Cary CAD 120S Mk II amps


I've been listening to a pair of Cary CAD 572 SE (20 watts into 8Ω) driving a pair of KEF LS50s.  I really enjoy the "warmth" of the sound except for a bit of bass heaviness.  The Parasound A 21 I've been using to drive the LS50s sounds flat in comparison.  I'm surprised the pairing of a 20 watt amp with speakers with only a 85 dB sensitivity rating sounds so good.  I'm wondering if a CAD 120S (60 watt in Class A triode mode) might be a good choice -- Cary lists one at a large discount.  Would the higher power control LF better and eliminate the bass heaviness?
dbphd

Showing 2 responses by dbphd

Interesting idea.  Wonder how the 572s would sound with my KEF Reference 107/2s, also rated at 90 dB sensitivity?  I'm driving the 107/2s now with a pair of Parasound JC1 monoblocks in low bias mode so the first 10 watts is Class A.  I added Cardas spade-to-banana adapters to the 572 to make switching among speakers easier.  The JC 1s have two pairs of speaker lugs to facilitate biwiring, but I suppose I could double up the spades under the 572 binding posts.

db 

Thanks for the information, George.  I thought the Cary CAD 572 SE was likely a mismatch for the LS50, so was surprised the pairing sounds as good as it does.  I use a Parasound A 21 to drive the LS50s and will likely continue to do so.  I plan to try the Cary with my KEF Reference 107/2s (4Ω 90 dB sensitivity) that I drive with Parasound JC 1 monoblocks for superb sound.  

I'm just experimenting, and not sure what to expect.  The Cary amps are on loan from a cousin who hasn't used them since he got CAD 805s more than 10 years ago.  So the opportunity cost to try the 572 SEs is essentially zero -- unless I get hooked on turbes.

db