interested in reviving it. If you are considering a different amp, the CAD-120s Mk II appears to be a good choice.
https://carydirect.com/cad-120s-mkii.html

I just purchased a Parasound A21, used, to drive my power hungry AR303. The A21 would definitely drive your T-7 speakers but may sound harsh compared to a mid size tube amp. Your speakers are also in a different class from what I have.
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