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Cary CAD-211AE tube rolling

I have done a search but have been unable to find a similar thread. I am after opinions from people who have tried tube rolling their CAD-211's.

I have replaced the standard Chinese output tubes with a quad matched set of Shuguang Psvane 845's from Grant Electronics. They took a long time to burn in, but once they did they are a definite improvement over the stock tubes. Wider soundstage, more detail, and better dynamics.

I have also replaced the no-name 6SC7 input tube that came with my amp to an Electro-Harmonix 6SC7, and then a vintage RCA 6SC7. The EHX was a downgrade from the standard Chinese tube, sounding muddy despite burn-in. The RCA is a definite improvement, with much better micro-dynamics, resolution, and a more lush presentation.

I am now after a new 300B. I would like to try the KR, but these are now very expensive. Emission Labs make a few (including a drop in replacement for the Western Electric 300B) - these are available in plate and mesh forms.

Cary 211 owners - what 300B's have you tried in your amp? Or for that matter, what tubes have you tried?
amfibius

Showing 3 responses by onemug

onemug
784 posts
 
I know you're asking about the Cary 211 and I have the Cary 805 AE's but I think they might be close enough to comment. For the 300b, I like the Sophia Princess mesh and the EML solid plate. I also have the WE and KR balloon but the two I mentioned are my favs.

Have you ever experimented with setting the bias a little lower? I'm finding I like the low 50's better than the recommended 60 mA.
onemug
784 posts
 
The harmonics seem to float a little more with the Sophia meshes. The EML solids just seem to sound right overall. I am on the hunt for EML meshes, very curious how they would sound.
onemug
784 posts
 
Lewhite, I wondered about that too. The EML meshes take the least amount of dissapation I have heard of. On the Cary 805 AE's, you can adjust the bias of the 300b so I am thinking I can "dial" it in, maybe run it in the low 50 mA's but I have 300b amp that specs out fine for them so I hope to try them in the near future.
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