Amp recommendations

If you change any equipment or cable, your sound will change no matter what. It’s not good for anyone including myself to push what you should or shouldn’t change. Some of these opinions offered will change your sound including who repairs your amplifier. Sorry to be the bare of bad news. You need to formulate your own decisions. Fix your amp or not, buy a new Or used one within your budget or change your speakers. Do your homework before you purchase. Have a listen if you can. Check out The Music Room On line to see what pops up. If you don’t like the amp or speaker you purchased, they have a good return policy on used gear. Some otheR companies do as well. Don’t listen to opinions because folks can have the same exact equipment but because their room is shaped differently and they also may have different furniture, curtains or layout, it will sound different. I hope that helps. 

PS. I use to own the Cary Audio CAD805AE with the 300B tube in it so I understand where you are coming from. I currently own a Krell Evolution 402e but I’m running a pair of Wilson Audio Maxx 2’s. I ran this on the Cary amps as well. I’m currently still running the Cary SLP05 preamp with the Ultimate Upgrade and I tube rolled it. It sounds amazing. On the tube side, I have the McIntosh MC2301 monoblock amplifiers for the same speakers as well. I switch between the amplifiers depending on how I’m listening to music. Best of both worlds. The sound is different but I love both of the sounds with either amplifier. Not saying you have to do that. I’m a bit extreme. 

Hi,
I’m glad that you were able to find a good local repair shop. The Klipsch would definitely meet the criteria for higher sensitivity and and easier to drive impedance speaker. They seem polarizing in terms of their sound quality. Some love them and some do not. Zu Audio speakers seem to be polarizing in similar fashion. Here are a few to look into.

Tekton Audio Perfect SET a few variations are available.
Omega Audio speakers, most models fall in your price range.
Coherent Audio speakers (Made in Canada).
Decware Audio speakers

Used, some Tannoys and Audio Note models. Also used, certain Coincident speakers if you can find them (Super Eclipse, Total Eclipse )very easy load to drive at 14 ohm and 94 db sensitivity speakers.

These in addition to the Klipsch (And possibly Zu Audio) should all present an easy to drive interface with your Cary 25 watt amplifier .
Charles

op

if you are seriously considering new speakers to replace your chapmans, and use the 300b amp to drive i would suggest the following:

spatial audio (some models in the 93-94 db range w >8 ohm impedance - just stay away from their 4 ohm models)

omega line

higher klipsch’s as you have identified, and their brit relatives - tannoys

audio notes, quite expensive, but considered to be absolutely wonderful

it is difficult to do so presently, but i feel that with very high efficiency speakers, proper audition is very important as the sound signatures can be very distinct...

@charles1dad
My budget is around $4000.Preferably new but open to used.Room size 25' x 14'I mentioned Klipsch because others mentioned them as efficient speakers with good sound. But some reviews said they tend to lack at low frequencies (35Hz vs 28Hz on my Chapmans). I have not listened to Klipsch for many years and those were corner horns.My Cary 300B is currently in a shop right now. I found someone local that came highly recommended by another local business that deals only with valve gear. I have not heard back from him yet but expect to this week.

@z32kerber, 
What's your budget range for speakers? New and used or just interested in new?
What is the size of your room?
You recently mentioned Klipsch. Do you have actual listening experience with them?
Charles 

@charles1dad 
what speakers would you recommend to pair with the Cary 300B? 

1 z32kerber used the Cary amplifier driving the Chapman speakers for 23 years!!! I doubt that he "fried" the Cary amplifier.
2 Agree that the Bryston, Krell or Threshold amplifiers will provide a different sound presentation, better? Maybe or maybe not, but he loved the Cary-Chapman combination. This is a major positive point.
3 I like his idea of getting more sensitive and easier to drive speakers if he were to  make changes.
4 Of course the opportunity to hear different amplifiers is a good step if this is feasible to arrange.
5 On paper the recommended higher power /current solid state amplifiers will certainly drive the Chapmans but this doesn’t mean in actual listening sessions they would sound as good as the 300b push pull Cary. A direct comparison would be great to do. My money would be on the Cary for superior overall sound quality. 
Charles

As usual folks negate to include the LxWxH of the room they're playing their system in but in this case it doesn't matter.

Man have you got the wrong amp for a 4Ω speaker, with a 88SPL that has a frequency response of 26Hz-20kHz. Once you get a demand for a note dipping under 60Hz you're pulling a freight train with a burro when you need a locomotive, (nice speaker by the way). Little wonder you fried your 30W amp. (nice pre-amp too).

You've got a tube pre-amp which will give you your classic tube sonic signature (before turfing that SPL 70 you may want to consider installing Mundorf Supreme Silver/Oil capcitors). Now you need a quality Amp with brains and brawn to man handle those speakers.

