2. amps-preamps
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Cary Audio Design CAD-120s mkII or Music Reference RM-9 MkII?

Looking at these 2 amps as a upgrade from my Dynaco Mkiii's, both the Cary and M R are listed on 'gon for about the same price around 2K, hoping for any input on SQ and experience on either of them.  

Would be going to into my 2nd system:
Altec 604's
primaluna dialogue premium preamplifier

Source for this mostly digital and music is classic rock and Jazz. 

thanks for your input
dogsport
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Dog sport,

My vote is for the rm9,I've owned both but not at the same time.I'm just not a fan of the kt88 tube in general and much prefer the sweetness of the el34.

I also think the rm9 would be a better match to the 604's
Are the 604's stock or have they been upgraded by Great Plains audio along with the crossover networks.


Best of luck to you,

Kenny.
dogsport OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the input Kdude66, the 604's are stock, crossovers are next on the grocery list. 
spe
8 posts
 

Recently, one of my PSE Studio V solid state mono blocks failed.  While considering whether to repair, a dear friend loaned me his (idle at the moment) RM-9.  I've had hybrid pre-amps from Audio Research for many years, but never owned an all tube amplifier.  So far, after just a couple serious auditions, I don't know if I'll be going back to solid state.  The RM-9 is really bowling me over; awesome micro detail with that beloved rich mid-range. And the bass control is better than I expected.

pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 

@spe Glad you lucked into the RM-9 experience.  I love my RM9 MK2 with vintage RFT "Siemens" EL34 tubes.  Also sounds great with Gold Lion KT88's.  It's a great all-around amp that's difficult to beat in the $4K price range if properly maintained and tubed.

spe
8 posts
 

Fortunately, my friend, who I bought it from, had just retubed it with EL34's; so, I have a lot of time left before I need to invest in new tubes.  

One tweak I am considering (though I will speak with Jim first) is having a port installed on the amps' power cord end (currently hard wired), to enable the use of an upgraded cord. But, I still love the amp. 

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