Cary 805 vs v12

After all the hype back then on these, I decided to make my own pair of monoblocks way back then, at back breaking 35kg each even with aluminium chassis, also feedback adjustable, and very high quality transformers, power, output, chokes, and interstage.

They consisted of 13d3 Birmar input tube (same Audionote used in their top preamp) then a 12BH7 strapped RCA blackplate driving a Sylvania 300B which then drove the interstage transformer which drove the 805 RCA black plate tube.
These just drove the ESL section of the Martin Logan Monolith III's It was nice even good, they lasted about 6mths before I sold them. I may still have the circuit diagram on an old backup HD somewhere if anyone wants to make a pair, mind you these are lethal!!!!!

Cheers George

I have owned the 805's (two different pairs and vintages), the V12's, and the SixPacs outfitted with upgraded parts. And quite a number of other Cary amps to boot. :) "Sbank" offered some really sound (ugh) advice on the 805's -- they are NOT a good match for your speakers. Please don't infer that I'm bashing the 805's. Anything but, as they will likely go down in history as some of the best sounding amps of all time. BUT...they must be mated with a speaker load they can handle, and 87 dB sensitivity is too low. They need at least a 93 dB (preferably higher), and they need a fairly benign impedance load in the 8+ ohm range.

The V-12 would be a nice step up from the SixPacs, and won't put out any more heat (same total # of tubes). But before that, have you tried rolling any tubes? You didn't mention what brand of output tubes you're running. My favorite current production tube in the Six's was the Electro Harmonix EL-34, and my favorite NOS tubes were the GEC KT-66's. The latter are a bit price prohibitive right now, but the difference in sound over the EH's was substantial. I haven't tried any of the new manufacture GEC's, but they may be worth a look.

I had a brief listen to the Cad 805 in one of its earlier lives and it was certainly beguiling but as a V12 owner I can't sing its praises enough. So it runs hot... Its music IS "Hot". One of my favorite amps of all time and when you throw in its incredible tube flexibility as well as its triode options it's a real keeper and well worth seeking out. As a final bonus in a darkened room it is THE sexiest looking piece of metal and glass ( better than the hottest looking piece of a s s...). I heard the six pacs were a great sounding value for the $$$$ but I'll bet the V12's a worthwhile step up. FWIW I've actually moved up the amp ladder [ into some bigger & pricier monos] but I honestly don't have the heart to part with my V12 yet as I can't think of anything else I'd rather have its money value become... Too weird huh? Every few months I put it back into play and bask in all its "musical flow and glow...".

Great comments. Thank for the clarification on the potential incompatibility of the 805 with my speakers. I love my janszens. They are so much better than I had expected them to be that I am keeping them as a cornerstone of my system. I grew up with a set of janszens from the 60s that were my fathers. He just sold them a couple of years ago as his hearing is gone.

I may try the v12. It has always piqued my interest. I would really love to hear what differences there are between the six pacs and the v12. Having the ultralinear switch would sure be handy.

I just retubed a few hours ago with Mullard el34 reissues that were recommended by Kevin Deal. Honestly though the stock rubys had low hours and I didn't notice a marked difference. The mullards were more forward and immediate. They brought instruments to the front of the soundstage. But I didn't notice a gain in detail or extension.

Thanks again everyone. I genuinely appreciate the input and advice. Now to find a v12? Hmmm...

I inquired my old friend Dennis Had, one of the true visionaries this industry has been blessed with, about the output tubes used in this truly remarkable amplifier. i.e., we are talking about this 25 years after its original release, here is what he had to say --

"The original prototype that appeared for a couple days at the CES Show in 1991 was with the 805 output tube driven by an EL34 with a front end pre-driver of a 6SL7. A major concern was involving the exposed high voltage (900 vdc) utilizing the plate cap required for the 805. There was an easy solution with the use of the 211. Since the plate capacitance is of little concern at audio frequencies the 211 was the choice for an audio amp in home audio listening rooms. Soooooooo the first formal production CAD-805's (1992) had the tube line up of the 211 output driven by an EL34 utilizing interstage coupling to the 211 with the 6SL7 up front as the pre-driver."

So this pretty much settles it, please see my initial post on this above.

I was fortunate to have the privilege to work for Dennis Had for a short period 1994/1995, he taught me a lot about this industry, for which I'm very grateful.

Good listening

Peter