It's a wide variance but IMHO consider a used Bryston ST4B, a Krell KSA 200S, one of the Class A Thresholds, or if you're dead set on the headache of driver tubes, a new ANTIQUE SOUND LAB HURRICANE 200 DT, or a used RAY LUMLEY M-150 (if you can find one).


  I'm with Russ69 save the 300B if you can and use it for a second system.

With your budget, get a pair of VTA M125 mono block amps at 120 watts each. You can build them as a kit for all of $2300, or get them fully assembled and tested for about $3000 - less without tubes.

If you feel that you don’t need or want that kind of power, VTA has the ST-120, 60 wpc tube amp which is a Mac 275 killer. Full kit is $1200 and fully assembled/tested at about $1700. Without tubes fully assembled is $1455.

@z32kerber
Because you stated "I’ve always loved the sound", the following list starts with the highest priority:
1) Get your Cary Audio CAD 300B working again.  Finding a sound you love is the holy grail of audiophiles.  As amplifiers age, the sound quality gradually diminishes as the parts wear out.  You may not have noticed as this is a very gradual process.  Refurbishing/upgrading parts (tubes, capacitors, resistors) should at least bring the sonics back to the original level.
2) Get the designer's (Dennis Had?) opinion on what to do along with suggested other amps
3) Contact Cary Audio to get opinion on what to do along with suggested other amps

If you change your amps and/or speakers you will get a different sound, likely an upgrade but no guarantees that you'll like the change.  

"Just Listen"...to you! "Love the sound", "Don’t feel you have to turn it up much", "20+ years on the tubes"," Listen to jazz and some pop". First, it does not surprise me one bit that you need to replace the tubes....way late! But, since you never felt the need to turn it up much, maybe it wasn’t overdriven and therefore need to have (all/though probably some) of the caps and resistors replaced. Most of the time, problems with tube amps are the tubes. Try that first.-Your least expensive option.
Keep your speakers if you like them. Use 4 ohm taps on your amp (maybe, always listen), but tubes generally do like 8 ohms better. Have fun listening to more modern 8 ohm speakers at shows in the meantime or try buying used well-reviewed 8 ohm ,more efficient speakers here on Audiogon. Speaker design has improved in 20 years!
Moving up the power tube chain will likely lose some of the "aire" and Magic that I think you’ve become used to with the 300B’s. However.....
Parting thought: You might try a Croft Series 7RS Hybrid amplifier if you get a chance.

Buy a used Krell Evolution 302, 302e, 402, or a 402e. You won’t regret it. There are a couple out there to choose from. 

@safebelayer
Thank you for the response. My plan is to have my 300B amp accessed and hopefully repaired. I did find someone local to me that came highly recommended. After talking to him, he sounds like he knows his stuff. But if you could send me Pat H's contact info, I'd appreciate it very much.
I looked online for Dennis Had and the only contact information I could find was through his EBay store. I sent him a message through EBay but haven't heard back from him.

This entire discussion has me thinking about upgrading my speakers to something like the Klipcsh Forte III and selling my Chapman's. If you could educate me a bit here. My 25W 300B is under powered for my 90dB Chapman speakers. I listen to mostly jazz and some pop. I rarely listen to anything at high volume as my system has always been more than loud enough at low volume settings on the preamp. At low volume settings, is the load on the amp too much or would that only happen at higher volume settings?
I guess everything hinges on how things turn out with my 300B amp.I should know more next week.

"...Quicksilver Mono 120..."

+1

You can always count on Tekton man to shill that stuff.

the primaluna hp power amp is, $-$, the best sounding amp I’ve ever heard. you can also fry a steak on it; runs hot. if you have the space for it check it out. about 4k but little more than half that second hand. 

I’m with almost everyone else. Get your amp fixed at least so you may sell it if you want to go a different direction.+4 on the Quicksilver, awesome gear handmade in the USA.

@z32kerber

I'm wondering if you took the amp to Pat H? If so, I'd be surprised if he didn't know how to properly assess and repair it. He fixed a Lamm amp for me a couple years ago, as well as working on three tube amps that I had him upgrade. If you didn't use his services, then you missed out on the best technician I've come across in 25 years. If you want his contact info, let me know.
I agree that contacting Dennis Had would be the best choice as a last attempt to breathe air into a long favored amp. I would also ask about the speaker load you have been placing on the amp. He might have some suggestions for you there as well.
As for amps, it seems you're fond of tube dynamics: tonality and soundstage. I would suggest listening to a vac phi 300.1, it's a phenomenal amp, but you'll need to find one used. I have seen them sell for $4500-5000 of late. A VAC phi 200 would likely work well too. These are extremely well built amps, designed by one of the best, Kevin Hayes.
Good luck in your journey.

If you are hot for keeping those speakers then consider a Carver Crimson 275.  Great value amp and change the stock signal tubes with some NOS tubes of your choice and you have a great unit that has you way under budget.

