2. amps-preamps
  3. 170308-138596

Cary Audio SA 200.2 SE power amp (latest version)

Hey there,

I need some advise and opinions on something. My current setup includes : Monitor Audio Gold 200 5g (latest generation), Classe Sigma Amp2 class D power amp, Classe Sigma preamp, Cary Audio CD 306 SACD player.
My speaker cables & XLR balanced analog interconnects are Cardas Clear Reflection. Power cables : Shunyata Delta NR, Transparent Reference PowerLink MM1, Audioquest Blizzard, Shunyata Venom V10 NR (20 Amp / C19) from wall to my Shunyata Venom PS8 AC power line distributor. AC power line distributor: Shunyata Venom PS8 with Venom Defender.

I’m about to pull a trigger on the new Cary Audio SA 200.2 SE power amp (latest version) to replace my existing Classe Sigma Amp2 class D amp. The Cary is a class AB amp. Which amp do you think will be a better choice for my system? Have anyone compared these two amps before and what are your thoughts? My Monitor Audio Gold 200 5g speakers (latest generation) are very laid back warm smooth refined sounding speakers. The highs and mids are very smooth. These new MA Gold 200 5g are complete opposite sound profile than the previous MA Gold 4g series, which are very forward and somewhat bright. And I’m using warm sounding speaker cables and analog XLR interconnects throughout.
Your advise, inputs and thoughts will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

dilatante

Showing 1 response by garyalex

garyalex
116 posts
 

I had the Cary Audio SA 200.2.  I had the same buzz problem.  It was present on both channels.  It did not increase with volume.  It could be heard whether or not my Cary SLP-98P was powered up.  It was coming from the amp itself.  It could not be heard when music was playing.  The problem was once I knew it was there I couldn't unhear it, and it became bothersome.  

 

I contacted Cary for help.  I got this response focusing on the 3 wires connected to the PC board:

"We have learned the manufacture of these connectors used oil film coating on them for storage.  When the connectors are plugged into the board sometimes the metal doesn't make a good connection. To make a better connection we would pull the connectors off and push back on once or twice. By pulling off the connector and pushing back on the (2) metal pieces scrape and dig into each other making a very good connection. There are (2) amp modules. So one would have to do this for both channels."

I tried that.  It made no difference at all.  I eventually sold the amp.

Apart from that significant issue, the amp sounded very good.  If it weren't for that I'd likely still be using it.

 

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