[antness]

I just got off the phone w/ a guy at an audio shop...

I wanted to get more info on the Cary 308 which I think is really new right? I told him I have an Arcam CD23, and he decided he'd be willing to straight up trade me for a new Cary 308.

Should I do it? I paid $1300 + tax for the Arcam as a demo unit.

 

[wasifazim]

Quote:

Originally posted by antness I just got off the phone w/ a guy at an audio shop... I wanted to get more info on the Cary 308 which I think is really new right? I told him I have an Arcam CD23, and he decided he'd be willing to straight up trade me for a new Cary 308. Should I do it? I paid $1300 + tax for the Arcam as a demo unit.

I've never auditioned the 308 but it should be a good one; I'm partial to true multi-bit DACs (most delta-sigma DACs have cheap built-in op amps), and the 308 has Cary's best PCM1704 units. The Cary's output stage is fully discreet as well, so no op amps anywhere. Don't know if you've seen this, but AA poster AbeCollins has posted some very nice pics of the 308's internals here.
An even newer Cary CDP is the 308t with a full tube output stage; as expected, it's pricier.

- Wasif.

 

[DanG]

I think if you like the dynamic sound of the Arcam, you'll be disappointed with the 308. It has a nice sound, but it was a little soft for my taste. I've actually heard people call the Meridian 508 (which I have now) a "soft" player or not very dynamic. I find it's very natural and while it does not try to over-emphasize the slam factor like some players do, it just plays the music as it is. I would say the 308 is not natural in its softness, and while it's airy and smooth it's a little too smooth.

Have you heard the 308? You might end up liking it, after all. But keep in mind that what Abe Collins said, that the 308 is close to the 306/200 (95%???), isn't true by a long shot.

 

[andrzejpw]

Antness: Is there any way that you could audition the player first, to see if you like that cary sound?

 

[smokey]

I would second andrzejpw's suggestion. You really should audition the Cary first.

I do however love my 308. But our ears are different, and what I like you may not.

That said, be warned that Cary CD players need a LOT of break-in time. I've heard people say 400+ hours before they settle down and sound their best. So if you listen to a new player, you won't be getting the full impact. I know this doesn't make sense from an EE side, but who knows. It seems about right to me.

When I bought mine the 308 retailed for $1,500. My dealer took pity on me and gave me a deal at $1,200. They may be even cheaper now that the $2,500 308T is out.



AFAIK - YMMV - FWIW

 

[DanG]

Quote:

Originally posted by smokey My dealer took pity on me and gave me a deal at $1,200.

Ah ha! So I wasn't crazy!

 

[smokey]

I've found Kevin Deal to make me pretty good deals on Cary equipment. Though sometimes its not new, and he offers you open box, or trade in deals.

Though I also find that he offers me the best deals when I start drooling on his $40,000 Cary T-1610s. He offers me a good enough deal so that I'll buy something and go the hell away.

 

[andrzejpw]

Quote:

Originally posted by DanG Ah ha! So I wasn't crazy!

lol, show this to your dealer.

 

[DanG]

Except that "my" dealer is no longer my dealer. And I have a CDP that I like more now (bought for significantly less dough).

 

[kelly]

smokey
How far from the 306/200 does the 308 sound? Can you describe any of the differences?

Not that I think I'll be buying another CD player for a bit... but I still like reading about them.