@z32kerber,
For me what has stood out most over time is the realism/tone of all instruments and human voice. An asset for any music genre of course but ’really’ hits home for jazz in my case. This was a step upward from my el 34 and a 6550/KT 88 based amplifiers. It’s different for everyone as to what works best

. @bobbyheinatz I hear ya, it’s so individual in nature.
Charles

z32kerber,

I have a simular situation as you.  I have a speaker that 89db sensitive and I have driven them with a 2a3 tube p/p 15 watt mono blocks.  I have been extremely happy with the organic sound and powerful sound I am getting from this setup.  If you like DHT's try to find out whats wrong with your amp.  Every time I think about a new more powerful amp I just come to the conclusion that 15 watts of DHT just sound magnificent. 

@charles1dad One thing that’s always impressed me about the 300B amp is how "powerful" it seemed to me. I rarely had to turn the volume up much to get the volume I needed.

I would start by calling Cary Audio.  I think you will find they know their products very well and will be more than happy to work with you.  You might also try reaching out to Dennis Had directly.  He is no longer associated with Cary Audio but started the company, was the designer of your amp and I believe will be more that willing to render an opinion on best way forward.  

@z32kerber,
Well given that story it does seem quite possibly that the Portland repair tech was overwhelmed with work and not as thorough as he might have been. I do get the sense that there’s a straightforward solution to getting your amplifier fixed. Your stated plan to address this is on the mark.

You’ve had the Cary-Chapman pairing for 23 years of listening enjoyment. During this period did you ever feel as though you were lacking amplifier power or was that concern generated by some of the replies on this thread?

As a number of people here have written there are definitely good options available given your budget range. It could prove to be informative to hear other  amplifier topologies. I believe that your Cary 300b is formidable and not easily surpassed on sonic quality. As you certainly know the 300b can sure reproduce music in a very organic manner.
Charles

@charles1dad 
thank you again for your fantastic insight. The 40 watt mono blocks I had were Cary 40Ms. They used EL-34 tubes. My preference in music is like yours - jazz.  
Some history. In 2017 I did some retubing. I replaced the Cetron 300Bs with Genalex Gold Lions. In late 2018, I was having some issues with the amp and took it to a recommended shop here in the Portland Oregon area to have it checked out. He found that the rectifier tubes needed replacing and replaced them with JJ 5U4GBs. He also found come caps that were bad. He bench tested it and set the bias. I had been busy with projects and other things for the last couple of months and hadn’t listened to my system. Last week I went to power it up. I always let things warm up before playing any music. When I went back 15 minutes later to play something I noticed only 1 of the the 300Bs was glowing and not that much. The others were stone cold and the 1 that was glowing wasn’t that warm. One thing that I noticed was that when I powered it down, the “plate voltage” light stayed on for a long time. When things were fine, the light would go away after a minute or so when powering down. Not sure if this has anything to do with my situation.
I wasn’t overly satisfied with the shop I took my amp to in 2018. He’s a one man shop and super busy. It took him 2 months before he actually looked at my amp. Then it was only a couple of days before it was done. It felt to me like he rushed through my job. So my plan is to try and find another shop nearby (might have to go to Seattle or possibly ship it somewhere), that can figure this out and get it repaired. 

You might take a look at Don Sachs’ KT88 amp.  Best of luck. 

@z32kerber,
The 300b is a marvelous output tube in either SET,PSET or push pull mode if well implemented in an amplifier design and build. You’ve been happy with your amplifier and speaker pairing 23 years, that speaks volumes for certain.

After such a long time of satisfaction ("loved the sound") what makes you believe or suspect that you need a higher power amplifier? 25 watts of push pull 300b is not meager IMO. It would be interesting if you’re curious enough to compare to higher power amplifiers using KT 150, KT 88, el 34 , 6550 etc.

You may or may not prefer these indirectly heated Pentode type tubes to your DHT type 300b. Some here have also suggested solid state amplifier alternatives. I’m very partial to 300b and other DHT tubes (Just so beautiful sounding with my beloved jazz in particular 😊). But of course personal taste varies greatly amongst us all. I have no doubt that you’ll get things sorted out one way or the other. BTW what tube type were used  in your 40 watt Cary amplifier? Are you considering 75-100 watt power range?
Best of luck,
Charles

@charles1dad 
I’ve had this amp/speaker combo for 23 years. I’ve always loved the sound. Before the 300B amp, I had a pair of Cary 40 watt mono blocks with these speakers. The 300B was a big step up sound wise. The pairing was suggested by The Audio Connection in Seattle. By the way, the Cary 300B amp is not an SET amp. It’s a push-pull rated at 25 watts. 

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.

