[mikeymad]

So a very heavy package arrived yesterday.

The 300B tube integrated amp - about 54 lbs of Cary 300 SEI. This is an older version that I worked out in trade, it has various upgrades. Some I don’t know what they are (more about that later).

My girlfriend took my camera away this morning with all my picks in it, so you will have to wait for that... sorry

But first…. the sound.....

WOW....

Marantz SA-7S1 -> AudioQuest Sky -> Cary 300SEI -> AT L3000's

Just has some Golden Dragon 300B's and some China 6SN7GT's... but WOW again. This is a special amp... Now I Know....


I have been falling in love with the 300B sound since I have had the Woo WA5 for a little while now. And I thought that it was safe until this Cary has come into the house.

The Bass is caressing, sensual and involving as well as having impact and weight. Vocal presentation is almost perfect in tone and detail. Man, I cannot wait to tube roll this amp. The soundstage is so deep and 3 dimensional, you are stepping into the venue. The upper registers are presented clean with no shrill. It wants to be turned up, and does not show any signs of stopping.

Back to fun.....

Cheers,

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Marantz SA-7S1 -> AudioQuest Sky -> Cary 300SEI -> AT L3000's

that's a pretty sweet setup.

 

[PFKMan23]

Woo 5 vs. Cary comparisons, please

 

[elrod-tom]

I've heard the amp once, and it's VERY nice indeed. That source can't hurt things too much either, I'm thinking.

About that tube rolling, though...can you say "sticker shock"?

 

[mikeymad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFKMan23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Woo 5 vs. Cary comparisons, please

As soon as I get my maxed out PSU back from Jack.

Cheers,

 

[mikeymad]

I got my camera back....

and lights out

Cheers,

 

[krmathis]

Nice score!
The Cary 300SEI sure is a nice amplifier.

Do you have an SRD-7 Pro or similar? If so, then I would be interested in how the 300SEI drive your SR-007, 4070 and SR-404.

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeymad /img/forum/go_quote.gif I got my camera back.... and lights out Cheers,

Nice pics. I haven't heard that amp, but I've read about it and many like it

. Glad you are enjoying your new toy. Have fun

 

[mikeymad]

No such luck on the SRD, krmathis.

It is interesting, I was thinking about it the other day was that I don't remember there being any 300B ES amps out there. Am I wrong on this?

Just have to live with the L3000's... bummer

Cheers,

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeymad /img/forum/go_quote.gif No such luck on the SRD, krmathis. It is interesting, I was thinking about it the other day was that I don't remember there being any 300B ES amps out there. Am I wrong on this? Just have to live with the L3000's... bummer Cheers,

Too bad. As it would be an interesting setup.
I have never seen a 300B ES amplifier either. Perhaps its not an ideal combination? I don't know...

 

[4N6]

Congratulations! An outstanding choice. I have three Cary Audio pieces (SLI-80 F1, SLP-05, and V12R monoblocks) and love them all.

Enjoy!

 

[bozebuttons]

Congrats on the amp.
My tube choice for mine is WE300bs,Sylvania VT231s.
I mostly use my Cary to drive My R10s.

 

[audiosceptic]

I have the 300SEI and L3000 combo as well. It originally came with some Sovtek 300B's but I replaced with Sophia Mesh Plates and the sound really opened up. It's still my favorite dynamic rig. What upgrades were performed on your Cary?

 

[mikeymad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bozebuttons /img/forum/go_quote.gif Congrats on the amp. My tube choice for mine is WE300bs,Sylvania VT231s. I mostly use my Cary to drive My R10s.

Nice combo. I will be rolling in my WE300B's a little later. I want to make sure everything is working good before risking them...

I would really like to get a Mullard ECC33 set for it. But Money is tight. I have a pair of older 'chrome top' 6sn7's, so might look into a set if those for the amp.

If I had an R10, I would be using it....

Cheers,

 

[mikeymad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiosceptic /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the 300SEI and L3000 combo as well. It originally came with some Sovtek 300B's but I replaced with Sophia Mesh Plates and the sound really opened up. It's still my favorite dynamic rig. What upgrades were performed on your Cary?

Now this is where I need some help people.

Some are easy.....

Upgraded speaker binding posts (have not used yet)
Upgraded Input RCA inputs
Jenson Cap replacements.

Here is an inside shot (lot of stuff going on here that I don't know about)

Here is where I get lost.

There are a set of XLR (5 post) plus in the back next to the inputs and the fuse. I talked with Cary and they had no clue. They use those holes for sub-out (RCA's).

Not a very good shot:

Now there are only two posts that are wired up and they are wired to the large Caps only.

Red and Black wires connected to the second and forth posts on the XLR. I was not sure at first if it was balanced inputs, but my thinking is that they are pre-amp outputs or balanced headphone output.

I have no 5 pole connector to plug into it. So I guess they may go unused.

Cheers,