Try to fix what you have first, and if that works out, do as others have suggested and get speakers that are more tube friendly. Keep in mind that tubes love high efficiency speakers and horns. Hint...anything in the Klipsch Heritage series. 

OP ,
I’m not clear on your situation. How long have you had this amp/speaker pairing and what do you think of the sound? It seems that will provide guidance moving forward. How did you end up with this combination?

A, more amplifier power for the Chapman speakers.
B, Keep the 300b amplifier and get better suited speakers.
Push pull tube or solid state amplifiers are going offer a different sonic perspective/presentation from the Cary 300b PSET.

So it’s a question of what type of sound are you seeking?
Charles

Get a Purifi amp, $1K and up

"... But my concern is then having an amp that’s underpowered (25 watts RMS) for my 90dB speakers..."

You need a more powerful amp, no question about it and it will perk up your system but please save the 300B if you can and use it for a second system.

I know Chapman sometimes does rolling revisions, but if your specs match these, then yes, probably a bit underpowered.
https://chapmanaudiosystems.com/CurrentModels/T-7.html

Thanks to everyone for the great feedback and recommendations. I’ve been doing a lot of research into things related to what’s been said. Here’s my plan. Start by having all the tubes tested. If it’s just a tube problem, then I’ll replace them. If the tubes are good, then I’ll make some calls regarding getting my Cary repaired. But my concern is then having an amp that’s underpowered (25 watts RMS) for my 90dB speakers. Then decide whether to replace the amp and sell the Cary or keep the Cary get new speakers. 

For a good number of years I had the less powerful SET Cary CAD 301, and it drove ProAc Response 2.5's very well indeed.
It's worth sinking a couple of hundred bucks in your 300B to explore if it can be revived or not.
If not, then I third the Quicksilver rec.

@ z32berber,
Iwin raises a good point.
1 How much did you enjoy the Cary driving the Chapman’s?
2 Have you heard any other amplifier paired with this speaker and if yes what did you think compared to the Cary?
3 What do you find are the sonic strengths of the Cary?
4 I’d have a competent technician evaluate the Cary to uncover the underlying problem. It could possibly be relatively simple to repair/correct.
5 People have suggested some good options but you could still find that your Cary 300b is more satisfying and enjoyable to listen to. Ideally it'd be great to compare other types of amplifiers to yours.
Charles

I just read a review of the new Rogue DragoN that quite impressive $3995

hth

@donvito 

@millercarbon
The OP has a preamp. Why are you recommending an integrated amp??

Because this is what MC always does.  His answer is to scrap your whole system and replace everything with a Raven amp and Tekton speakers.  Always....at all costs and regardless of your listening priorities.

Honestly, if the OP loves the sound of 300B or SET amps, why on earth would you direct him to Raven amps and Tekton (a mostly 4 ohm lineup of products) speakers?  Because dude has an agenda of pumping this gear and not having any empathy for anyone's listening priorities. 

Audio Connection has been recommending Quicksilver amps for over 25 years. The latest 120s with the Choice of KT 150s or KT 88s offer excellent transformers, legendary support, and performance. Best, JohnnyR

@millercarbon
The OP has a preamp. Why are you recommending an integrated amp??

You have had the amp for 25 years and you like the sound. Before doing anything I would call up Cary and ask to speak to one of their technicians. It might be a simple repair but they will more than likely tell you to replace the capacitors.

Being a Quicksilver fan boy I highly recommend that brand. My friend is using the Mono 120 amps with his Proacs and loves them. I use the Silver 70s ( 70 watt ) with my low sensitivity ( 83db ) Harbeths with no problem. You should take a look at the Sixty Watt Mono amps as they would drive those speakers just fine and at 3 grand you will be getting a bargain!
http://quicksilveraudio.com/amplifiers/

The answer to hard to drive speakers is never more amp. Its new speakers. Your budget is perfect for a Raven Nighthawk or Blackhawk. Whether to drive your current speakers, which it will do just fine, or much better ones (95+dB, Tekton Double Impact, Moab, etc) is up to you. But in that price range, that's the amp.

op

is your amp bad or are the tubes just needing replacement?

3 easy makes a good point... that amp w 4x 300b’s aren’t really suited to drive your speakers without undue strain... prob contributed to early tube burnout

so you shd probably get a more powerful amp, but your old one may well be able to be rehabbed for resale

I’d go for the KT150’s...

That amps looks saaaweeeet!

"...Quicksilver Mono 120..."

I support this message.  

It's a shame your 300B isn't working. With 4 - 300B power tubes this is an expensive amp to replace just the tubes much less other issues. I'd still hate to see it go to the junk yard.  I think your loudspeakers could benefit from solid state amplification. Your SLP will give you enough tube goodness to satisfy you. I can't recommend a specific amp but there are many products out there that would work with your system. Maybe visit your local dealer and look around.